TODAY WE REMEMBER 9/11
WE THINK OF THE SORROW
AND WE WONDER IF THE RETURN OF JESUS IS NEAR
WE KNOW HE TOLD US TO BE READY
WE LONG TO BE THE KIND OF BRIDE
THAT WILL NOT BE ASHAMED WHEN HE APPEARS
AND SO WE ARE RETURNING TO A STUDY THAT HAS BEEN CHANGING OUR HEARTS
AND TO THE PROMISE FROM EZEKIEL THAT
GOD WILL REPLACE OUR HEARTS OF STONE
WITH HEARTS OF FLESH
TO REPLACE DEAD, UNRESPONSIVE HEARTS
WITH PASSIONATE, REAL, AND POWERFUL HEARTS
Welcome to those of you who have done parts of “The Stonecutter” study before — I’m counting on you to be mentors!
Welcome to those who are just joining us. We are so glad you are here.
I don’t think it is coincidental that Leslie Vernick, author and counselor, is visiting me this week — for she pours her wealth into my heart as I prepare. We biked ten miles yesterday (she pushed me!) and then dined on butternut squash and whitefish at an outside cafe. I have been pondering a question, and so I posed it to Leslie, as we lingered over supper. “I know we will have many begin The Stonecutter study Sunday, but drop out — a smaller percentage will be faithful. And then even among the faithful, some will see dramatic changes, and others will not. Why?”
Leslie quoted Tozer, the words flowing out of her heart:
True spirituality manifests inteself in certain dominant desires. These everpresent deep-seated wants are sufficiently powerful to moderate and control a life.
“What are those desires?” I asked.
“To please God, to honor God, to love God, to glorify God with your life.”
“Yes,” I said, “that is what it is.”
May we ask God to give us these dominant desires. To want Him instead of just what He gives.
HOW THE STUDY WORKS
This study will have three or four parts. The first two are essential, and I pray you will be able to do all of it. But go at your own pace. I suggest doing some each day, same time, same place, to develop a habit. It is more important to experience God than to look at this as a task to be accomplished and hurried through. Having said that, I must say that the sermons I am suggesting in Part III. (usually by Tim Keller) are igniting hearts. If you have an Ipod or similar device, you can download them and listen as you work, drive, exercise… They are saying that his sermons are resulting in the first “internet revival.”
PART I. THE FOUNDATION (THIS IS REVIEW, BUT ESSENTIAL FOR THE NEW PEOPLE AND HELPFUL FOR THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN WITH US. AFTER READING, ANSWER THE ICE-BREAKER.)
PART II. BIBLE STUDY (AGAIN, ESSENTIAL)
PART III. THE SERMON (I will try to give you free sermons, but sometimes they will be 2.50 to download. This is optional. Redeemer is using the money for ministries in New York City, so the money is well spent.)
AND SOMETIMES: PART IV. THE TESTIMONY (If you have been in this study and want to send me a half page or, at most, page testimony of how God is working in your life, you can send it to comments@deebrestin.com.) Anne, who has been with us since almost the beginning, will start this week, though I am incorporating her testimony into Part I.)
NEWCOMERS:
Because the participation is growing, and we are so glad, if you have a common name, you might give us a middle name, or even give us something unique such as Mary from Indiana or Linda the nurse the first time you log on. There are directions on how to get started on the right side of this page — and if you have trouble, contact my great website manager at david@deebrestin.com The first time your comment will need to be approved — but after that, you usually will come right on. Think about what you write before you write it, for it is hard for me to delete it. Many have found it is helpful to copy the study to a word document and then paste their answers when they are satisfied with them. Thoughtful careful answers are so very appreciated by all because as we grow, there can be a lot to read. Please pray for God’s anointing for us all!
DON’T LOOK FOR A QUICK FIX. THE NEXT FEW WEEKS WILL HELP YOU GRASP THE CONCEPT. BE PATIENT.
PART I. THE FOUNDATION
Why is it that some believers in Jesus Christ are set free from besetting sins, and others remain mud-bound? Each group seems to know the Lord, each group wants to change, but only one does. Though the mud-bound group is weary of repeating their failures and weary of their wilderness wanderings, they are stuck. In despair, they cry:
I don’t want to be so anxious, but nothing seems to help.
I’ve tried so many times to lose weight – it’s hopeless.
I hate it that I get so angry, but I cannot change.
Kim Yoeung Seng PHOTOGRAPHY: LAS VEGAS DESERT PICNIC SITE
A mediocre Christian life with occasional picnics in the desert is not what God wants for us.
The salvation God promises is a “double cure.” Remember the lyrics in Rock of Ages?
Be of sin the double cure
Save from wrath, and make me pure.
We not only can be saved from the penalty of sin, (save from wrath) but indeed, He is saving us from the power of sin (make me pure). The first cure is instantaneous, and the second is a process, but the same power that brought us new life can also transform our hearts, freeing us from the sins that have bound us for so long.
One of the rich metaphors God gives for this transformation is from Ezekiel, where He promises to transform “our heart of stone” into a “heart of flesh.” He is the Cardiovascular Surgeon who can give us a heart transplant, excising our lifeless cold hearts and replacing them with pulsating and passionate hearts, hearts that have the power to overcome sin.
ANNE’S TESTIMONY:
Anne, of our faithful bloggers who has a rich contemplative spirit, and has been through this study, writes this:
The Stonecutter series has been the most life changing study I have ever done. I won’t say that it was easy or that I don’t need to do it again because neither is true. I will continue this fall so that I may continue on the path to freedom. When we began the study there was a picture of a heart of flesh with stones dropping off it — I so wanted that heart.
When we began to discuss what idols we would like to be free of Dee made it clear that we should choose just one so that we would not be overwhelmed. I looked at what seemed my greatest struggle and thought it was comfort. Fortunately I also prayed and God began revealing one so deep that I was not even aware of it. It controlled me like a rudder and I did not even see it. One pivotal incident happened at work through an offhand comment from one of my coworkers that opened my eyes. This person saw in my soul with startling clarity. As we learned on the blog about how to recognize our physical reaction to idol threat I knew that I must first deal with the idol of approval because it was setting off all the sirens. When I began to take steps against my approval idol, I saw assault from everywhere. I think it was for about a week that I suffered deeply. I felt weak and shaky at times but as we studied I learned how to speak truth to my soul which brought victories. Just a month or so later I had a dream that spoke deeply to me of God’s love for me. Realizing His love for me gave me just the kind of strength I needed for my battle. Another thing the dream helped me to understand is that my idolatry is an attempt to cover myself before God and that prevents intimacy with Him. Greater intimacy led to victory in the area of the comfort idol also.
I am learning that God is the Stonecutter. He will remove the stone from my heart. My job is to allow Him. It is heart surgery and painful at times, but if I allow it, I will quickly be healed. If I pull away it could take 40 years in the wilderness!
Anne referred to idols — we aren’t talking about the stone gods of the Old Testament or even the little Buddha that may be in the place where you get a pedicure. Ezekiel says we have idols of the heart — these are our “functional gods.” We may think we trust in Jesus, but often we trust instead in the approval of others, or our comfort, or having control over our lives. These are hidden stones in our hearts, like hidden boulders under water that can cause a shipwreck.
These treacherous stones lurk beneath the deep waters of our souls – stones that have stymied our journey and cut us to pieces. But God’s light is shining down into the deep dark waters revealing the Scylla that have shipwrecked lives. (In Homer’s Odyssey, “Scylla” looked from a distance like a dangerous rock shoal, but was in actuality a six-headed sea monster. Her long necks stretched down to the ship as she passed, seizing six of Odysseus’ sailors.)
In response, many of us are crying out to the Stonecutter, asking Him to remove the stones. And He’s doing it. An amazing excitement is rippling out, the joy so characteristic of revival. The Stonecutter is exposing that we are, indeed, idolaters. Even though we love God, there are others things in our heart of hearts we think we must have to be fulfilled. We think thoughts like:
Unless I succeed in my career… unless people love me… unless I get out of this crummy apartment…unless I get married…unless ___________________then I have no life.
When we make money or marriage or ministry our foundation, our security, and our identity we are idolaters. These stones in our hearts block the presence of God. Jesus, the Stonecutter, is in process of chipping those stones away so we can experience real life.
Why is it that a study on idolatry leads to victory when other studies have failed?
ATTACKING THE ROOT PROBLEM
So often we have failed to conquer a besetting sin because we have attacked the symptoms of our sin instead of the root problem. Alcoholics Anonymous knows that there is no hope for deliverance until an alcoholic sees and names his root problem. She must come to the point where she can stand up before a group and admit, “Hi – my name is Jane, and I am an alcoholic.” As long as she denies her root problem and attempts to control the symptoms, she is doomed to failure. She may try to control her anger by counting to ten, her frequent accidents by naming a designated driver, and her absenteeism at work by asking her spouse to get her out of bed in the morning. But as long as she denies the root problem, her alcoholism will win.
In the same way, unless we as believers identify the root problem that leads to a multitude of surface sins, we are doomed to failure. Though our surface sins are many, there are three categories that cover most of the deep idols that lead to these surface sins. They are:
- Control/power
- Affirmation/approval
- Comfort/security
Why does understanding our root problem free us when other plans fail? Consider. Someone with the deep idol of comfort/security may want to overcome over-eating, over-spending, or a lazy devotional life – but she can’t seem to stop running to the refrigerator, buying impulsively, or hitting snooze on the alarm clock. She hates herself for failing and renews her efforts to attack the near sin: “I’ll start a better diet, a better budget, and buy a better alarm clock.” But her DEEP idol of comfort will CRY OUT when he is restricted. He will tell her lies: Just one potato chip… just window shop… just a little more sleep… He is crouching at the door, waiting for her to open it a crack, and when she does, he barrels in, attacking her.
She must open her eyes to the beast, the liar, the stone god within her heart. He promises relief but delivers bondage. THEN SHE MUST LEARN, AS LEAH DOES IN OUR BIBLE STUDY THIS WEEK, HOW GOD CAN BE WHAT HER IDOL NEVER COULD BE, TURN FROM HER STONE IDOL, AND ALLOW GOD TO COME IN AND FILL THAT SPACE.
ICEBREAKER:
1. Tell us your name, one thing that will help us identify you (I’m Cyndi the homeschooling mom from Ohio; or I’m Terri who leads prison ministries in Texas…) and one reason you have decided to do The Stonecutter.
2. What is one thing you want to remember from Part I.?
PART II. BIBLE STUDY
Leah and Rachel. Sisters. They were real women, like you and me. They wanted to have meaning in their lives, to be loved, to feel like their lives mattered. Though each might have told you, that they loved the God of their ancestor Abraham, each had “functional idols,” something from which they really thought they could get their meaning in life. God is The Stonecutter. With one, He successfully removed the stone. The other died, seemingly, with a heart of stone.
Let’s go.
Jacob is fleeing his brother, having tricked him, and comes to his Uncle Laban’s home. There he meets the love of his life, Rachel.
3. Read Genesis 29:9-20 to understand the background.
A. Find evidences that Jacob has fallen deeply for Rachel.
B. In verses 16 and 17, what contrasts do you find between the two sisters?
Though some translators diplomatically describe Leah as having “delicate or weak eyes,” as if she simply needed glasses, the context reveals otherwise. If, indeed, she simply had poor vision, the contrast between her and her sister would be: “Leah had weak eyes, but Rachel could see very well.” Instead, the contrast is:
Leah’s eyes were weak, but Rachel was beautiful in form and appearance.
It is likely Leah had an eye malfunction, such as cross-eyes or a lazy eye.
C. How long did Jacob agree to work for Rachel’s hand? How long did it seem to him and why?
4. Read Genesis 29:21-30
A. Describe Laban’s ruse.
B. When morning breaks and the sun falls on Leah’s face, after the marriage has been consummated, how did Jacob respond?
C. How do you think Leah felt? How would you have felt?
LEAH’S STONE
READ GENESIS 29:31-34
5. What evidence in verse 31 do you see of the Lord’s compassion for Leah? How might this speak to you in whatever pain you are facing right now?
6. Leah’s first three sons. Find the names she gives each son, what they mean, and what they tell you about what Leah thought she had to have to be fulfilled.
7. CHALLENGE QUESTION: WE HAVE IDENTIFIED LEAH’S FUNCTIONAL IDOL — BUT WHAT DO YOU THINK COULD HAVE BEEN THE DEEP IDOL UNDERNEATH? (I DON’T KNOW — IT COULD ACTUALLY HAVE BEEN ANY OF THE THREE MENTIONED ABOVE — BUT I’D LIKE TO KNOW WHAT YOU THINK.) OFTEN WE IDENTIFY ONE IDOL, AND THEN WE LOOK AGAIN, AND SEE ANOTHER.
It was my friend Leslie Vernick who suggested we pay attention to our body language to identify our own deep idols. I can picture Leah becoming anxious, even feeling ill as she watched Jacob with Rachel. I imagine her depression at being ignored by Jacob. Often our thought life reveals our idols — and I’m sure Leah’s thought life was consumed with wanting Jacob’s love, approval, and having the security of being beloved in his eyes.
8. BE ALERT TO YOUR OWN BODY LANGUAGE AND THOUGHT LIFE. WHAT THINGS MAKE YOU ANXIOUS AND ANGRY? WHERE DOES YOUR MIND GO WHEN IT IS FREE TO ROAM? THIS WILL HELP YOU BEGIN TO IDENTIFY YOUR IDOLS OF THE HEART. BECOME SELF-AWARE AND WRITE DOWN WHAT YOU OBSERVE.
Often, it isn’t until our world is shaken that we can see the futility of our idols. After three sons, Jacob still does not love Leah. Listen to this Bonnie Rait song and imagine Leah, sitting by the fire, mourning that Jacob does not love her.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nW9Cu6GYqxo
9. READ GENESIS 29:34-35
What did Leah name her fourth son and why? What turn do you see?
10. In the following passages, do your best to find ways that God met Leah, cared for Leah, and had compassion on her.
A. Genesis 30:17
B. In this next passage Jacob is speaking — remember how unusual it is for a woman to be mentioned, to be remembered, in Scripture. Genesis 49:31
C. Ruth 4:11
D. Hebrews 7:14
E. Revelation 5:5
11. When God denies us a desire of our heart, He always has a plan, a plan not to hurt us, but a plan for our good. Have you experienced this? If so, share one illustration from your life.
12. Leah’s learning to praise the Lord was key in creating her heart of flesh. Some of the ways we can follow her model are to sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs in our quiet times and throughout the day. Try learning one simple song or verse from a hymn this week. What will it be?
13. I have also learned the power of praying Scripture. I’d like you to look at Martin French’s depiction of Revelation 19:11-16 above and then pray through those verses. Take one — and use it as a way to praise God. For example:
Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war.
Lord, this takes my breath away. You are returning. You are Faithful and True. You have always been faithful to me, even when You have allowed pain in my life. You are True, and I cling to that. One day You will make war against our enemies — but not against me — for You have taken the punishment I deserve, and I will never stop praising you.
Now — you try! READ THIS PASSAGE IN REVELATION, LOOK AT MARTIN FRENCH’S DEPICTION OF JESUS ON A WHITE HORSE, AND PRAY IT, MAKING IT YOUR OWN.
PART III. THE SERMON
(FREE SERMON BY TIM KELLER ENTITLED THE GRAND MYTHOLOGIZER: JESUS AND THE IDOLS OF OUR HEART)
To download the audio: http://thegospelcoalition.org/resources/a/The-Grand-Demythologizer-The-Gospel-and-Idolatry
To watch the same on video:
14. RESPONDING TO THE SERMON
A. WHAT WOULD YOU SAY WAS KELLER’S MAIN POINT?
B. WHAT STOOD OUT TO YOU FROM THIS MESSAGE AND WHY?
15. WHAT IS YOUR TAKE-A-WAY FROM THIS FIRST WEEK?
EXTRA RESOURCES THAT MIGHT INTEREST YOU
KELLER’S SERMON “THE GIRL NOBODY LOVED” TO BE FOUND AT WWW.REDEEMER.COM
SALLY LLOYD-JONES CHILDREN’S STORY, BY THE SAME TITLE, IN THE JESUS STORYBOOK BIBLE
501 comments
please pray for Abby. she is having a hard time breathing. She has had 3 breathing treatments since 3 and she is still really tight. chest x=ray was neg. she is on prednizone and a Z-pack but not doing a ton better…..its going to be a long night:) Abby is my 16 year old for you new woman.
Cyndi, Praying for Abby…hope she gets better soon.
I agree.
Cyndi praying now. Did it get better?
Cyndi, I am praying for Abby too, I haven’t been able to get online at home until tonight. Had too early a morning. Oh, by the way, those who know my young friend Shelly, she got arrested and is in jail now. I went to see her at 7 this morning. I appreciate continued prayers for her–especially that her heart would open up to the Lord during this time.
Terri,
Oh dear, i will be praying for Shelly! Love you!
Terri, I will pray for Shelly
oh dear cyndi–in my head i had replied to this, but I have been praying for your precious girl. Is this at all similar to what she went through before, when she was in the hospital–earlier this summer? Praying for you ALL!
Leah gave her three sons names that reflect her thoughts; Reuben means “behold a son,” Simeon means “harkening,” which is listening or paying attention, and Levi means “joining.” It’s all about Leah and Jacob. Her focus is on her earthly life. The last son is named Judah, which means “praising.” I suppose she has given up on “making” Jacob love her and has decided to love God instead.
4. Read Genesis 29:21-30
A. Describe Laban’s ruse.
Laban deceived Jacob and gave him Leah instead of Rachel.
B. When morning breaks and the sun falls on Leah’s face, after the marriage has been consummated, how did Jacob respond?
Jacob was upset and went and confronted Laban, so after Jacob completed his week with Leah, Laban gave him Rachel but he had to agree to work another seven years.
C. How do you think Leah felt? How would you have felt?
Leah felt like trash and used I am sure. First off, her own dad used her, then when Jacob became upset I am sure she was hurt to the core-like a knife stabbing her in the heart. She was hoping now she would be loved and be somebody, that he would want her and this consummation would bring her love, and then he turns around and finds out it is her and gets upset. My world would have crumbled if I were her.
LEAH’S STONE
READ GENESIS 29:31-34
5. What evidence in verse 31 do you see of the Lord’s compassion for Leah? How might this speak to you in whatever pain you are facing right now?
God knew the pain she went through and understood her desire to be loved for she most likely had been rejected due to her looks most her life-her reaction was her natural, human bend. God knew her frailty, and he also knew of her idol problem, yet he met her in the midst and drew her to Him.
6. Leah’s first three sons. Find the names she gives each son, what they mean, and what they tell you about what Leah thought she had to have to be fulfilled.
Reuben-“See,a Son” also meaning “The Lord has seen my misery”. She thought if she had a son, THEN her husband would love her.
Simeon-“One Who hears”- She said because the Lord hears that I am not loved, he gave her a son. She thinks God is desiring to grant her her wish for her husband’s love, when in reality He wants her love.
Levi- “Attached”-She thinks now her husband will really love her or attach himself to her because she has given him three sons.
Judah-“Praise”-This, I think, is the turn around point for her where she may realize God loves her and He is the true comforter-I am sure she felt the security of His love and His approval for her. Having sons was HUGE back then, so this actually brought her dignity among the people-but I think by Judah’s birth she was clinging to God for her approval and comfort needs.
7. CHALLENGE QUESTION: WE HAVE IDENTIFIED LEAH’S FUNCTIONAL IDOL — BUT WHAT DO YOU THINK COULD HAVE BEEN THE DEEP IDOL UNDERNEATH? (I DON’T KNOW — IT COULD ACTUALLY HAVE BEEN ANY OF THE THREE MENTIONED ABOVE — BUT I’D LIKE TO KNOW WHAT YOU THINK.) OFTEN WE IDENTIFY ONE IDOL, AND THEN WE LOOK AGAIN, AND SEE ANOTHER.
I think approval is the deeper set idol due to her outward appearance and what she has had to endure her whole life because of it. Yet I do see Comfort/Security idol at work here as well. She had to endure the pain of being seen as ‘less’ than her sister-and now the pain of the rejection from her husband-she was in great pain and desired comfort or relief from the pain. If Jacob would only love her then she would be secure and it would bring her comfort from her misery. You know, I do see the God of all Comfort coming to her rescue here by giving her four sons.
7. CHALLENGE QUESTION: WE HAVE IDENTIFIED LEAH’S FUNCTIONAL IDOL — BUT WHAT DO YOU THINK COULD HAVE BEEN THE DEEP IDOL UNDERNEATH? (I DON’T KNOW — IT COULD ACTUALLY HAVE BEEN ANY OF THE THREE MENTIONED ABOVE — BUT I’D LIKE TO KNOW WHAT YOU THINK.) OFTEN WE IDENTIFY ONE IDOL, AND THEN WE LOOK AGAIN, AND SEE ANOTHER. I saw the comfort and security right off, and as i see some of you respond that there is an approval idol, i do see it now!
8. BE ALERT TO YOUR OWN BODY LANGUAGE AND THOUGHT LIFE. WHAT THINGS MAKE YOU ANXIOUS AND ANGRY? WHERE DOES YOUR MIND GO WHEN IT IS FREE TO ROAM? THIS WILL HELP YOU BEGIN TO IDENTIFY YOUR IDOLS OF THE HEART. BECOME SELF-AWARE AND WRITE DOWN WHAT YOU OBSERVE. oh boy! Lots of things make me anxious or angry. but i will list a few
1. I work in the library at our church and it makes me angry when people go in there and just push books back into the shelve when i had jsut fixed them, or puttng books back where they dont belong, or even seeing books all over the floor. Everytime i see it i think to my self.. i wouldnt go into their home and treat it like this.
2. Rude people.. i dont like it when people are rude to me, i tend to get angry and be rude back to them and i know thats not right.
3. My work situation- right now i am taking care of a gal she is 20 and has autism.. we get along great but on the other hand he mom drives me nuts and i tend to get angry and frusterated towards her. SHe is not a christian so i need to remember that. BUt she just irritates me! I could use prayer in that area.
My thoughts tend to go every which way i have alot of trouble with negative and anxioous thoughts.. but i have been very good lately of taking them captive. In the past i had alos had trouble with lustful thoughts but that is getting better! Praise God!
If you all think of it today, pray for Isaac. He is a manager on the Football teams for the 7th and 8th grade teams-(where they get water and towels for the players). Isaac is getting bullied by the managers because he doesn’t cuss, and because he doesn’t know half of what they know, and because of his Autism-they think the way he responds when he is hurt is funny so they egg him on. They do know he has it.
Last night they threw rocks at him, spit water at him and changed his name to a dirty name. I addressed this with the coach the first time and he took care of it. Isaac EASILY forgave after the boy apologized. This breaks my heart. We were using this at first to teach him to pray for those boys and he is learning God approves of him and loves him 100%. Yet, once is one thing, but this has happened again and I think it is too much for him to bear at his age with his disability so I think we need to pull him from the team.
The coach has handled it well, but he can’t be these boys parents and train them at home. While he is watchful of their behavior he has a team to coach too.
I am confident and know that God has His hand on Isaac and Isaac does feel totally accepted and loved by God and by us, so pray God would use these hurts in a mighty way in Isaac’s life to bring Him closer to God. I know He will! Thanks!
Oh Rebecca,
how sad these boys treat your son like this. It does make me wonder about their home life, but also even when parents do their job, sometimes the kids go the wrong way. I know I would want to know if one of my kids was bullying someone; to throw rocks at someone – it makes me mad to think of it! I will pray, and I think you are right in that you want to teach Isaac to pray for these kids yet he needs to be kept safe, so it may be better to not be around them.
Oh — makes me sad and angry. Praying for your wisdom as a Mom, Rebecca.
Thanks so much Susan and Dee. I think perhaps he is being persecuted. God has made him gentle and kind and very aware of his sin. He respects authority too.
Rebecca, I too am pained for your sweet Isaac. I help take care of children at church and have had my eyes opened to how different children are compared to when my boys were young. It is heartbreaking to see how angry a two year old can be. I pray for wisdom for you and your husband and pray for God to hold Isaac close.
Kim, yes I see it too. The times have indeed changed. This reminds me of Romans 1.
Rebecca I am fighting tears. This road we have been given is so hard and requires much wisdom. I am so sorry. I understand in such a personal way my heart aches…our kids have an amazing ability to love their enemies I would affirm this as you teach boundaries. Their gift of mercy is beyond me and I learn so much from them. I think you made the right decision about pulling him off team. These are these areas we have to protect them with autism. Love you so and continually pray. Hugs.
Angela, Thanks sister! It is so sweet to have you here to share in this. Yes, it does require His wisdom and He does give it abundantly! You are so right about them having the ability to love their enemies-so true. It is amazing you see it the way you do at such an early stage in your daughter’s diagnosis. Your daughter is blessed.
Rebecca,
After just reading a book by a girl who was bullied all her school years, I think you made the right decision to take him off the team. The book i read is called “Please stop laughing at me”. It is a true story–be aware their is offensive language in it. It was a heart wrenching story–it breaks my heart for her and for others who go through that.
PART II. BIBLE STUDY
3. Read Genesis 29:9-20 to understand the background.
A. Find evidences that Jacob has fallen deeply for Rachel.
Upon first seeing her, he acts quickly to roll the heavy stone away from the well and waters her father’s sheep for her. He seems overjoyed to meet her, kissing her and weeping. In a month’s time, Jacob declares his love for her and asks for her in marriage, offering to work 7 years for her. 7 years went by like a few days.
B. In verses 16 and 17, what contrasts do you find between the two sisters?
Leah was older, Rachel younger. Leah had weak eyes, nothing is said about her beauty; Rachel is described as shapely and beautiful.
C. How long did Jacob agree to work for Rachel’s hand? How long did it seem to him and why?
7 years, which seemed like only a few days because of his love.
4. Read Genesis 29:21-30.
A. Describe Laban’s ruse.
After the 7 yrs. were completed, Jacob asks for Rachel. Laban acts as if all is well – he gives a great wedding feast, but when night comes, sends Leah into Jacob’s tent. When Jacob wakes up the next day with Leah and confronts Laban, Laban denies any deceit, only saying it is not their custom to wed the younger daughter before the eldest one.
B. When morning breaks and the sun falls on Leah’s face, after the marriage has been consummated, how did Jacob respond?
He is shocked and outraged. He immediately goes to his uncle to ask him why he was tricked like this.
C. How do you think Leah felt? How would you have felt?
Leah must have felt sick inside, rejected, used. Her purity was to be a gift to her husband; it was neither wanted or appreciated. I would have felt the same, and so very alone. Who did Leah have to turn to? Not her new husband, not her sister Rachel, and not her father who was responsible for the whole thing.
LEAH’S STONE
READ GENESIS 29:31-34.
5. What evidence in verse 31 do you see of the Lord’s compassion for Leah? How might this speak to you in whatever pain you are facing right now?
The Lord saw and took note of Leah’s broken heart and her husband not loving her well. So God allows her to conceive a child, and Rachel remains barren.
I may feel all alone, that no one understands; I can know that God sees what is happening in my life and that He cares.
6. Leah’s first three sons. Find the names she gives each son, what they mean, and what they tell you about what Leah thought she had to have to be fulfilled.
First son, Reuben: the name means “see, a son” (also sounds like the Hebrew word for “he has seen my misery”). It makes me hurt for Leah that she was in “misery” in her day-to-day life. Then she has this firstborn son, and “see – a son!” and she dares to hope that “surely my husband will love me now”. She is seeking fulfillment in being loved by Jacob.
Second son, Simeon: the name means “one who hears”. Leah is still focused on attaining Jacob’s love, and says God gave her this son because “the Lord heard that I am not loved”.
Third son, Levi: the name derived from the Hebrew word “attached”. After giving him 3 sons, Leah hopes that at last, Jacob will become attached to her.
7. CHALLENGE QUESTION WE HAVE IDENTIFIED LEAH’S FUNCTIONAL IDOL – BUT WHAT DO YOU THINK COULD HAVE BEEN THE DEEP IDOL UNDERNEATH?
So her functional idol was her husband, Jacob. Underneath may have been an insatiable need for affirmation/approval and also security. It must’ve been hard to be the oldest sister, supposed to get married first, yet no young man was eager for her hand because of whatever physical defect she had and she was plain in appearance. In that culture, I think a woman’s future security depended alot on having a husband and sons. She must have also longed for a man to truly love her, to see past the physical into who she was on the inside, to make her feel special, cherished, and appreciated.
8. The Bonnie Rait song sounds like it expresses just what Leah must have been feeling – it is a lament-like song. Leah longs not for the sex, but for the being held close, the intimacy, the relationship. It makes me shudder to think of what it must have been like for Leah when Jacob did lie with her, as the song says, “you can’t make your heart feel something it wont”.
For the rest of this question, I need to ‘think about what I think about’ today, and watch where my thoughts roam.
My wrist and therefore my pecking on the keyboard is improving, though I still feel like the teacher with laryngitis who longs to speak but can’t.
But I am not losing my students because you have so beautifully stood in the gap, giving such wise counsel to one another. That has been beautiful for me to see.
I want to peck out a few affirmations:
First:
Welcome to Alison who is Chris S’s friend. We love Chris and we will love you!
Welcome to Sheri Ohler the artist with Dayspring who came from a facebook invite! How fun to have you.
Welcome to Robin from California who is Anne’s good friend. Already loving your comments.
Thank you to all for welcoming these sisters – I know I can always count on Joyce to be our greeter!
I also am so thankful for how you are ministering one to another:
For example:
I love how Terri (from Florida!) counseled Susan about the need for fellowship, and how it might come better in a smaller church, and how if all we needed was good teaching and music, we could stay home and listen online. We need the body of Christ – we need Christ with flesh on. It is true for all of us, but especially when we aren’t getting that kind of support at home. Kim’s advice about getting involved in a small group in a big church is wise. I also think it is a wise idea to go to a Bible study group in a church you may not yet go to, for that is a way to see if that might be a place you might want to move. (As far as Kelly Minter’s study it is on the topic of idolatry – it is probably more of a beginner study, though I’m not sure – I’ve only read her book and not seen the study – but it is the same topic, and that truly may be of God and you would have much to offer.)
Cyndi’s characteristically fresh insights into the passages are good for all of us, as Terri observed concerning her DEMANDING WHAT WE DO NOT HAVE KEEPS US FROM BEING JOYFUL IN WHAT WE DO HAVE. (And Cyndi – though I encourage people to go slowly, I also want you to do what works for you – and an hour and a half at the doctors is a fine time to do much!)
Tammy’s putting the picture of the picnic in the desert and the quote on an index card – talking about the boulder of indulgence – and Angela affirming – as we all could.
Several of you mentioned and affirmed being eager to figure out your idol. Dawn M. S. (so glad you are here) and Cyndi lamented she couldn’t figure it out. I do find that the waters are murky, we trade one idol for another, but as Dawn M. S. wisely said, “the important thing is realizing God can be what my idol can never be.
Chris S. in her characteristically wise probing of Scripture gave us all something to chew on when she wrote:
When Judah was born she had given up setting her hope on the love of Jacob and focused her praise on God who did/does love her.
In searching for information on the name Judah I found this;
The name Judah is a combination of two elements. The first element is , which is the commonly accepted abbreviated form of , which is YHWH, the Name of the Lord.
The second part of the name Judah comes from the verb (yada) meaning to confess, praise, give thanks. HAW Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament reports that ‘the primary meaning of this root is “to acknowledge or confess sin, God’s character and works, or man’s character.”
I thought this was good, it seems that Leah had realized some things about herself, about Jacob and about God that allowed God to reign in her heart in a new way
Elizabeth talked, as many of you did, about the sadness of the Leah story, and Cyndi commented on how there is enough detail to know the story but enough spaces to put ourselves in it. One thing Leslie Vernick told me is that many women see the error of being self-centered or man-centered, but may be husband-centered, for we have so much given to us about a woman’s role. We must be God-centered. That is what Leah came to realize.
Meg is doing great – so proud of this young believer – and love your asking questions, Meg – and love seeing the women come to answer them.
So many wonderful comments – like Rebecca’s seeing The God of All Comfort coming to Leah’s rescue with four sons. Susan seeing the Bonnie Rait song as a lament.
I could go on and on but my wrist says stop. Anne and Elizabeth told me to get a wrist brace, and I am. (Thank you!) If I have missed commenting on you, I know your sisters will fill in, and I can rest knowing that.
Love to each of you
Dee
Keep praying for your wrist to heal – you really gave it a workout typing all of that! Thank you for all your encouragement to all of us!
Susan, me too, I need to pay more attention to my thoughts and will watch where they roam.
God just answered my prayer and any of yours if you have been praying! We are going to pull Isaac from the team. This will teach him about boundaries which he really needs to learn, and obviously we need to protect him from abuse. Thanks!!
I affirm that Rebecca. In reading about bullying, that is often the very best response.
I think you made a wise decision, but how sad that Isaac, who was not doing anything wrong, has to be the one to not be able to participate in an activity he should have enjoyed.
9. READ GENESIS 29:34-35
What did Leah name her fourth son and why?
Leah named him Judah (praise), saying, Now will I praise the Lord,
I wonder if leah made Jacob an idol prior to the night of their “wedding”. She could have made him aware of who she was when he came into the tent.
Rachael had Jacobs love and Leah longed for that, Leah had Jacobs children and Rachael was envious of her, each of them looked past the blessings they HAD and placed their self worth and happiness in what they perceived to be lacking.
What turn do you see?
Leah was broken, she had finished grieving over the fact that Jacob would always love Rachael more than her. She began to praise God and set her heart on him, she could see how had had blessed her in giving her children. I wish we could see her and watch how this change in her would look.
I thought about this verse Matthew 6:33
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
I wonder if as Leah placed her hope and trust in God instead of Jacobs love, perhaps that release of tension may have caused Jacob to see and treat Leah differently.
10. In the following passages, do your best to find ways that God met Leah, cared for Leah, and had compassion on her.
A. Genesis 30:17
God HEARD her, and gave her a son, in all of her imperfections and lack of understanding God was still merciful to her
B. In this next passage Jacob is speaking — remember how unusual it is for a woman to be mentioned, to be remembered, in Scripture. Genesis 49:31
Jacob spoke of burying Leah near his parents and grandparents with his last words. One wonders if after she had died if he were sorry about the lack of love he had shown her, if he took new measure of her worth
C. Ruth 4:11 God’s gift of sons to Leah caused her to be the mother of many, to be like her was counted as a blessing
D. Hebrews 7:14
Jesus earthly lineage honors Leah in that Judah, the child she named “praise” as she laid down her idol, was the father of the tribe from which Jesus came
E. Revelation 5:5
The name of Jesus as the conqueror, the only one worthy to open the scroll includes the name of Leah’s son
Good morning all! I’m so busy reading all of your comments, requests, reports and encouragements that I missed my time for listening to the sermon!-Ugh! I will have to revisit later today.
I wanted to say a genuine thank to all who have opened their hearts to welcome me here. I feel so at home and am so excited to be a part of this little community! Yay! I’m loving this study and it’s touching me already-wish I could sit here all day and absorb it all again and again Lol.
Dee, I hope your wrist feels better with a brace-that’s definitely the way to go to prevent any further damage! Praying for a quick recovery!
Rebecca, I started crying when I read about what’s happening to your son. I just watched a movie about bullying last night-heartbreaking. I just want to hug him which I’m sure you already have dozens of times! This may also be a great time to point out the scripture Matthew 5:11-12 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my accont. Rejoice and be glad, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” I would remind him that he is special & called! Anyone can blend in, it takes someone called by God to stand out by doing what’s right. How cool is that-that God chose him to be the one to stand out! Yaaay Isaac!
Everyone have a blessed day!
Sherri
Sheri, I meant to respond yesterday but ran out of time! Your scripture was a timely reminder from God I must add and I plan on sharing that with Isaac and Eli-perhaps even have them memorize it!
Yes, God chose Isaac and right now we are encouraging him that He is special and 100% approved by God. You know, He does remind me of a male Leah!
He so desires approval from his peers which is normal for middle schoolers, yet his disability compounds it. A Grace from God for him is church. HE LOVES the middle school ministry. The teachers and a few boys love him. One invited him over to swim over the Summer. What is cool is that the teachers at school LOVE HIM. God has given him favor-that is another Grace from God for Isaac at this time! I am asking God for a boy to invite him to a sleep over-he has never been to one. I know that is petty, but I know God can meet Isaac as he did Leah! His compassions never fail, GREAT is His faithfulness!
Yay Rebecca! I love hearing how the Lord is blessing Isacc in the midst of the enemy trying to attack! I definitely will pray for the right friend to ask him for a sleepover too! 🙂 I don’t think that is petty at all! 7th grade was a turning point for my middle daughter and she turned the wrong direction 🙁 She’s a freshman now and it has been (and still is!) a battle for her soul. It seems middle schoolers are an easy target for the enemy when it comes to wanting to fit in. I totally get where you’re at right now and I will be praying for your family as the Lord lays you on my heart. SO many blessings to you!
Sherri
I read a few posts this morning so I could pray on my drive to Bible study. Rebecca, I didn’t have time to respond then, but I prayed for sweet Isaac–so thankful God has given him YOU as his mom, and has given you such wisdom.I will continue to pray God’s protection on his sweet soul.
As I prayed for Dee’s wrist–I thought I would jump on when I got home and tell all of you wonderful new ones, how I am sure Dee is aching that she can’t personally welcome you all–but now I get to praise Him that Dee is getting better! So good to see you’re back Dee–still praying as I know it takes time to get all the way back.
Welcome to Allison, Sherri and Robin! So glad you all are here 🙂
Thanks Elizabeth, so encouraged reading everyone’s comments.
Dear Father we bow before you and ask that you touch and heal our teacher, Dee. We thank you in advance.
A. Find evidences that Jacob has fallen deeply for Rachel. He kissed her and wept aloud. Wow!
B. In verses 16 and 17, what contrasts do you find between the two sisters? My NRSV says “Leah’s eyes were lovely and Rachel was graceful and beautiful.”
C. How long did Jacob agree to work for Rachel’s hand? How long did it seem to him and why? 7 years seemed to him as a few days b/c he loved her.
A. Describe Laban’s ruse. He tricked Jacob into marrying Leah.
B. When morning breaks and the sun falls on Leah’s face, after the marriage has been consummated, how did Jacob respond? He questioned Laban.
C. How do you think Leah felt? How would you have felt? This is sickening to me. What a detestable man Laban was. My heart goes out to her. She must have felt terrible having to go along with this deceit and to be married to a man that loves another. I would have been angry and think I would have refused to go along with this. I would have told Jacob the truth before the marriage was consummated. Leah must have been afraid of Laban either that or she loved Jacob and thought she could win him over. The whole thing is messed up. Bonnie Rait had it right!
5. What evidence in verse 31 do you see of the Lord’s compassion for Leah? How might this speak to you in whatever pain you are facing right now? He looked on her and saw that she was unloved and opened her womb. It blesses me to see God’s compassion.
6. Leah’s first three sons. Find the names she gives each son, what they mean, and what they tell you about what Leah thought she had to have to be fulfilled. 1. Reuben b/c the Lord has seen my affliction and my husband will surely love me now. This is sad that she believes a son will bring her happiness. 2. Simeon b/c I am hated. This is also sad b/c she thinks yet another son is the answer. 3. Levi b/c my husband will now be joined to me. She is still convinced that having the love of a man would bring happiness.
9. READ GENESIS 29:34-35
What did Leah name her fourth son and why? What turn do you see? Judah.. cause it means praise.. this time she chose to praise God for giving her 4 sons.
10. In the following passages, do your best to find ways that God met Leah, cared for Leah, and had compassion on her.
A. Genesis 30:17 He listened to her by giving her a child
B. In this next passage Jacob is speaking — remember how unusual it is for a woman to be mentioned, to be remembered, in Scripture. Genesis 49:31
C. Ruth 4:11
D. Hebrews 7:14
E. Revelation 5:5
12. Leah’s learning to praise the Lord was key in creating her heart of flesh. Some of the ways we can follow her model are to sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs in our quiet times and throughout the day. Try learning one simple song or verse from a hymn this week. What will it be? Well when i first read this at the beginning of the week, i said i knwo exactly what song i am going to do.. which is Under Grace by Darlene Zcsech but this morning the song come thou long expected Jesus was running through my head so i knew this had to be God saying Meg this is the song i want you to share
Come thou long expected Jesus
By; Chris Tomlin
Here is a verse from the song
Born thy people to deliver
Born a child and yet a king
Born to reign in us forever
Now thy gracious kingdom bring
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qyckfDVPzx4
Here is a link to the whole song if you ladies want to listen to it 🙂
7. Affirmation and security possibly. I wonder if she didn’t need to be affirmed after her own father didn’t think she was good enough to get her own husband. I also think she probably was insecure since her father was forced to make a man marry her to get rid of her.
8. BE ALERT TO YOUR OWN BODY LANGUAGE AND THOUGHT LIFE. WHAT THINGS MAKE YOU ANXIOUS AND ANGRY? WHERE DOES YOUR MIND GO WHEN IT IS FREE TO ROAM? THIS WILL HELP YOU BEGIN TO IDENTIFY YOUR IDOLS OF THE HEART. BECOME SELF-AWARE AND WRITE DOWN WHAT YOU OBSERVE.
I believe this happened to me this morning when I was hurrying to unload groceries and cherry tomatoes rolled all over the floor. I became aggravated and immediately thought of our lesson. I realized my comfort idol was the culprit. I wanted to get the hard stuff out of the way so I could sit down and have time to do what I wanted.
My pic does not show when I do this via iPad…same Angela. 🙂
A. Jacob agreed to work for marriage and no wages…that means something.
His love was so strong those years seemed like a few days….I imagine since she was a shepherdess she probably worked alongside him during this time.
B.having two daughters I hate how they are compared…they probably heard stuff all the time. The way it is written though it is setting us up for a deeper story.
C. 7 years seemed like days.
LEAH’S STONE READ GENESIS 29:31-34
5. What evidence in verse 31 do you see of the Lord’s compassion for Leah? How might this speak to you in whatever pain you are facing right now?
He blessed her with children. But looking beyond that, I see how it was this blessing that eventually lead her to God. She saw them first as a way to get to her husband, but by the 4th child, we see how her heart turns to the Lord.
This reminds me that He hears my deepest longings, and that His plans are to fulfill them more profoundly than I can ask.
It reminds me of His power over all creation—that it is He who made us, we are His sheep—and His plans work for His ultimate glory.
6. Leah’s first three sons. Find the names she gives each son, what they mean, and what they tell you about what
Leah thought she had to have to be fulfilled.
Reuben—“see, a son”—as if she is saying, see, God hears me and loves me. Simon—one who hears; Levi—“attached”
All of the names she chose imply what she was feeling—that NOW Jacob will finally love her. She was caught in a cycle of trying to perform to win his approval, his love. She thought surely that was the answer to fill the hole in her heart.
7. CHALLENGE QUESTION:
I do see a mix of all 3, but primarily approval. I just ache for Leah! I imagine what a dad-shaped hole in her heart she must have had. To have been labeled all her life as the ugly sister. And rather than having a dad who affirmed her and built her confidence, she learned he believed he would have to scheme to get her married—only reinforcing all her insecurities and feelings of rejection.
8.
The song makes it so real Dee—good job!
When my mind is free to roam…great question. I find my mind roams to all kinds of insecurity with a deep idol of approval. Last night I had a dream where I was crying, which has happened before—but for the first time in my life, I woke up with tears streaming down my face—usually it’s just the dream, but this was real enough that I had tears covering me. In my dream I was looking for my grandmother, who died nearly 15 years ago. All day I have had such an extra heavy longing for her. And here’s the tie-in (sorry so long!), she loved me like no one else before my husband has ever loved me. We were very similar and all my life, I felt she ‘got’ me, she loved so unconditionally. I miss that. But my point I guess is that I realized how my heart so longs to feel her love for me. I know I will see her in Heaven, but I feel like I need her HERE. But God IS has that kind of love, and of course far beyond, and He IS HERE for me every day—I just have to remember that and fall into His arms.
oh wow–GOD sighting–JUST now my 4 yr old asked me this line from his veggie tales song “why does God always draw us near?” all I could say is because He loves us so much. Wow.
Hi there! My name is Diane and I am from New Brunswick, Canada. More than 15 years ago, my BFF and I read Dee’s book, “The Friendships of Women” and I have loved Dee ever since. I have followed Dee’s summer Bible study this year and found it very inspirational, so, hesitantly, I am plunging into this blog community, knowing that God is using Dee to change lives for His glory and wanting to be a part of that. I am going through a family crisis right now, so my contribution may be sporadic, but even if I can’t always contribute, I will try to read the lessons and think and pray with you all. So, plunging into the deep end of the discussion:
11. When God denies us a desire of our heart, He always has a plan, a plan not to hurt us, but a plan for our good. Have you experienced this? If so, share one illustration from your life.
God has moved my closest friend half way across the continent. That was 11 years ago. In spite of my fuming and raging at times at God’s denying me a desire of my heart, we have worked hard to remain close friends and she has led me on a nearly 20 year journey toward freedom from my anger, depression and from the lies that I have believed about what I deserve and those who have hurt me. It’s still a process; a lifelong process and I am hoping this Bible study will further help me toward freedom. I need to learn how to let God be God and let him fully control me and let go of my felt need to control others.
12. Leah’s learning to praise the Lord was key in creating her heart of flesh. Some of the ways we can follow her model are to sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs in our quiet times and throughout the day. Try learning one simple song or verse from a hymn this week. What will it be?
Travis Cottrell’s Just As I Am (the new refrain part)I think this song is on his newest CD which has just been officially launched today. Here are the words. They really touch my heart!
“I come broken, to be mended; I come wounded, to be healed; I come desperate, to be rescued; I come empty, to be filled; I come guilty, to be pardoned by the blood of Christ, the Lamb. And I’m welcomed with open arms, praise God, just as I am.”
Welcome Diane! I am so sorry for the family crisis you are facing. But I am thankful you took the “plunge” and came online, so we can pray with you and for you. Glad you’re here!
Diane — s glad to have you plunge in whenever you can. Thanks for sharing so openly and for the lyrics to Travis Conttrell’s new song. So good.
Welcome!
Welcome Diane! So glad you have joined us!
Hi Diane!
Welcome to the study and you shared some great answers!
Praise God….and welcome, Diane!
Welcome Diane– I love the words to the song–gonna have to look it up so I can hear it sung.
Welcome Diane! Take courage..I can’t help but be reminded of Leah-her life long struggles, yet God’s GREAT love for her and how He lifted her up.
Thanks everyone for the welcome. I am in a very dark place right now but I know God is with me. He keeps showing me things I need to give to him instead of trying to fix myself. I am feeling overwhelmed and torn, though, by the family responsibilities that have been thrown onto my shoulders that were not my choice and they are responsibilities that I do not feel adequate to meet. I appreciate your prayers.
You got it!
Genesis 29:9-20
3.A. Find evidences that Jacob has fallen deeply for Rachel.
Rachel took his breath away the moment he laid eyes on her. He demonstrated his ‘he-man’ strength when he rolled the stone away from the mouth of the well. He crossed boundaries when he kissed her and then told her he was a relative.
B. In verses 16 and 17, what contrasts do you find between the two sisters?
Leah was the elder. Rachel was the younger. Leah’s eyes were delicate. Rachel was beautiful of form and appearance.
C. How long did Jacob agree to work for Rachel’s hand? 7 years
How long did it seem to him and why? Just a few days because he loved her ALOT!!!
4. Read Genesis 29:21-30
A. Describe Laban’s ruse.
Laban prepared a wedding feast and invited all the men of the community.
Later in the evening he put Leah in the marriage tent and since there were no electric lights back then and Jacob was most likely plastered, he never got a good look at his wife. Do you think after the lovemaking session he went right to sleep and Leah stayed awake thinking?
I had the opportunity awhile back to watch a movie about Jacob. I think the TNT channel produced it and Matthew Modine played Jacob. During the scene where Leah is preparing to go to the marriage tent it is Rachel who helps her get ready and she is encouraging her older sister. I’m sure Leah didn’t have much of a choice in the matter. It was interesting to see the story played as it might have happened.
B. ….., how did Jacob respond?
This was the one scene in the movie I’m sure was close to the original. Jacob was angry and disgusted. “It was you I married?! You?” He did not hide his displeasure and I bet he had a few choice words for Leah and her father.
C. How do you think Leah felt?
I think Leah felt like a wad of used up tissue that had been thrown in the trash.
How would you have felt?
I would have felt like crawling under the nearest rock.
Your don’t-beat-around-the-bush answers always make me smile.
Me, too. They are so straightforward that it makes me laugh to read them. 🙂
Dee and Dawn,
Sometimes, when I answer, I don’t think I sound as ‘pretty’ as some of the others. I guess it’s because I’m a natural left-brainer who had to learn how to shoot from the lip in nice way. Good to know my comments make y’all smile. Encouragement for me. Thanks!
I appreciate your “less pretty” answers Tammy–I’ve actually got a lot of left brainer in me too, that’s why I loved Cliff Notes–they just get to the point 😉
9. READ GENESIS 29:34-35 What did Leah name her fourth son and why? What turn do you see?
I love this! She named him Judah and said “This time I will praise the LORD.”
She replaced her idol of her husband’s love with a Greater Affection—the Lord! Freedom!
10. In the following passages, do your best to find ways that God met Leah, cared for Leah, and had compassion on her.
A. Genesis 30:17
God listened to Leah—such love in that, and He blessed her with another child.
B. In this next passage Jacob is speaking — remember how unusual it is for a woman to be mentioned, to be remembered, in Scripture.
Genesis 49:31
God made sure that Leah would be buried among faithful servants—Isaac and Rebecca, Abraham and Sarah, and that even Jacob would want to be beside her.
C. Ruth 4:11
Leah is referred to as one who helped build the family of Israel.
D. Hebrews 7:14
Leah is remembered in the lineage of the Lord—coming from Judah, Leah’s son.
E. Revelation 5:5
The Lord is called the Lion of the tribe of Judah.
11. When God denies us a desire of our heart, He always has a plan, a plan not to hurt us, but a plan for our good. Have you experienced this? If so, share one illustration from your life.
Hmm…I feel like I use my adoption story so often, but it’s hard not to on this one!
I remember hearing a sermon by a dear friend-pastor, now deceased. He asked the question “what is your Isaac?”. We had been married 4 years, and I told my husband I felt God was saying it was time to go off birth control, and submit my womb to Him, allowing Him to grant us children. We had planned to wait 5, so we waited another year as we saved to buy a house. Then we tried to get pregnant…for 4 years. Nothing happened, and no tests ever explained why we were infertile. I was happy to be with my best friend husband—but God. I woke up one morning and God had placed adoption on my heart (my husband was already way ahead of me on that one). But once I knew, there was no turning back. I’ll condense the rest, but I eventually came to see that my “Isaac” was not so much my womb, but my plan of how we would grow our family. All along, God knew. All along His plan A was adoption for us. And I LOVE His plan
yES, ELIZABETH — YOU NEEDED TO SHARE ON THIS ONE. SO GLAD YOU DID.
YOUR DREAM WITH YOUR GRANDMOTHER IS SO TELLING. AND GOD MEETING YOU WITH THE VEGGIE TALES ANSWER
thank you Dee–I hate for you to strain your wrist on me, but thank you. I rarely remember any part of a dream, and the skeptic in me has never given my dreams much thought–but this was unlike anything I’ve ever had–it is still so vivid, with tons of emotions. I think all this pondering on Leah has brought things to the surface for me–so I want to do as she did and turn from my seeking approval, true-love, in others…and praise Him, see Him as the Lover of my Soul.
Elizabeth,
thank you for sharing your adoption story. It brings a big smile to my face–I love this– “I eventually came to see that my “Isaac” was not so much my womb but my plan of how we would grow our family. All along, God knew. All along His plan A was adoption for us. And I LOVE His plan”
Thank you Terri. I so admire and appreciate what you do in your job–you are truly His Hands and Feet. And I am praying again for Shelly.
I think taht i had an “I Spy tonight” today i was thinking how i was going to come up with the money for my sunday school book, and tonight when i was running i found 10 dollars on the ground! it doesnt pay for the whole thing.. but most of it 🙂
This is a Yay God as we call them in our youth group.
Robin, I am so excited that you have joined us. What a great opportunity to renew our friendship after all these years even though we are about 4,000 miles apart. How cool is that?
Only 4,000 lol? It is cool and isn’t God great to keep us together?
I’m happy God is bring you and Anne back together through this blog – welcome!
fun to see Anne and Robin connecting here!
thanks Susan it is awesome
Welcome Robin! Yes, it is really great to see you and Anne connect here! 🙂
Thank you Rebecca:)
I am still taken by the Tozer quote Leslie referred to. This is the full version from a sermon he gave, if anyone is interested:
Gasping for the Glory of God
True spirituality manifests itself in certain dominant desires. These are ever-present, deep-settled wants sufficiently powerful to motivate and control the life. For convenience let me number them, though I make no effort to decide the order of their importance.
1. First is the desire to be holy rather than happy. The yearning after happiness found so widely among Christians professing a superior degree of sanctity is sufficient proof that such sanctity is not indeed present. The truly spiritual man knows that God will give abundance of joy after we have become able to receive it without injury to our souls, but he does not demand it at once. John Wesley said of the members of one of the earliest Methodist societies that he doubted that they had been made perfect in love because they came to church to enjoy religion instead of to learn how they could become holy.
2. A man may be considered spiritual when he wants to see the honor of God advanced through his life even if it means that he himself must suffer temporary dishonor or loss. Such a man prays “Hallowed be Thy name,” and silently adds, “at any cost to me, Lord.” He lives for God’s honor by a kind of spiritual reflex. Every choice involving the glory of God is for him already made before it presents itself. He does not need to debate the matter with his own heart; there is nothing to debate. The glory of God is necessary to him; he gasps for it as a suffocating man gasps for air.
The #2 made me think of Anne and Laura right now–struggling with such pain for their children. Your faithful love and prayers, the steadfastness I see in you, that you choose to suffer in prayer for them rather than give up–all because you long to see Him glorified in their lives.
I love you:) what life giving words! one of my favorite books is sacred marriage which states that marriage is to make us holy not happy….what a concept;) I know when i step back and pick holyness over happyness something amazing happens…im happier:)
oh and I love you sweet cyndi! and wouldn’t ya know…sacred marriage is one of my favorites too 😉
love ya pea-pod-pal!
I just read the posts about Sacred Marriage– One of my faves too, as you can see in my post from last night.
Thanks so for the full Tozer quote!
Elizabeth this is so good. I need to just chew on this for a while.
Thanks for the complete Tozer quote. May the desire to be holy and bring God glory become rooted so deep in my heart that it is a reflex when struggles come.
I also appreciate the comments about “Sacred marriage”. I’ve never read that book but I agree that marriage is to make us holy not necessarily happy. Our culture seduces us to believe that if we are not happy in our marriage, then it is not only OK but the “right thing” to walk away. This lie ruins so many marriages and causes so much pain, that it breaks my heart. I too believed this lie for many years, but am beginning to embrace the truth that God has something much deeper and much truer in mind for us than superficial happiness, even through a difficult marriage. This is a hard truth- very hard to understand indeed.
READ GENESIS 29:31-34
5. What evidence in verse 31 do you see of the Lord’s compassion for Leah?
When God saw that she was not loved, he made her able to have children.
How might this speak to you in whatever pain you are facing right now?
God is present with me whatever I go through, and he sees it all. He knows the pain that I have experienced/am experiencing. He is compassionate and cares about my pain.
6. Leah’s first three sons. Find the names she gives each son, what they mean, and what they tell you about what Leah thought she had to have to be fulfilled.
Reuben: “Because the LORD has seen my affliction; surely now my husband will love me.”
Simeon: “Because the LORD has heard that I am unloved, He has therefore given me this son also.”
Levi : “Now this time my husband will become attached to me, because I have borne him three sons.”
Leah thought that she needed to be loved by her husband to be fulfilled.
Don’t we have expectations that we will be loved by our husband? We marry a man that we love and then expect our relationship to get better all the time. If our expectations are unmet it is so easy to make an idol out of our expectations, or if we have a totally wonderful husband we make an idol out of him. The lesson to me is that we can make good things into an idol—God said we are to have no idols, He is a jealous God –he isn’t willing to share His place of honor.
One of my favorite authors Gary Thomas, says, What if marriage was to make us holy more than to make us happy?” Never thought of that in relation to Leah and her marriage, but it seems like Leah was made holy by the time her fourth was born as she named him Judah, Now I will praise the Lord– though her circumstances did not seem to change, God had changed her heart.
Laura (the dancer),
I just read your post above, in reply to my post. Have you any news about your daughter, where she is? I am so sorry. I can’t imagine not knowing where my son or daughter is, how frightening that would be. I hear in your words that you are struggling with believing that God really loves us if He allows us to go through so much pain. This morning I re-listened to two of Keller’s sermons, “Questions of Suffering” , and If A Man Dies, Shall He Live Again (both from Job: A Path Through Suffering). They brought me some fresh encouragement. In one of these sermons, we are reminded that the answer to Satan’s lie that God doesn’t love us is that Jesus came here and suffered for us. God the Father said, in essence, to Jesus, if you love Me and obey Me then I will crush You. Isaiah 53 is a portion of Scripture that always moves my heart; in it I see with my heart the suffering Jesus endured for us: “He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering.” “He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him”, and “by His wounds we are healed”.
“It was THE LORD’S WILL TO CRUSH HIM AND CAUSE HIM TO SUFFER”. The motivation for all of this is the one thing Jesus did not have in heaven was us. He loved us so much that He suffered and died for us. Speak the truth to your soul that Jesus, this Man of Sorrows, understands your mother’s heart which is in turmoil for your daughter.
I pray that you will find her and we can know for sure that God sees her – she is never hidden from Him.
Amen to Susan’s prayer for Laura’s daughter.
Susan, I just saw this posting. I haven’t slept much in the past few days and I teach teens all day at the high school so I’m exhausted and not on my game!
Sarah came home for awhile yesterday as I was at work. I caught her leaving the house as I arrived home. She was with a girl who is a horrible influence. The girl is bold to say the least. Not a good situation.
I figured out she has stolen some things from us too. My situation is a nightmare. I can’t believe I have a daughter like this (a pride issue on my part). I am in a catch 22 with her. Do I allow her to stay randomly at the house and chance her taking things from us to sell, or do I kick her out to the street…. Not a good feeling there.
Anyway, today she came home again while I was at work. Her horrible friend called her and asked her to come pick her up because her mother had beaten her up and burned her with an iron. Sarah took a car without permission that has no insurance or inspection (she wreaked the car last spring and we haven’t gotten it fixed yet) and picked the girl up, went to the police station and them to the hospital. She called me and begged me to allow the girl to stay overnight because she couldnt go home (the mom was arrested and bailed). I had just told the girl yesterday she was not welcome at my home, but I told Sarah she could stay over if Sarah promised to go to school tomorrow (Sarah has 2.25 credits left and she will graduate, but hasn’t been to school at all this week). Sarah agreed and they came home. All good? No. They left an hour ago. We keep locking her out of the house but she keeps finding a way to get in. Very frustrating.
I am caught. I love her, but I don’t like her right now. Prayers are indeed necessary. HOWEVER, I want you to know that in the midst of all the chaos I DID have a God sighting! I was on my way to we’d night dinner tonight and there was a cloud filled sky. In the middle the clouds were broken and the sun was shining through onto our church! It was beautiful. It was as if God was saying, “do you love me Laura? I’m here and you are blessed.” I think of fiddler on the roof so often now…..Tevyna saying to golde, do you love me?
Laura you have been on my heart all morning I prayed for you while I did my paper route this morning and then I prayed for youduring my quiet time and even have cried for you! Love you!
You are sweet Meg. I appreciate your prayers 🙂 I can just imagine how nice and quiet it is while you deliver them in the middle of the night! A perfect prayer time!
Hi Susan, I’m sorry I didn’t see this on the blog to respond earlier. There is a short version of my week with Sarah at the end of the blog. She is home today after coming home Thurs.night. We are taking baby steps. Thanks for your prayers..
I loved Sacred Marriage too. I remember when he asked something like ‘how would you feel if your sons wife were treating your son the way that you treat your husband’. That was terribly convicting to me.
9. Read Genesis 29:34-35. What did Leah name her fourth son and why? What turn do you see?
Leah named him Judah, which sounds like and may be derived from the Hebrew for “praise”. The previous 3 sons were all for getting the love she coveted from Jacob. With Judah, she said, “This time I will praise the Lord”. She’s getting her eyes off her circumstances and onto the Lord.
It is interesting to see that Praise was the key that began to unlock the prison door Leah had been living in. She made a decision to praise God whether Jacob loved her or not, whether her circumstances changed or did not. This is speaking to me because often I feel like I live in a “prison” of sorts, but it is so much about longing for what I do not have. Cyndi talked about her husband not being able to connect with her emotionally on a level that she needed to be happy. She said she learned to take those needs to Jesus, and even fight against looking to her children to fill that need. This was priceless: DEMANDING WHAT WE DO NOT HAVE KEEPS US FROM BEING JOYFUL IN WHAT WE DO HAVE. So I have a mind that likes to be 6 miles under the surface, plumbing the depths, and my husband is content to float on the surface on a raft. I’ve lost the joy of my salvation and my relationship with the Lord because I have been so self-focused on the pain of not having anyone to share it with in my family, feeling sorry for myself, and even angry and resentful at others for not meeting my needs. All the while I blame my circumstances or blame others for my misery, when the true source of it is myself. No one has the power to make me miserable.
What’s that verse about God’s Word cutting through marrows and joints?! It just has the power to cut right through all my excuses and rationales.
10. In the following passages, do your best to find ways that God met Leah, cared for Leah, and had compassion on her.
A. Genesis 30:17. God listens to the longings of Leah’s heart, and gives her a 5th son.
B. Genesis 49:31. God wants us to know that Jacob buried Leah in the cave where Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebecca, are buried. Jacob wants to be buried there, too.
C. Ruth 4:11. The elders pray that God will make Ruth like Rachel and Leah, who together built up the house of Israel.
D. Hebrews 7:14. Jesus is a descendant of Leah’s son, Judah.
E. Revelation 5:5. Jesus is called The Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David. Leah is honored forever as the mother of Judah, the tribe from which the Messiah came.
Wow Susan, I am thankful to God, you have made such progress from yesterdays post. ” No one has the power to make us miserable”, your seeking is fruitful already
I sort of feel sorry for Jacob because Laban lied to him. Not that he should make Leah suffer, but I can see why he wouldn’t be too thrilled about the situation. So, he’s just supposed to live with it an be happy? Were the men of the OT prone to having more than one wife? Were the marriages usually arranged (I think it was this way, but just wanted to be certain).
I commented on Jacob below —
as far as polygamy — it was never God’s plan. Practiced more by King’s for political reasons, giving them favor with the country of acquired wives — but never God’s plan.
The marriages were arranged between the two fathers, but probably at times with input from the women.
9. READ GENESIS 29:34-35
What did Leah name her fourth son and why? What turn do you see?
I think I jumped the gun on this and answered it on the last question. 🙂
10. In the following passages, do your best to find ways that God met Leah, cared for Leah, and had compassion on her.
A. Genesis 30:17
I could be wrong, but I think there is a little competition going on between Leah and Rachel and Leah may have been operating with an idol prior to God giving her her fifth son-there is still that jealous pain she faces every day with Rachel and her husband, and she still struggles with approval. YET-God has compassion on her and gives her another son.
This speaks VOLUMES to me of compassion and God meeting her in the midst of even her idolatry-she is a hurt, scared woman who is going through a never ending trial. Of course she is going to stumble and God knows that. Perhaps here He is intervening to remind her He loves her, He is her approval and comfort and He is there-she is not alone.
Rebecca, can you imagine sharing a husband with your sister? Ugh. My sister and I used to fight quite a bit when we were younger although we are now closer. I wasn’t good at sharing with her, she is 4 years younger than I, and we are completely different people.
Good Morning Wonderful Group!
My wrist is much better and I thank you for your prayers and counsel! (It gave me great empathy for my daughter Beth who has only one arm and had trouble with her one wrist hurting when she became a new mother.)
How interesting how many of you read and liked Sacred Marriage and the theme that marriage is not so much to make us happy but holy. I do like Keller’s quote, however, that happiness comes on the far side of holiness.
Laura (the dancer) was sympathetic with Jacob. (I am so lacking in mercy it is good for me to have Anne, Laura, and many of you mercies here — balancing me out.) I do see that what Jacob did to his father and brother (dressing up to deceive and steal) has now happened to him.
So thankful for this good iron sharpening iron.
Yeah praising you are doing better! How wonderful empathy was seen for your daughter. I love when God shows us those things through our trials.
So glad to hear your wrist is much better! So thankful for your brace and for how God gave you great empathy for Beth. He is so good!
I’m also a little lacking in mercy for Jacob. Last night I started to say something and it occurred to me that I would not say that to his face, because I assume that I will one day meet him face to face. So I am trying to keep in mind that he was human like the rest of us. But it just seems like he never worked through it. He showed favoritism with his sons too in favoring Joseph over the others. And I don’t like how he responded to his sons killing all of those men that had been circumcised. His sins do seem to be on display in the Bible.
And yet God built the nations through him:) Gives you hope that God uses mere mortals to build the world, so surely he can use this cracked pot.
B. In this next passage Jacob is speaking — remember how unusual it is for a woman to be mentioned, to be remembered, in Scripture. Genesis 49:31
God elevated Leah by having her buried in the cave where the Patriarchs are buried along with Jacob-She was buried with Abraham and Sarah and Isaac and Rebekah. Rachel is not buried with Jacob there. Also, God made Leah the mother of most of the tribes of Israel.
C. Ruth 4:11
Leah and Rachel are uplifted here too with much honor and respect and used as an example of what they wish for Ruth to be to Boaz as he takes her to be his wife.
D. Hebrews 7:14
Judah was one of Leah’s sons. Jesus Descended from the tribe of Judah. Now that is ULTIMATE honor!
E. Revelation 5:5
Leah’s honor goes beyond a mark in a famous cave, God lifts her up to the height of heights first by having Jesus descend from Judah, yet she will be honored in the future. Judah, her son is mentioned in Revelation 5 as well. Jesus is “The Lion of the Tribe of Judah.” who has triumphed! I think when this happens in the future we will hear this title for Jesus proclaimed in victory, and so will Leah!!
4. Read Genesis 29:21-30
A. Describe Laban’s ruse. He tricked Jacob by giving him Leah instead of Rachel. We see the continual pattern of family deception here though. I wonder if he really trusted his uncle. He and his mom were good at deceiving too. Family patterns….
B. When morning breaks and the sun falls on Leah’s face, after the marriage has been consummated, how did Jacob respond? He is enraged. Angry. He probably never expected this. He was so in love with Rachel. It is hard though for me to understand how he did not know since he worked with her for 7 years. Yet I know brides were veiled and the darkness is too dark to see in with no lights. Did Leah not speak? How did she feel about being part of this plan?
C. How do you think Leah felt? How would you have felt? My guess is she felt powerless and second rate as she probably always did being compared to a lovely sister and being the oldest. Powerless because my guess is she had to go through with her father’s scheme knowing it would not be pleasing to the man!
5-God saw, he allowed her to have children. We can be encouraged He sees injustices, He does right them. He is the God of compassion.
6- Poor Leah desires more than anything else her husbands love. She is trying to earn it by providing children.
1-Reuben-“The Lord has noticed my misery, and now my husband will love me.”
2-Simeon-“The Lord heard that I was unloved and has given me another son.”
3-Levi-“Surely this time my husband will feel affection for me, since I have given him three sons!”
7-Challenge question. Leah’s Idol…I bet affirmation/approval. She was trying to earn her husbands love through works. Something she should have had as a bride but did not have.
8-I am noticing having a critical eye toward my husband and the things he does. I start to feel it rise up. It is an idol of control. It comes out as pride…I can do it better or would do this that way, etc…We are both praying about it for me. Only God can change my heart as I submit it to Him.
Thinking about this song…it is sad. Leah would have grieved so deeply. Her life was ruined all her dreams she may have had of marriage, life, all gone. This is not what she would have hoped for.
9- I do love that Leah did finally release this to God. Finally with Judah she says, “Now I will praise the Lord!”
10-
a-another son
b-her name mentioned
c-her name mentioned in a prayer of blessing
d-Jesus came from the tribe of Judah (the son she released to the Lord)
e-Lion of the tribe of Judah-goes back to Leah the mom.
11-You know, God says no to requests we have to spare us His best. We think we know what is best for us but we do not. An example I keep using is the illness of Lyme disease. I asked God to take it away and He did in His own timing but it took along time then after being well for 3.5 years something bad hit me again and I keep taking hits to my health and immune system. One small bit from a tiny eraser sized tick stole my hope for health. But my hope should not be in health but in HIM. In my continual weakness He makes me strong. He is the lifter of my head. He is the one I am becoming more like and that is best. He never promised an easy life but He did promise HIM. Oh and HIM is all I need. I would not learn this any other way. Why would I when I am not utterly desperate? Oh His love!
12-In my weakness He is strong for His power is made perfect in my weakness and His weight of glory rests on me. That is amazing to me.
13-Oh the white horse gets me. Lord you know my longings of my prince coming on his white horse to rescue me and that longing was placed by you! I kept looking at worldly princes on fake horses but You are coming on a real horse to save me and take me home with You. You are always Faithful and True, You never Leave or Forsake me, and Your love for me can never be shaken or fizzle out. My Warrior Prince, come quickly!
Angela — your thoughtful answers are so good. And the Lyme’s Disease example is a powerful one.
Angela, I have a friend with Lymes who has had an ongoing struggle for the past two years. I so feel for you sister and will pray.
Good Morning sisters!
I would appreciate some prayer today.. I have a long day ahead and i am very tired.. I was up in the night becasue we were having some thunderstorms.. and then i have to get up at 5;30 to go do my paper route. Thanks Sisters!
Love you all!
11. When God denies us a desire of our heart, He always has a plan, a plan not to hurt us, but a plan for our good. Have you experienced this? If so, share one illustration from your life.
I think I may have shared this in the past but I am not certain. My husband Bill was an unbeliever who really did not see himself as a sinner. For many years I earnestly prayed for his salvation. All at once I became overwhelmed with frustration. If he had any free will in the matter then I felt it might never happen, I quit praying for his salvation.
A man from the church that the boys and I attended invited Bill and my oldest son Josh, who was about 12 at the time and extremely rebellious, to go to a Promise Keepers event free of charge.
Bill agreed thinking it might help Josh. He recently gave his testimony, he said he sat as far away as he could get up in the nosebleed section, but he felt that every word was being spoken straight to him, going straight to his heart. He accepted Christ that day,though he didn’t confess it out loud till much later. He was baptized just two weeks ago.
I feel if God had called Bill when I was striving in prayer, at that time I would have seen that as something I had achieved. A sort of nod from God that he approved of me and granted my request, I believe it would have fostered the growth of pride in me.
I really wanted Bill to be saved at that time because I wanted my life to be better/easier. I was not crying out so much in concern for him and for God to be glorified as that I wanted God to change him for my benefit. I can see that what I really wanted was control.
such interesting and wise reflections, Chris. So thankful God pursued Bill and did it at the best time. Thanks for sharing.
Wow, Chris. It is so helpful that you shared this. I remember listening once to Nancy Demoss on the radio, talking about why are you praying for your unsaved husband’s salvation – she exhorted us to examine our motives – were they for selfish reasons, our own ease and comfort, the dream of having a happy Christian home? She pointed out those are all the wrong reasons. We should have God and His glory and honor as our motive.
I also like how you bring up the interesting point about how when God may answer one of our specific prayers, we can, instead of thanking Him, allow that to puff up our own pride, as you put it, “I would have seen that as something I had achieved”.
It just points out to me how deceitful my own heart is, how the sin of pride is always lurking in the shadows.
Wow! Your sharing about God saving your husband, AFTER you had stopped praying, and possibly because, if God had answered your prayer earlier, it would have made you proud, is so touching. Thanks for being so vulnerable. I’m not sure why, because I have a saved husband, but this touches me in a deep part of my soul; possibly because I struggle with anger with God for not giving me things I think I deserve.
12. Leah’s learning to praise the Lord was key in creating her heart of flesh. Some of the ways we can follow her model are to sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs in our quiet times and throughout the day. Try learning one simple song or verse from a hymn this week. What will it be?
This week in church I felt better able to fully enter into worship than I have since Daniel was injured. We sang the song Emmanuel God with Us. It has been playing in my head and heart ever since. The lyrics fit so well with our study here a link if any of you would like to hear it;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05Y-Px39cm4
Rebecca I felt ill when I read your post about Isaac. It is so hard to send a child into a painful situation. Will he be seeing these boys at school everyday?
I thought of this verse for Isaac;
Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
I have prayed for protection and purpose Isacc and wisdom for you.
Some parts of this earthly life are so hard.
So many of you have had such wonderful posts, I ask everyone to forgive me for not commenting more. My new job is going really well, but it is time consuming and physically demanding.
I have 3 events this weekend two of them are large weddings back to back. So the rest of the week my time to be still and reflect will be minimal.
I skipped question 8 because I need more time to pay attention and try to discern what causes me to be anxious or angry, my mind when it has time to roam usually turns to spiritual things.
I have listened to the Keller message, I need to listen again when I can take notes, but I was struck by the illustrations he gave of good things becoming idols, that even truth can become an idol.
We are saved by Christ… not by the rightness of our doctrine. We must take care not to make an idol of truth.
The gospel should remove the feeling superiority from us
I keep remembering from another of his sermons the illustration of the gospel always being crucified between two thieves, the thief of too much grace on one side & the thief of too much truth on the other, that Christ and the Gospel are Grace & Truth, and that the more we lean to heavily on one or the other we will be robbed of the power of God in our lives.
I have never looked so intently at the Gospel in my life.
Thrills me.
Yes, the quote from Tertullion — Gospel crucified between two thievies: antinominism (against the law)
and legalisim
Dee,
Do you remember the title of that sermon that included that quote? I remember it too, but need some refreshing!
The Centrality of the Gospel–and here is the pdf with it:
http://www.redeemer2.com/resources/papers/centrality.pdf
sorry to jump in there susan–and didn’t mean to sound short–I’m at work, but saw this and wanted to respond–love you all–hope to catch up on all these great posts this afternoon 🙂
I’m so glad you did — cause I’ve got a zillion Keller sermons in my mind. thank you — and also for giving the right title to Meg.
you are always so gracious to me Dee, thank you. I only want to help–I fear sometimes I come across as…I don’t know, something I don’t want to EVER seem–my heart just wants to try to be helpful–I love all of you. I pray I never come across know it all ish, it is nothing close to what I feel–I am just so humbled to learn from all of you here and call you my friends.And I like to search for answers!
Oh Elizabeth — when I see you’ve given a link it means I don’t have to hunt for it, and I am SO THANKFUL.
Thank you Elizabeth!
Good morning all! This is a majorly busy week for me. We are showing in the Country Living Fair in OH and it’s been crazy getting everything ready! I fear I may lag behind a bit until I get home! I am going to download the rest of the sermon to listen while I drive, but time at my computer will be limited. I will be able to read responses and maybe even send some short ones from my phone, but fear that I can’t be as active as I would like. Know that I am reading along and praying for all of you and am ALL IN-the timing is just difficult!
God Bless you all,
Sherri
Sherri, just come on when you can! We love to have you here. 🙂
11. When God denies us a desire of our heart, He always has a plan, a plan not to hurt us, but a plan for our good. Have you experienced this? If so, share one illustration from your life.
When I came to know the Lord, I wanted to sing for him and I did, yet I wanted to go into the Christian music industry. God didn’t open the door (WHICH WAS A GOOD THING!) Later, I had a strong desire to be on the mission field-my dream was to be in the jungles with the people sharing the Gospel and discipling women. I applied to a few ministries like Wycliff and since I didn’t have a Bible College degree, they advised that my skills would be good in an office environment. That wasn’t the desire of my heart so I decided to stay in Missouri. By nature I am not good with the mundane, but that is exactly where God wanted me- right here at home-ministering at work, in my church-in my circle of friends in Missouri. It has most definitely been for my good and for His Glory.
DEMANDING WHAT WE DO NOT HAVE KEEPS US FROM BEING JOYFUL IN WHAT WE DO HAVE
Okay, I am still pondering Cyndi’s line (Dee, this one needs to go in your book!),
talking it over with God this morning in prayer. Things are coming together from this study, the expulsive power of a new affection – what is the “what we do have” that our idols are keeping us from enjoying?
It is Jesus. “My Lover is mine and I am His” (Song of Solomon 2:16)
i’VE ALREADY TENTATIVELY GOT IT THERE, SUSAN. HAVEN’T EVEN CHECKED WITH CYNDI.
IT’S COMING TOGETHER FOR US, ISN’T IT! JOY!
11. When God denies us a desire of our heart, He always has a plan, a plan not to hurt us, but a plan for our good. Have you experienced this? If so, share one illustration from your life.
God kept me from marrying the wrong man. I knew it at the time but lacked spiritual maturity to accept it. I look back with great thankfulness of God’s mercy sparing me a marriage to a man who was not godly.
12. Leah’s learning to praise the Lord was key in creating her heart of flesh. Some of the ways we can follow her model are to sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs in our quiet times and throughout the day. Try learning one simple song or verse from a hymn this week. What will it be?
There is a place of quiet rest,
Near to the heart of God.
A place where sin cannot molest,
Near to the heart of God.
Now — you try! READ THIS PASSAGE IN REVELATION, LOOK AT MARTIN FRENCH’S DEPICTION OF JESUS ON A WHITE HORSE, AND PRAY IT, MAKING IT YOUR OWN.
Dear Lord, on your robe and on your thigh you have a name inscribed, “King of Kings and Lord of Lords.” More than anything else in my life I desire for you to be my Lord and King. That is why I am here in this study. I see myself as a mountain of shortcomings. I walk close to you then fall away but in mercy you redeem my mad mess so I keep coming back, hoping someday I will get it right and keep it right.
Oh Lord you are the king of kings and the Lord of Lords I desire nothing but you. You are the faithful and true God; your eyes are like a blazing fire. Help me to walk close by you everyday thank you that one day you are coming back.
Hello Ladies,
I have been reflecting on the image of Jesus at the beginning. A question, aren’t we with him at that point? Aren’t we the troops? Revelation 7 talks about God calling His people out of the system , Rev 19:7-9, the marriage supper of the lamb and then Rev 19:11-16 this triumphant King with a name on his forehead that only He knows is Lord of Lords, King of Kings, who is coming to wage war with the troops of heaven.
Hi Robin —
Good Scriptures to look at it. I know you will find different views concerning Eschatology in this group but it is fine to introduce it with your viewpoint and corroborating Scriptures.
I truly am not an expert in this area and therefore am hesitant to dive in, but others may. There’s been such a good spirit in this group that I think we can handle areas where denominations disagree with love and learn from one another.
I love Martin French’s painting — just in that for me shows the glory of Christ, the battle against our enemies, and it reminds me the pain in this world is not the end of the story. But I know there are some in my Reformed camp who would disagree with portraying Jesus at all — and that’s another issue over which those who love the Lord disagree!
Appreciate you.
Dee
Hi Dee,
I hope you and the other ladies in the group do not feel that I am out of line. I had a wonderful opportunity some years back of attending High Praise Worship in Panama City, Florida, with pastor Robert Gay. His name may sound familiar to some as he is a gifted song writer as well. We spent a lot of time in praise and spiritual warfare. Perhaps the Lord led me to them because I have always felt that my Jesus was a warrior King who was clothed in authority and power and that the only fear that I was required to have was the reverential fear of the Lord.
The ladies here are just precious, I can feel how much they love the Lord and desire to please him, just like Ruth who on the advice of Naomi, laid down at the feet of Boaz to show that she submitted to his authority as lord for his redemption of Naomi’s property and family.
I am so glad to be here.
Oh Robin — I don’t feel that way at all. I’m so glad to have you here! Sometimes when I’ve led groups in the past when Eschatology or baptism or speaking in tongues or even divorce comes up things can get tense but I don’t think that will happen with this group. And I wouldn’t ever consider a lack of response to mean a lack of interest — they may simply feel, as I do, lacking in confidence to dive in.
I agree we shouldn’t fear His return if we truly understand the power of the gospel. That’s why I explained that this warrior picture is to do battle with the enemies of His Bride. He is fiercely protective. I loved Anne’s take on his anger with Isaac’s bullies.
So very glad you are here. So glad!
Robin–one of my favorite things about this “place” is the grace-filled freedom to “think out-loud” and share of thoughts…keep them coming 🙂
so glad you’re here!
thank you sister
When I look at Jesus’ face in the painting I think of Rebecca’s Isaac at the hands of bullies. That is Jesus’ response to what is happening to Isaac. That is His response to my pain what ever it is. Because the one behind all of our pain is Satan and to me that is His heart and His power over my enemy. I am trying to make sense but it is hard. I’m not thinking so much of order of events as I am of His heart for us, His bride.
Love, love, love this.
Anne, Oh here it is!! I saw this this morning right before I had to leave for work and the first thought that came to mind was, OH THIS IS RICH. I love this. I didn’t have time to tell you that but I was encouraged. I feel the same way when I see that picture. I would love to have it framed and on my wall!
Stomp the snake! 🙂
Sisters
I went to the doctors today to get my left ear checked out becuase i could feel/hear fluid in there but cant seem to get it out. They dont me there was nothing they could do.. that i had to wait it out and it could be a few months.. I did go swimmming ALOT this summer so i think i got alot of water in my ear.. i think its called swimmers ear. But please pray for my ear. Thanks!
Meg, praying for your ear. I hope it does not hurt. My sister makes homemade ear drops for that. I don’t know if it will help but it’s worth a try. I will get it when I finish posting.
3a. I think it is sort of odd that verse 10 mentions not only Rachel but also her father’s sheep. It says that Jacob saw Rachel WITH her father’s sheep. I think Jacob’s covetousness was being indicated here. The only real indication of his love for Rachel that I see is in verse 18 where it says that he loved her and asked for her as wages from Laban. Also verse 20 says that his love for her was great.
b. Rachel was beautiful and Leah was not.
c. Jacob agreed to work 7 years for Rachel but the years went by like a few days to him because of his love for her.
4a. Laban substituted Leah for Rachel when the marriage was consummated so that Jacob would have to remain married to her since the marriage was consummated.
b. Jacob felt that he had been deceived but when I read the agreement Laban never really said covenant words about it. He just said why should he give Rachel to another man and told Jacob to work the 7 years. It seems like the saying “what goes around, comes around”. The deceiver was deceived.
c. I think Leah must have been devastated to have been loved as Jacob loved Rachel and then cast aside because she was not Rachel. It would have been better for her if she had never experienced this love. If not for that I wonder if Jacob’s love would have become such an idol for her. I think I would have felt very much like I feel when people don’t approve of me. She must have felt worthless and yet needing so much to be valued.
5. The Lord blessed her by giving her a child. He was going to give Jacob children because of His promise to Abraham and He gave the most of them to Leah. This comforts me because I know that the Lord sees my pain when He must remove my idol but He will at the same time bring blessing into my life if I can only see it.
6. Reuben-see, a son but in Hebrew it sounds like “has seen my affliction”
Simeon sounds like Hebrew “has seen my affliction”
Levi sounds like “attached to”
I read an interesting footnote that says that Jacob might have demoted Leah if the Lord had not intervened on her behalf. I just love how the Lord cares for unloved women.
7. I think Leah’s deep idol was approval. She needed her husband’s love because without it she did not feel she had value.
Anne,
I agree with 7. Leah’s deep idol was approval. Having suffered with the spirit of rejection for years myself it isn’t hard to see it in others. I have been told that it can be a generational curse with the root of loss of a father’s love. Rachel probably suffered from it as well.
Good point. I think both girls were pretty hurt by Laban’s behavior — later when he is more concerned about the loss of his stone gods than his daughters…
Dee, here is a notation from the Amplified Bible regarding the household gods:
“Why was Laban making such a great commotion about some small idols? It had never been satisfactorily explained until the answer was found in the excavated Nuzi tablets (J.P. Free, Archaeology Illuminates the Bible), which shows that possession of the father’s household gods played an important role in inheritance (W.F.Albright, “Recent Discoveries in Bible Lands,” in Young’s Analytical Concordance to the Bible). One of the Nuzi tablets indicated that in the region where Laban lived, a son-in-law who possessed the family images could appear in court and make claim to the estate of his father-in-law (various authors cited by Allen A. MacRae, “The Revelation of Archaeology to the Bible,” in American Scientific Affiliation, Modern Science and Christian Faith). Since Jacob’s possession of the images implied the right of inheritance of Laban’s wealth, one can understand why Laban organized his hurried expedition to recover the images (J.P. Free, Archaeology and Bible History).
Sorry that was such a mouthful. But you know Rachel probably knew that law.
Also another thought that I had was that Laban probably knew about Jacob obtaining Easu’s inheritance, so he may have thought that Jacob was going to take his, too. Laban’s sons had already complained about it. The girls had both said that their father had basically stole their doweries from them, so perhaps Rachel felt justified in stealing from her father.
Very interesting. Thank you for sharing this.
You’re welcome Kim.
Meg, ear drops are one part rubbing alcohol and one part white vinegar. You will have to put it in a bottle with a dropper so you can put some drops in your ear. My sister put it in her children’s ears after swimming to get the water out and prevent infection.
Thanks Anne, I will give it a try!
Meg, how is your ear? Did you try the drops?
Rebecca
Thanks for asking.. i havent tried the drops yet.. i get paid tommorrow so i can do buy a bottle with a dropper for my ear. My ear is doing ok.. please keep praying though. Its hurting a little bit 🙁
Oh meg–I do empathize–so sorry! We’ve done the same as Anne said–and sometimes used just alcohol, and one ear dr told us hydrogen peroxide…we’ve also poured a bit on a cotton ball and squeezed in a drop that way. Praying for you!
Meg, praying for relief for your ear.
Thank you Ladies, I am defiently going to try something today.. my ear is really bothering me!
Meg, try using a blow dryer to blow warm air into the ear also:)