As God continues to confront Job with His greatness, Job makes his first feeble answer: “Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer thee” (verse 4)? God then asks Job if he has the abilities and powers of God. God closes this chapter with a description of behemoth as the chief of the ways of God.
The Lord desired to dwell in the midst of His people, but in order for this to happen they had to be willing to separate from the defiled. Though we live in a different dispensation and some things have changed concerning the presence of God, we still must be willing to separate from defilement.<br />
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
The time that Joseph had sought for so long finally came. He is exalted in this chapter as second ruler of Egypt. “He sent a man before them, even Joseph, who was sold for a servant: Whose feet they hurt with fetters: he was laid in iron: Until the time that his word came: the word of the LORD tried him. The king sent and loosed him; even the ruler of the people, and let him go free. He made him lord of his house, and ruler of all his substance: To bind his princes at his pleasure; and teach his senators wisdom” (Psalm 105:17-22).<br />
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
Jacob has had it easy up to now. He has lived as a plain man in the tents (Genesis 25:27). He has been his mother’s favorite (Genesis 25:28). He has purchased his brother’s birthright and tricked him out of his blessing (Genesis 27:35-36). But now, his life of trickery begins to catch up with him. He must flee the country for his life’s sake and go 500 miles from home. Before God is through with Jacob, a “few days” (Genesis 27:44) will become 20 years and his beloved mother will die before he ever gets to see her again. Yet, God is working. In this lesson, Jacob takes a major step toward spiritual maturity. He will have far to go but he will be a better man for the experience in this chapter.<br />
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
This is a story in which no one is operating from pure motives. Isaac is feeding his flesh; Esau is carnally minded; Rebekah and Jacob are in the midst of deceit. Yet, in it all, God brings the results to His own end. Each individual in this story pays a price for his or her lack of spiritual direction. We need to make sure of our motives and follow the Lord in all things.<br />
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
Abel and Cain give the original contrast between good and evil. Abel obeyed God and was accepted of Him. Cain came up with a better idea and displeased God. But instead of getting things right, Cain took matters into his own hands and murdered his own brother. This world is still divided into those who submit to God’s plan and those who are determined to do things their own way. This lesson teaches obedience and the importance of doing things God’s way.<br />
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
The Israelites are delivered from Egypt but they are not yet delivered from the Egyptians. So it often is with us today. We are delivered from the world but the world follows us into the wilderness. In fact, the wilderness time is a time to cast off the remaining vestiges of the world. And sometimes, as with the Israelites, it is a slow and difficult process. Yet, God is always available to conquer the foe—if we will only trust in Him.<br />
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
