So we come to the close of two epic books. Wrapping up Genesis we cannot help but consider the turbulent lives of those who were chosen by God to be a blessing to all generations of the earth. What a wealth of information about our origins – as well as God’s plan for our lives!
This passage seems appropriate regarding whom we have seen and will see as the God Story unfolds! When we add the dimension of Job to our journey – it is breath-taking what we learn about God’s plan:
“And what more shall I say? For time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets, who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight.
Women received back their dead by resurrection; and others were tortured, not accepting their release, so that they might obtain a better resurrection; and others experienced mockings and scourgings, yes, also chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword; they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated (men of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains and caves and holes in the ground.” – Hebrews 11:32-38
Thanks for hanging in there for Genesis and Job. Doesn’t it feel great to have increased your interaction with and understanding of two such foundational books?! Think about how you’re going to feel a month from now when you have engaged more fully with the story of the Jews as they are delivered from Egypt “with a powerful hand” and are taught to serve God only. Enlightening! Take a few hours off to bask in what you have accomplished. You deserve it!
We are in it with you up to our necks. A good thing.
A couple of questions: 1) do you feel you have a solid understanding of God’s take on our origins? Do you understand the underpinnings of humanity? Off the purpose of a chosen people? 3) Do you feel you have what you need to integrate suffering into your view of our world? Look under books in the navigator bar and you will find Dave’s book “The Turbulence of Imperfection.” It adds some info to the big story – particularly the fact we appear to be born into a world at war.
Dave & Burnadette