38 Jesus answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for my sake? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice. – John 13:38
i love John 13 and the perfect example of Jesus washing the disciples feet. He washed Judas feet the one who would betray Him. He still washed his feet. then you have the command in John 13:34-35 “So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.””
love those verses and just to be reminded of this command. that we should love one another. Just as Christ loves us.
The strength of Jesus’ resolve to do what he came to earth to do is just inspiring. How many of us will have as much composure before we die? What love for mankind this is!
“By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.””
This hit me hard today. They will know we are his by our ability to love!!
I love the change of Jacob! Can you imagine the thoughts going through the disciples heads as Jesus washed their feet? I would like to know the thoughts of Judas. He followed Jesus for so long and then betrayed him. I wonder if he repented before taking his life, or if he never saw Jesus again. That’s so very sad to think about!
37Peter said to him, “Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” 38Jesus answered, “Will you lay down your life for me? Truly, truly, I say to you, the rooster will not crow till you have denied me three times.
I pray for a spirit of courage in laying down my life for the Lord. Lord, forgive me for the times that I have denied you by not speaking up and loving on the people around me by sharing your truth. Help me to be bold yet gentle as your scripture commands. Amen.
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Just a thought I had about Genesis chapter 32: God never forgets the promises he makes to us but sometimes we need to remind ourselves of those promises. God is faithful!
I love how Jesus “loved them till the end” and then at the end of this passage he reminds them to love others because then they will know that we are his disciple. He demonstrated through his life how we should live and follow him. May we walk with the Lord and follow his example.
I love the self-locating question Jacob is asked by God, “what is your name?” It’s so grounding and centering. Where are you in this season and what are you doing?
I also think John 13:34 is a reminder to us as children of God but also the world that we need to LOVE each other. Stop the judgement, gossip, and negativity. Jesus loves us until the very end and we need to live like him and love everyone just as he loves us.
1Before the Passover Festival, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.
49and Mizpah, for he said, “May the Lord watch between you and me when we are absent one from the other.
28He said, “Your name shall no longer be Jacob, but Israel; for you have striven with God and with men and have prevailed.”
34‘A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35‘By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Significant news: A new name for Jacob…Israel, a heap of rocks newly named Mizpah-God watch between you and me and a new commandment to love one another.
God’s goodness is overwhelming in John 13. Jesus did so much for us, and we denied and betrayed him. But he still calls us his own, his children, and love us.
“I am not worthy of the least of all the deeds of steadfast love and all the faithfulness that you have shown to your servant” (32:10). Jacob has changed in these years. He was saying, “You will be my God if you do what I want you to do”. Now he says, “I am not worthy of any of the good things, love, or faithfulness You have shown me”! He humbled himself before God, as each of us must do.
So John 13:27 states “As soon as Judas took the bread Satan entered into him”. Was Jesus just fulfilling the prophecy to come? I think of Jesus in the garden praying father not my will but yours be done. I couldn’t imagine knowing what must come. The unfailing love of Jesus to bare so much for us. I cry every time I think of his suffering. Thank you lord!
It was God. Vs 38 states you will no longer be called Jacob but Israel because you have struggled with God and humans and overcome. Vs 30 it is because I saw God face to face , and yet my life was spared.
34 “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” The greatest commandment!! -ellie
It is so powerful that God knows one of his closest men, his disciple, will betray him, and another will deny him three times, yet he still preaches a message of love to the disciples and washes their feet. This kind of incredible love is the love I want to share with others, so they see God’s light shine through me.
“By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” ⬅️⬅️⬅️❤️❤️❤️❤️
I’ve read these stories over and over again and I am IN LOVE with God’s Word more and more each time. I literally feel for the people… I feel for Jacob. I feel for Rachel, Leah, I feel for the disciples. I have tears that come from the gut bc I know all these situations from my own life. Well you know not their specific situations but the spiritual issues.
Hi ladies, we have a discussion group on FB going through the daily readings. Look for “The Bible in a Year w/ SRT”. Would love for you to join us! It’ll be made private at the end of January.
The “new commandment” that Jesus gives would not have seemed new at first, I imagine since they grew up hearing, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart…. your neighbor as yourself.” But in just a few short hours they would discover that loving as Jesus did meant to lay down their very lives. It is such heavy and wondrous love, even to his enemies (he humbles himself and washes Judas’ feet as well. )
I’ve never noticed his command to love one another comes right after he reveals Judas’ intent to berry him to Peter and John. As though he is preparing his disciples to love and forgive Judas even in his betrayal.
This was such a powerful reminder that God’s plans for us, while unknown are purposed and good. He calls us to RECEIVE Him and all the riches His kingdom offers, the sustaining love He freely gives. The word of the month for me has been receive, receive the love and provision that I’ve been calling on the Lord, being still, and waiting for. I’m in awe and wonder of Him.
7 Jesus answered him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.” This bit is such a good reminder that we may not always understand what God is doing, but that he will reveal it one day and it is all for our own good. We just have to trust him!
The last time that Jacob is asked “What is your name” he lies and he says “Esau” he lives up to his name, which means “deceiver”.
In Gen 32:27 when the man, or angle, or God (depending on your version) asks him the same question- he has to stop and really think. He has to admit “I am a deceiver.” And that’s when God blesses him.
In biblical days your name and your name meaning were the same thing. It wasn’t “my name is Jacob and that means deceiver” it was “my name is deceiver”
When God changed his name he changed it to Israel. Which means “Power from God, favor with men.”
The future blessing of Israel was birthed out of the death of Jacobs failure.
Sister, what verse does Jacob lie and say his name is Esau…? I’m not following you. From my reading, he says his name is Jacob. Then it’s changed to Israel. And then Jacob asked the angel what his name was and he didn’t tell him.
What struck me in the OT passage was assigning names to places. These names indicated a promise and an expectation. God gives us new names when we become His children, and they demonstrate His promise to give us life, freedom, and hope in Jesus. Unfortunately, I often forget the name God gives me and instead listen to the world. What names are you listening to?
So thankful for the living and active Word of God, that it will accomplish what He means for it to accomplish, no matter how hard our hearts! Thankful that we have a Jacob-wrestling God who doesn’t give up on us and Whose loving kindness never runs out!
34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. I feel like a lot of us are slacking on doing just this. Love. It is so powerful and important we need to remember to love everyone, not just our family but our enmities to. That would make the world a better place.
23 One of them, the disciple whom Jesus loved, was reclining next to him.
My pastor gave a sermon on this exact verse today. God works in mysterious ways.
My bible said the man was God and He came in that form so that Jacob could actually physically wrestle with Him. It says Jacob has struggled all his life to prevail, but it is showing him it is God e must “wrestle” with, now Esau or anyone else.
And it says He touched the socket of Jacobs hip because even though he could physically wrestle with God, God could disable him at will.
I paraphrased a lot of that. I have the NIV study bible and all that was in my notes. I hope that helps and that you even see it.
As I was reading this yesterday I became increasingly upset at how God was blessing Jacob. It seemed that he was being blessed in all these different situations. Really?! The same Jacob that took Esau’s birth right? The same Jacob that tricked his father into giving him his brothers blessing? Yep! The same Jacob. Why was he being blessed? And then the Holy Spirit hit me… am I not the same as Jacob? I need more than one hand to couldn’t all the times I have messed up but hasn’t God blessed me? Today I am thankful for God’s grace and mercy!
” A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” -John 13:34
God knows I needed to read this again. My heart is convicted. Too often I get caught up in “what love is in my eyes,” casting that expectation on the people closet to me & reminding them when they fall short of it. Truly it’s I who fail to show them Love every.single.day.
I need to practice loving them the way God loves me, I need to be an example.
God looks at us through our righteous in Christ He doesn’t see us as our human selves with many flaws. We are justified because of Christ’s shed blood at Calvary! Every aspect of our heart is what He sees not our outward appearances (1 Samuel 16:7)
The thing that amazes and humbles me is even though many of the characters from the bible are deceitful and don’t always follow God or trust God with their whole heart God still credits them with righteousness. Which is humbling and wonderful for me because daily I mess up and my many small slip ups and major slip ups are not enough to be removed from God!
Betrayed by Laban. Pursued by his raging brothers footsteps. Yet Jacob says: Gen 32:10. I am not worthy of all this Kindness. Oh God! What a response. And Gen 32:26 – won’t let you go, God!
‘By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
What a small way to show the love of Christ and also minister to others, just by loving each other!
I found this point striking “If the God of my father, the God of Abraham and the Fear of Isaac…” Jacob was not walking with God like his grandfather Abraham, nor his father…yet he saw how his family honored God. Many times we forget that others are watching our walk… Good perspective to keep in mind, especially when this walk seems so alone. Sometimes we can feel defeated, and wonder if it really makes a difference…
Jacob seems to have changed in the 20 years since he has been gone. When he went away he had obtained a blessing from his father in arrogance and deceit. Now he begs God to bless him. He calls upon God to continue His faithful provision and protection. In v10 he sys that he is “unworthy of all the lovingkindness and of all the faithfulness which [God has] shown to [him]”. And God responds positively to his prayer. What is the NT verse, “God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble”? Something I definitely need to learn
Thanks so much for the sweet words to keep me lifted up!!! May tonights serving food to the homeless be actual “washing of their feet” instead!!! Praise God in all my actions and may He get all the glory!!!
Remember reading the other day that placing a hand under a thigh is a sign of promising or committing that something will be done? All of Jacob’s lineage has a history of being deceitful, and as God and Jacob fight, God dislocates Jacob’s hip. Then it later says that the people no longer eat thigh meat. I wonder if this has any symbolism with the hand under thigh promises and broken promises throughout Jacob’s heritage?
Yeah I could see it as that! I read a commentary that said God did this to remind Jacob of what God did for him and his family. Another commentary noted this: “I think it was to show Jacob who he was really in conflict with. This whole time, Jacob is under the impression that his fight is with Esau and Laban. God is reminding Jacob, “Your fight is with Me.”” Read more at https://temporaryvisitors.wordpress.com/2010/03/15/jacob-wrestled-with-god/
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
-John 13:35
This verse is such a sweet reminder that our actions, deeds, and successes don’t necessarily exhibit our discipleship to Christ. Our love does. I pray that we all choose to love others well today!
I’ve never really understood the significance of Jacob wrestling with God. God so rarely appears in human form (does he ever again in the Bible?), so why with Jacob? Why dislocate his hip?
I’ve always seen it as a spiritual “wrestling with God, in the wilderness”, symbolizing that God is with us, allowing us to question, wander, and wrestle, etc. the “limping” saints seem to know grace better. There’s of course more to be hashed out with that, but a quick thought.
Christina, yes God appeared several times in the Bible as a human, for example as one of the Angels that came to Abraham in Genesis before Sodom & Gomorrah was destroyed, etc…I think wrestle with God is spirit vs flesh that Paul speaks about in Romans 7:14-21. This is a quick synopsis but it is way more in depth.
On thing I have never noticed in this passage of John before is when Jesus gives the morsel to Judas it says “Satan went into him.” I don’t remember reading that before!
I stand corrected in my thoughts: V2 states that satan had already tempted Judas with betraying Jesus so it wasn’t just then that he was “chosen” to betray Him. I was misunderstood. But still… My first time noticing that “satan entered Judas” at that time too.
This is an interesting verse. Judas was a follower of Jesus but his heart did not trust Him as Lord. He had other things that were more important to him than Jesus-like money. Jesus could have softened his heart (it mentioned how it was not time for Him to be glorified yet and the people’s hearts were hardened) but allowed Satan to enter him. Hard to understand but necessary for God’s plan of Jesus to be glorified…
Ellie, I’ve always heard that in the book of John the phrase “the one whom Jesus loved” actually refers to the author, John. I think he’s saying that he’s the one who asked Jesus which disciple would betray Jesus.
There is just so much in both of these readings to ponder! What stood out to me in John, after Jesus pointed out Judas, there was the small sentence after Judas left. “And it was night.” The whole Gospel of John talks about the dark/light theme, and I found it interesting that he pointed out that it was night/dark when Judas left to do what he was going to do. It’s pretty obvious that it was the evening meal, so that little sentence wouldn’t be necessary…except for the emphasis that darkness can’t overcome light throughout the scripture yet Judas was entering into darkness. Gave me chills!
Wow, Leah, I didn’t even notice that sentence at first, but I love that! The Analogy of dark and light. I love that it’s included because we know there’s a purpose for anything that’s included.
What you said kind of just blew my mind! That’s cool!
I’ve never actually read through the OT books so this is a treat. I find it amazing and such powerful worship- how in the OT, naming things/ places and people were directly connected to God and His character or glory. Nowadays I don’t even think about what a name means, but a name was very meaningful back then.
Also, this is the 4th (?) time I’ve read John in a study, and still when I read this chapter, what scares me the most is when Satan entered Judas Iscariot after Jesus gave him the morsel. I think I forget that the Enemy is still ever present today, and how important it is to do spiritual battle with prayer and the Word. I don’t believe, nor see in Scripture that a believer could have Satan dwell in them- but we definitely have the arrows attack us, don’t we?
Wow…and in seeing how Peter has this fierce love for The Lord, only to be told that he will DENY the Lord, not once but THREE times! Personally, I don’t think I could have handled hearing that, sisters. Yet I ask myself, “How to I deny Christ in my everyday without even realizing it?”
This world has so many alluring things that keep us from focusing our everything on Him. We are fighting a battle (obviously)but praise God that He equips us and stays with us. He gives us the Holy Spirit. How amazing is that?!! This servant isn’t worthy, but He chose me anyway! Oh praise God that He doesn’t chose us based on our track record!
Great thoughts, Anne-Marie!
What I noticed however, is that in v2 it already says that Judas thinks about betraying Jesus. So he has already spent time thinking about how to do this, hopefully without Jesus noticing it. Now, Jesus confirms these thoughts and so Satan can easily enter.
I don’t think, that Satan can dwell in us as believers in Jesus, but we have to pay attention to our thoughts and to the people surrounding and influencing us.
We talked about this yesterday how Jesus said go and do what you must do. So it was Jesus removing his protection from judas then satan could enter! Food for thought
The act of Jesus washing their feet blew my mind when I really thought about it this morning. I’ve read that story so many times and it always is so nice because he’s so serving. But then I started thinking about the timing of this. Jesus was mere hours away from the most horrific, excruciating death. All of which he knew the details of. If that were me, I would not be able to focus on anything except for my fear, dread, and pleading with God to take this away from me. But his thoughts aren’t on this, they’re on humbling himself before his disciples so he can make the point about loving each other so that others will know they follow him. It just struck me so much that he chose to do this at that moment when so much had to have been on his heart and mind.
I agree! He was about to be THE sacrifice for sin once and for all. And He humbled himself and served his friends by washing their feet! The verse that said they were clean but needed to wash their feet made me think about how we are cleaned when we become believers and followers of Christ. But, we still need to “wash up” by confessing our sin and running to the cross daily to remain squeaky clean and polished (until we get to our eternal home where we will stay clean!). A picture of sanctification and the pursuit of holiness.
I have always been so humbled that Jesus so tenderly washed all of the disciples feet that they did not know who was going to betray Jesus. If I knew that someone was going to betray me I might not be as gentle or pass them by but Jesus he treated them equally with love that the disciples did not see any difference.
I never really paid much attention to this part of genesis before I heard someone describe Jacob’s second dream (the one about the goats in which God tells him to return to his home) as a parable to the way that sometimes we get so lost in the day to day that we forget the ways that God has called us and what he created us to be passionate about. Joseph’s first dream was powerful and about people ascending and descending from heaven which he had before he left home and then years later his second dream calls him to go back home to where he was not consumed by his goats and sheep, back to the place that God spoke powerfully to him and gave him visions.
I think it’s a good reminder that sometimes I can get caught up in daily life and forget the things God has called me to and sometimes we need to return to the place (even just mentally) where we felt God and knew his voice.
Jacob wrestling with God as man was always weird to me, but it kind of hit me this morning. Here, God comes to Jacob in a form that Jacob could wrestle with (and not be crushed), but he still reminds Jacob of his weakness. In reading the entire bible in a year, we are wrestling with God. God is far far beyond our compression, but He has come to us in a form that we can begin to wrestle with and understand- His Word. And each time we wrestle with His Word, He touches a different part of us to show us our weakness and His power. I pray that we are all like Jacob, and we do not let go until God has blessed us.
Nice analogy! May we truly wrestle and overcome. The news is full of hate and death. Help us to Truly “love one another.”
Even our enemies, Because you first loved us.
Love the way you put this Sarah! Jacob walked with a limp after this- he was forever changed and the change was visible to the world! As I “wrestle” with God through reading His word this year I want to be changed and I want that change to be visible to all around me!!! Amen!!!
I like the way you put that, Jess! “In the path of obedience (no matter how difficult ) My Savior leads the way!” It is so true!! I often remind myself and have consistently taught my children that God always ‘equips as He commands’!
As I read the genesis passages today I’m reminded that “none are good,not one” all man falls short of the glory of god. I want so badly for Jacob to be more upfront and honest, I want Rachel to be repentant for stealing from her father and not deceitful… But the truth is we all struggle with sin every day and it so often distracts from the good God is doing in spite of us. So I’m thankful to know that great biblical heroes were sinful like me and that God redeems them and their story and uses them for His glory.
Yes! That is what I was struck with today too. Over and over we see the people of the Bible fall short and it just further emphasizes the holiness and grace of God! I needed that reminder today.
Great point! I too am frustrated by the constant fighting and deceit we see in genesis, but as you point out, we as humans are the same way today. A good reminder.
I LOVE reading Genesis because ppl plainly and without doubt love God and accept him without hesitation. It stinks stepping into our reality where so many things pull people away from God. It’s so nice getting into the bible and seeing how Heaven will be… Full of worship without hesitation
Does anyone else notice that every time God commands someone in the Bible to do something, He always promises that He will be with them.
God knows, oh so well, the frailty and fear of human hearts. And so He reassures us time and time again of His constant love and presence. In the path of obedience (no matter how difficult) my Saviour leads all the way.
I love this so much! Like a song says: When fear surrounds us, he Has never failed, and He won’t start now. He is always with us, when we step out of our box, He is holding our hands as we do it.
encouraging to me as the arrive of my 3rd child is just around the corner… I am fighting off much anxiety and fear over what I have to endure and not knowing when I will endure it! The Lord is with me!!! I don’t need to fear!!!
“God already saw and blessed your birth.” My doula said this to me as my birth plan was going completely awry with my fourth son. It gave me so much peace. God’s plan is greater than my own. God bless you as you anxiously await your newest blessing!!
I’m in the same boat you are in! Waiting on number 2 to make his arrival. My verse for this pregnancy has been 2 Timothy 1:17 “for God did not give us a spirit of fear and timidity but of power, love, and self control”. It’s helped me remember in those moments of fear that God does not give us those feelings.. That’s the devil trying to rob me of my joy in this. I had a great easy pregnancy with my first but have had complications with this one. It frustrates me because I’m a doula and a personal trainer “and should know better” or at least know the answers. My midwife has been encouraging me in the same way God promises us.. She said He knows why you are going through this and is preparing you and your family for greater things through experiencing these things. As much as I liked being a naive first time mom with a peachy pregnancy, her words and the scripture allow me to rest in Gods truth and look forward to what’s to come.
Thank you for sharing!! That verse has been going through my mind as well!! As well as “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength” and “my grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in your weaknesses.” Sound like you are blessed with a great Midwife!! May the Lord bless you and the remainder of your pregnancy and the delivery of your second child!!
Thank you Bev!!! What a blessing you sisters in Christ are!!! I loved reading through psalm 139… He sees me… He knows me… He knows and sees my baby!! Great encouragement!!! Thank you again sister!! blessings!!
remember: this is what God created your body for. it’s very design is blessed for the purpose of baring and birthing a child. a child is a gift from God himself.
I am a few days, but just because I am enjoying this part of Genesis so much! It is like an excellent novel! Praise God for filling me with his word and blessing me with this community.
34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. – John 13:34
38 Jesus answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for my sake? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice. – John 13:38
i love John 13 and the perfect example of Jesus washing the disciples feet. He washed Judas feet the one who would betray Him. He still washed his feet. then you have the command in John 13:34-35 “So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.””
love those verses and just to be reminded of this command. that we should love one another. Just as Christ loves us.
“Where I am going you cannot follow me now, but you will follow afterward.” – John 13:36
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God is with us
The strength of Jesus’ resolve to do what he came to earth to do is just inspiring. How many of us will have as much composure before we die? What love for mankind this is!
So thankful He loves all of us- the “Peters” and the “Judas” of the world!
Ohh good observation! Never thought it like that before
They will know us by our love.
30Judas, with the piece of bread, left. It was night.
I find it interesting that Judas, in a sense, took Jesus with him when he left the table.
“By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.””
This hit me hard today. They will know we are his by our ability to love!!
Catching up
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Incredible ✨
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Love one another- all we need to go to be like Jesus
day 15 done! ❤️
I love the change of Jacob! Can you imagine the thoughts going through the disciples heads as Jesus washed their feet? I would like to know the thoughts of Judas. He followed Jesus for so long and then betrayed him. I wonder if he repented before taking his life, or if he never saw Jesus again. That’s so very sad to think about!
Jacob becoming Israel it’s just proof that God can turn something evil and something dark into something beautiful and good
John vs 38: “you have denied me” those 4 words penetrated my heart. Yes, in my silence, I have. Forgive me, Lord!
They will know us by our love ❤️
Not only my feet but all of me
Jacob reminds me that God always protects us. Justice when wronged.
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Our God is good! These verses are proof of that
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37Peter said to him, “Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” 38Jesus answered, “Will you lay down your life for me? Truly, truly, I say to you, the rooster will not crow till you have denied me three times.
I pray for a spirit of courage in laying down my life for the Lord. Lord, forgive me for the times that I have denied you by not speaking up and loving on the people around me by sharing your truth. Help me to be bold yet gentle as your scripture commands. Amen.
Done!
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Always striking the heel, wasn’t Jacob born holding Esau’s heel? Love this plan, catching up!
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
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“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. “ ❤️
Jesus Knew what was ahead and He kept going…..
Praying that Jesus will cleanse those parts of me that are dirty today.
And he loved them to the end. ❤️
Just a thought I had about Genesis chapter 32: God never forgets the promises he makes to us but sometimes we need to remind ourselves of those promises. God is faithful!
I love how Jesus “loved them till the end” and then at the end of this passage he reminds them to love others because then they will know that we are his disciple. He demonstrated through his life how we should live and follow him. May we walk with the Lord and follow his example.
I love the self-locating question Jacob is asked by God, “what is your name?” It’s so grounding and centering. Where are you in this season and what are you doing?
I also think John 13:34 is a reminder to us as children of God but also the world that we need to LOVE each other. Stop the judgement, gossip, and negativity. Jesus loves us until the very end and we need to live like him and love everyone just as he loves us.
1Before the Passover Festival, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.
49and Mizpah, for he said, “May the Lord watch between you and me when we are absent one from the other.
28He said, “Your name shall no longer be Jacob, but Israel; for you have striven with God and with men and have prevailed.”
34‘A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35‘By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Significant news: A new name for Jacob…Israel, a heap of rocks newly named Mizpah-God watch between you and me and a new commandment to love one another.
By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.
God’s goodness is overwhelming in John 13. Jesus did so much for us, and we denied and betrayed him. But he still calls us his own, his children, and love us.
“I am not worthy of the least of all the deeds of steadfast love and all the faithfulness that you have shown to your servant” (32:10). Jacob has changed in these years. He was saying, “You will be my God if you do what I want you to do”. Now he says, “I am not worthy of any of the good things, love, or faithfulness You have shown me”! He humbled himself before God, as each of us must do.
So John 13:27 states “As soon as Judas took the bread Satan entered into him”. Was Jesus just fulfilling the prophecy to come? I think of Jesus in the garden praying father not my will but yours be done. I couldn’t imagine knowing what must come. The unfailing love of Jesus to bare so much for us. I cry every time I think of his suffering. Thank you lord!
Totally confused about Jacob wrestling with an angel? Any insight?
It was God. Vs 38 states you will no longer be called Jacob but Israel because you have struggled with God and humans and overcome. Vs 30 it is because I saw God face to face , and yet my life was spared.
Also Jacob means schemer, swindler, trickster. And Israel means contender of God !!!
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34 “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” The greatest commandment!! -ellie
The Lord loved his own to the very end, and is still loving and interceding on our behalf as our high priest in heaven.
Day 15! ✔️❤️
It is so powerful that God knows one of his closest men, his disciple, will betray him, and another will deny him three times, yet he still preaches a message of love to the disciples and washes their feet. This kind of incredible love is the love I want to share with others, so they see God’s light shine through me.
“By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” ⬅️⬅️⬅️❤️❤️❤️❤️
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A new commandment i give to you… wow! I just got this!
I’ve read these stories over and over again and I am IN LOVE with God’s Word more and more each time. I literally feel for the people… I feel for Jacob. I feel for Rachel, Leah, I feel for the disciples. I have tears that come from the gut bc I know all these situations from my own life. Well you know not their specific situations but the spiritual issues.
Hi ladies, we have a discussion group on FB going through the daily readings. Look for “The Bible in a Year w/ SRT”. Would love for you to join us! It’ll be made private at the end of January.
Thank you so much. Just put in a join request. :-)
Me too!
Thank you! I joined!
15 ❤️
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Done❤️
The “new commandment” that Jesus gives would not have seemed new at first, I imagine since they grew up hearing, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart…. your neighbor as yourself.” But in just a few short hours they would discover that loving as Jesus did meant to lay down their very lives. It is such heavy and wondrous love, even to his enemies (he humbles himself and washes Judas’ feet as well. )
I’ve never noticed his command to love one another comes right after he reveals Judas’ intent to berry him to Peter and John. As though he is preparing his disciples to love and forgive Judas even in his betrayal.
Unconditional love
This was such a powerful reminder that God’s plans for us, while unknown are purposed and good. He calls us to RECEIVE Him and all the riches His kingdom offers, the sustaining love He freely gives. The word of the month for me has been receive, receive the love and provision that I’ve been calling on the Lord, being still, and waiting for. I’m in awe and wonder of Him.
7 Jesus answered him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.” This bit is such a good reminder that we may not always understand what God is doing, but that he will reveal it one day and it is all for our own good. We just have to trust him!
So true!
The last time that Jacob is asked “What is your name” he lies and he says “Esau” he lives up to his name, which means “deceiver”.
In Gen 32:27 when the man, or angle, or God (depending on your version) asks him the same question- he has to stop and really think. He has to admit “I am a deceiver.” And that’s when God blesses him.
In biblical days your name and your name meaning were the same thing. It wasn’t “my name is Jacob and that means deceiver” it was “my name is deceiver”
When God changed his name he changed it to Israel. Which means “Power from God, favor with men.”
The future blessing of Israel was birthed out of the death of Jacobs failure.
Sister, what verse does Jacob lie and say his name is Esau…? I’m not following you. From my reading, he says his name is Jacob. Then it’s changed to Israel. And then Jacob asked the angel what his name was and he didn’t tell him.
I believe she’s referring to Genesis 27:19 when Jacob deceives his father by taking his brother’s blessing.
I like this insight, SarahIrene. Thank you for sharing.
*SaraIrene
I think she is talking about when Isaac asks him his name before he receives a blessing from Him.
Such a great reminder that we are called to follow the example Jesus set for us while He was here on Earth
35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
A great reminder that I needed tonight.
Jacob wrestled with God and Jesus was led by God! Amazing how he saw Him fact to face and the disciples did too in today’s reading ! ❤️
What struck me in the OT passage was assigning names to places. These names indicated a promise and an expectation. God gives us new names when we become His children, and they demonstrate His promise to give us life, freedom, and hope in Jesus. Unfortunately, I often forget the name God gives me and instead listen to the world. What names are you listening to?
That is so good!
Love One Another. I love that
Love one another. How simple yet how often I find myself needing this reminder! Just what I needed today today.reminder.reoneyreminder!
My phone was giving me trouble! Sorry for the typos
So thankful for the living and active Word of God, that it will accomplish what He means for it to accomplish, no matter how hard our hearts! Thankful that we have a Jacob-wrestling God who doesn’t give up on us and Whose loving kindness never runs out!
34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. I feel like a lot of us are slacking on doing just this. Love. It is so powerful and important we need to remember to love everyone, not just our family but our enmities to. That would make the world a better place.
I agree. The world needs more love
23 One of them, the disciple whom Jesus loved, was reclining next to him.
My pastor gave a sermon on this exact verse today. God works in mysterious ways.
Thanks @mommynightowl
What exactly was meant by Jacob wrestling? Why did it happen and why did he hurt Jacobs hip? I was confused.
My bible said the man was God and He came in that form so that Jacob could actually physically wrestle with Him. It says Jacob has struggled all his life to prevail, but it is showing him it is God e must “wrestle” with, now Esau or anyone else.
And it says He touched the socket of Jacobs hip because even though he could physically wrestle with God, God could disable him at will.
I paraphrased a lot of that. I have the NIV study bible and all that was in my notes. I hope that helps and that you even see it.
As I was reading this yesterday I became increasingly upset at how God was blessing Jacob. It seemed that he was being blessed in all these different situations. Really?! The same Jacob that took Esau’s birth right? The same Jacob that tricked his father into giving him his brothers blessing? Yep! The same Jacob. Why was he being blessed? And then the Holy Spirit hit me… am I not the same as Jacob? I need more than one hand to couldn’t all the times I have messed up but hasn’t God blessed me? Today I am thankful for God’s grace and mercy!
Powerful, huh? After all we have done, do, and will do, He still blesses us!
Wow that is amazing!!
Wow what a great way to look at it! So so so grateful for His mercy!!
” A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” -John 13:34
God knows I needed to read this again. My heart is convicted. Too often I get caught up in “what love is in my eyes,” casting that expectation on the people closet to me & reminding them when they fall short of it. Truly it’s I who fail to show them Love every.single.day.
I need to practice loving them the way God loves me, I need to be an example.
This spoke truth to me today. Thank you, Ariel
Why did Jesus dip the bread? And why did Judas take it? Did he know satan would enter him?
He dipped the bread to represent his body and blood
Hope that helps :)
Judas took it as he knew he was going to betray Jesus already
No, he didn’t know Satan would enter him. Only God knew that
Haha I love how Rachel uses her period as an excuse to not get up and have her bag searched, not much has changed!!
I saw that also, and chuckled the same… The Bible is not boring for sure. :))
lol!!
Love it!
Lol!!
Haha, I know, I DIED laughing when I read that. God has a sense of humor for sure.
I don’t think her dad would of killed her anyway, he would probably just take her back.
God looks at us through our righteous in Christ He doesn’t see us as our human selves with many flaws. We are justified because of Christ’s shed blood at Calvary! Every aspect of our heart is what He sees not our outward appearances (1 Samuel 16:7)
The thing that amazes and humbles me is even though many of the characters from the bible are deceitful and don’t always follow God or trust God with their whole heart God still credits them with righteousness. Which is humbling and wonderful for me because daily I mess up and my many small slip ups and major slip ups are not enough to be removed from God!
Yes! I’ve been reflecting on the same thing.
Betrayed by Laban. Pursued by his raging brothers footsteps. Yet Jacob says: Gen 32:10. I am not worthy of all this Kindness. Oh God! What a response. And Gen 32:26 – won’t let you go, God!
This stuck out to me too! (Genesis 32:10) what an amazing attitude of the heart and prayer!
‘By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
What a small way to show the love of Christ and also minister to others, just by loving each other!
I found this point striking “If the God of my father, the God of Abraham and the Fear of Isaac…” Jacob was not walking with God like his grandfather Abraham, nor his father…yet he saw how his family honored God. Many times we forget that others are watching our walk… Good perspective to keep in mind, especially when this walk seems so alone. Sometimes we can feel defeated, and wonder if it really makes a difference…
So true! And I love how he names God, the Fear of Isaac. Powerful.
Jacob seems to have changed in the 20 years since he has been gone. When he went away he had obtained a blessing from his father in arrogance and deceit. Now he begs God to bless him. He calls upon God to continue His faithful provision and protection. In v10 he sys that he is “unworthy of all the lovingkindness and of all the faithfulness which [God has] shown to [him]”. And God responds positively to his prayer. What is the NT verse, “God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble”? Something I definitely need to learn
Praise the Lord and Amen Antimony! Jacob had a change of heart that’s the reason his name changed from Jacob to Israel…2 Corinthians 5:17
Perhaps working (and being tricked) by Laban has humbled Jacob to become the man God has always seen in him.
Thanks so much for the sweet words to keep me lifted up!!! May tonights serving food to the homeless be actual “washing of their feet” instead!!! Praise God in all my actions and may He get all the glory!!!
Today was a good day, finally! Christ is enough! I’m so excited for what’s coming for all of us!! Keep on reading and believing girls!!
Remember reading the other day that placing a hand under a thigh is a sign of promising or committing that something will be done? All of Jacob’s lineage has a history of being deceitful, and as God and Jacob fight, God dislocates Jacob’s hip. Then it later says that the people no longer eat thigh meat. I wonder if this has any symbolism with the hand under thigh promises and broken promises throughout Jacob’s heritage?
That would definitely seem to match up. Would you say it’s a way of God breaking that family curse?
Wow! Good insight Jennifer!! I agree Theresa! I think it is the breaking of a family curse!! Amazing! Gods Word is awesome!
Yeah I could see it as that! I read a commentary that said God did this to remind Jacob of what God did for him and his family. Another commentary noted this: “I think it was to show Jacob who he was really in conflict with. This whole time, Jacob is under the impression that his fight is with Esau and Laban. God is reminding Jacob, “Your fight is with Me.”” Read more at https://temporaryvisitors.wordpress.com/2010/03/15/jacob-wrestled-with-god/
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
-John 13:35
This verse is such a sweet reminder that our actions, deeds, and successes don’t necessarily exhibit our discipleship to Christ. Our love does. I pray that we all choose to love others well today!
Well said!
I’ve never really understood the significance of Jacob wrestling with God. God so rarely appears in human form (does he ever again in the Bible?), so why with Jacob? Why dislocate his hip?
I’ve always seen it as a spiritual “wrestling with God, in the wilderness”, symbolizing that God is with us, allowing us to question, wander, and wrestle, etc. the “limping” saints seem to know grace better. There’s of course more to be hashed out with that, but a quick thought.
Great way to look at it. Much to ponder on!
Christina, yes God appeared several times in the Bible as a human, for example as one of the Angels that came to Abraham in Genesis before Sodom & Gomorrah was destroyed, etc…I think wrestle with God is spirit vs flesh that Paul speaks about in Romans 7:14-21. This is a quick synopsis but it is way more in depth.
Christina, please check this link for dislocated hip http://biblehub.com/topical/t/thigh.htm
Hopefully it’ll help you because it’s hard for me to explain without writing a novel :)
On thing I have never noticed in this passage of John before is when Jesus gives the morsel to Judas it says “Satan went into him.” I don’t remember reading that before!
Me either. That stood out to me this round too! He was chosen to be the one to betray him to fulfill the scripture. Sheeez!
I stand corrected in my thoughts: V2 states that satan had already tempted Judas with betraying Jesus so it wasn’t just then that he was “chosen” to betray Him. I was misunderstood. But still… My first time noticing that “satan entered Judas” at that time too.
This is an interesting verse. Judas was a follower of Jesus but his heart did not trust Him as Lord. He had other things that were more important to him than Jesus-like money. Jesus could have softened his heart (it mentioned how it was not time for Him to be glorified yet and the people’s hearts were hardened) but allowed Satan to enter him. Hard to understand but necessary for God’s plan of Jesus to be glorified…
Me too! I was intrigued because I had never read that.
Can you imagine? “The one whom Jesus loved”.
Being betrayed by someone as close as a brother. But he knew all along, and he still loved Judas.
Ellie, I’ve always heard that in the book of John the phrase “the one whom Jesus loved” actually refers to the author, John. I think he’s saying that he’s the one who asked Jesus which disciple would betray Jesus.
There is just so much in both of these readings to ponder! What stood out to me in John, after Jesus pointed out Judas, there was the small sentence after Judas left. “And it was night.” The whole Gospel of John talks about the dark/light theme, and I found it interesting that he pointed out that it was night/dark when Judas left to do what he was going to do. It’s pretty obvious that it was the evening meal, so that little sentence wouldn’t be necessary…except for the emphasis that darkness can’t overcome light throughout the scripture yet Judas was entering into darkness. Gave me chills!
Wow, Leah, I didn’t even notice that sentence at first, but I love that! The Analogy of dark and light. I love that it’s included because we know there’s a purpose for anything that’s included.
What you said kind of just blew my mind! That’s cool!
Love that viewpoint!!!
Thanks for sharing, Leah! That’s a really cool connection that I totally missed.
I’ve never actually read through the OT books so this is a treat. I find it amazing and such powerful worship- how in the OT, naming things/ places and people were directly connected to God and His character or glory. Nowadays I don’t even think about what a name means, but a name was very meaningful back then.
Also, this is the 4th (?) time I’ve read John in a study, and still when I read this chapter, what scares me the most is when Satan entered Judas Iscariot after Jesus gave him the morsel. I think I forget that the Enemy is still ever present today, and how important it is to do spiritual battle with prayer and the Word. I don’t believe, nor see in Scripture that a believer could have Satan dwell in them- but we definitely have the arrows attack us, don’t we?
Wow…and in seeing how Peter has this fierce love for The Lord, only to be told that he will DENY the Lord, not once but THREE times! Personally, I don’t think I could have handled hearing that, sisters. Yet I ask myself, “How to I deny Christ in my everyday without even realizing it?”
This world has so many alluring things that keep us from focusing our everything on Him. We are fighting a battle (obviously)but praise God that He equips us and stays with us. He gives us the Holy Spirit. How amazing is that?!! This servant isn’t worthy, but He chose me anyway! Oh praise God that He doesn’t chose us based on our track record!
Great thoughts, Anne-Marie!
What I noticed however, is that in v2 it already says that Judas thinks about betraying Jesus. So he has already spent time thinking about how to do this, hopefully without Jesus noticing it. Now, Jesus confirms these thoughts and so Satan can easily enter.
I don’t think, that Satan can dwell in us as believers in Jesus, but we have to pay attention to our thoughts and to the people surrounding and influencing us.
We talked about this yesterday how Jesus said go and do what you must do. So it was Jesus removing his protection from judas then satan could enter! Food for thought
The act of Jesus washing their feet blew my mind when I really thought about it this morning. I’ve read that story so many times and it always is so nice because he’s so serving. But then I started thinking about the timing of this. Jesus was mere hours away from the most horrific, excruciating death. All of which he knew the details of. If that were me, I would not be able to focus on anything except for my fear, dread, and pleading with God to take this away from me. But his thoughts aren’t on this, they’re on humbling himself before his disciples so he can make the point about loving each other so that others will know they follow him. It just struck me so much that he chose to do this at that moment when so much had to have been on his heart and mind.
I agree! He was about to be THE sacrifice for sin once and for all. And He humbled himself and served his friends by washing their feet! The verse that said they were clean but needed to wash their feet made me think about how we are cleaned when we become believers and followers of Christ. But, we still need to “wash up” by confessing our sin and running to the cross daily to remain squeaky clean and polished (until we get to our eternal home where we will stay clean!). A picture of sanctification and the pursuit of holiness.
I have always been so humbled that Jesus so tenderly washed all of the disciples feet that they did not know who was going to betray Jesus. If I knew that someone was going to betray me I might not be as gentle or pass them by but Jesus he treated them equally with love that the disciples did not see any difference.
I never really paid much attention to this part of genesis before I heard someone describe Jacob’s second dream (the one about the goats in which God tells him to return to his home) as a parable to the way that sometimes we get so lost in the day to day that we forget the ways that God has called us and what he created us to be passionate about. Joseph’s first dream was powerful and about people ascending and descending from heaven which he had before he left home and then years later his second dream calls him to go back home to where he was not consumed by his goats and sheep, back to the place that God spoke powerfully to him and gave him visions.
I think it’s a good reminder that sometimes I can get caught up in daily life and forget the things God has called me to and sometimes we need to return to the place (even just mentally) where we felt God and knew his voice.
Jacob wrestling with God as man was always weird to me, but it kind of hit me this morning. Here, God comes to Jacob in a form that Jacob could wrestle with (and not be crushed), but he still reminds Jacob of his weakness. In reading the entire bible in a year, we are wrestling with God. God is far far beyond our compression, but He has come to us in a form that we can begin to wrestle with and understand- His Word. And each time we wrestle with His Word, He touches a different part of us to show us our weakness and His power. I pray that we are all like Jacob, and we do not let go until God has blessed us.
Nice analogy! May we truly wrestle and overcome. The news is full of hate and death. Help us to Truly “love one another.”
Even our enemies, Because you first loved us.
Love that thought. Thank you.
Beautiful thoughts! Thank you!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts! I also always found the wrestling odd, but your comment really resonated with me! :)
Thank you for sharing Sarah!!
And I just re-read my post and noticed a typo. Oops. Compression = comprehension
Thank you Sarah! I appreciate that point of view!
Powerful revelation!
Love the way you put this Sarah! Jacob walked with a limp after this- he was forever changed and the change was visible to the world! As I “wrestle” with God through reading His word this year I want to be changed and I want that change to be visible to all around me!!! Amen!!!
So true! Let us pursue and wrestle with the Truth! His Word does not return void!
Great insight!
amazing point!!! thank you for this!
Love that thought. I wrote it down in my journal! Thanks for sharing :)
Amen!
What stood out to me today is that even though Judas was to betray Jesus, his feet were washed as well. Oh that I could treat my “enemies” that way.
What a great reminder!
Goodness… that’s the truth isn’t it? I fail in this aspect daily. I will work harder now that I have this reference.
I never thought about that! How humbling.
I like the way you put that, Jess! “In the path of obedience (no matter how difficult ) My Savior leads the way!” It is so true!! I often remind myself and have consistently taught my children that God always ‘equips as He commands’!
As I read the genesis passages today I’m reminded that “none are good,not one” all man falls short of the glory of god. I want so badly for Jacob to be more upfront and honest, I want Rachel to be repentant for stealing from her father and not deceitful… But the truth is we all struggle with sin every day and it so often distracts from the good God is doing in spite of us. So I’m thankful to know that great biblical heroes were sinful like me and that God redeems them and their story and uses them for His glory.
May He do the same with me and mine.
Yes! That is what I was struck with today too. Over and over we see the people of the Bible fall short and it just further emphasizes the holiness and grace of God! I needed that reminder today.
Thank you for pointing that out! It’s so true and a great comfort.
Great point! I too am frustrated by the constant fighting and deceit we see in genesis, but as you point out, we as humans are the same way today. A good reminder.
Yes!
I love tracking the number of OT figures who answer God’s call with, “Here I am!” – hoping that I am able to answer the same way when God calls me.
Amen! Me too!
I feel that this is one of the strongest and most challenging chapters of John. Knowing what is going to happen to JESUS, and calm he is. So powerful.
That is really powerful!!! thank you for pointing out Christ’s demeanor in this!!! May I be more like Christ!
I LOVE reading Genesis because ppl plainly and without doubt love God and accept him without hesitation. It stinks stepping into our reality where so many things pull people away from God. It’s so nice getting into the bible and seeing how Heaven will be… Full of worship without hesitation
I love that too! Everyone is so trusting, and I think that I have a lot to learn from them.
Does anyone else notice that every time God commands someone in the Bible to do something, He always promises that He will be with them.
God knows, oh so well, the frailty and fear of human hearts. And so He reassures us time and time again of His constant love and presence. In the path of obedience (no matter how difficult) my Saviour leads all the way.
Amen ! I noticed that as well. He is always with us. His steadfast love is constant towards us
I love this so much! Like a song says: When fear surrounds us, he Has never failed, and He won’t start now. He is always with us, when we step out of our box, He is holding our hands as we do it.
encouraging to me as the arrive of my 3rd child is just around the corner… I am fighting off much anxiety and fear over what I have to endure and not knowing when I will endure it! The Lord is with me!!! I don’t need to fear!!!
“God already saw and blessed your birth.” My doula said this to me as my birth plan was going completely awry with my fourth son. It gave me so much peace. God’s plan is greater than my own. God bless you as you anxiously await your newest blessing!!
thank you Sarah!! I will be reminding myself of this for sure!!!
I’m in the same boat you are in! Waiting on number 2 to make his arrival. My verse for this pregnancy has been 2 Timothy 1:17 “for God did not give us a spirit of fear and timidity but of power, love, and self control”. It’s helped me remember in those moments of fear that God does not give us those feelings.. That’s the devil trying to rob me of my joy in this. I had a great easy pregnancy with my first but have had complications with this one. It frustrates me because I’m a doula and a personal trainer “and should know better” or at least know the answers. My midwife has been encouraging me in the same way God promises us.. She said He knows why you are going through this and is preparing you and your family for greater things through experiencing these things. As much as I liked being a naive first time mom with a peachy pregnancy, her words and the scripture allow me to rest in Gods truth and look forward to what’s to come.
Thank you for sharing!! That verse has been going through my mind as well!! As well as “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength” and “my grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in your weaknesses.” Sound like you are blessed with a great Midwife!! May the Lord bless you and the remainder of your pregnancy and the delivery of your second child!!
Just prayed for you Katie Psalm 3:3. and Isa 41:10. Hold fast sweet girl! You are about to witness Psalm 139.
Thank you Bev!!! What a blessing you sisters in Christ are!!! I loved reading through psalm 139… He sees me… He knows me… He knows and sees my baby!! Great encouragement!!! Thank you again sister!! blessings!!
remember: this is what God created your body for. it’s very design is blessed for the purpose of baring and birthing a child. a child is a gift from God himself.
Thank you for your encouragement! So easy to forget the simple truths of this!!
This is so good! A great reminder for me right now. Thank you for pointing this out!
I am a few days, but just because I am enjoying this part of Genesis so much! It is like an excellent novel! Praise God for filling me with his word and blessing me with this community.