2 Samuel 22:21-31 - The Righteousness of David

2 Samuel 22:21-31

The Lord has treated me in accordance with my righteousness;

In accordance with the cleanliness of my hands He has repaid me.

For I have kept the ways of the Lord,

And have not acted wickedly against my God.

(verse 21-22)

Message: The Righteousness of David

Time: Second Samuel is set in the land of Israel during the reign of David and follows the course of his forty years as king of Israel (1011–971 BC). It chronicles the establishment of the Davidic dynasty and the expansion of Israel under God’s chosen leader. 

What the Lord is Saying: I continue to study this song of deliverance as the author of 2 Samuel describes it in verse 1 - “David spoke the words of this song to the Lord on the day that the Lord had saved him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul." Yesterday the words were directed to God on what he had done in delivering Saul from his enemies. It is all about what God has done for those he has called. The Lord is my refuge. I call upon him. The Lord of great power works and comes to me and rescued me. 

I studied this yesterday in great detail, looking up each line on this site: https://biblehub.com/study/2_samuel/22-2.htm and seeing what it said about the verse. I did this and yet at the same time there was a little disconnect because I have not experienced being victorious in a battle of flesh and blood and then coming out the victor. I appreciate the psalm or song. I resonate with the words. But their is a lofty-ness to them that is sort of unrelatable to me. 

David spends much time speaking of how great God is in rescuing David from his enemies. 

As I now turn to this section - verse 21 to 31 - I see how David responds to the Lord. It reminds me of Ephesians 2:8-10: “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.”

God gives us a great gift of being on our side. He extends to us grace. And then in response to saving us - extending the righteousness of His son to us so that we can be declared righteous by God - we then respond to God with works of righteousness. And with deeds of righteousness we see good outcomes and not so good outcomes. 

David here in these verses is responding to the Lord with works of righteousness. David has not been perfect by any means. He has had selfish moments - taking peoples lives and committing adultery — and yet this doesn’t disqualify him of any form of living righteous and seeing the fruit of that good behavior. 

When I live righteous and live a clean life (verse 21) keeping God’s ways (verse 22), not deviating from His commands (verse 23) keeping myself from wrongdoing (verse 24), God repays me according to my righteous living (verse 25). 

I have been studying Proverbs and Solomon contrasts living in a righteous way to living wicked and with each kind of living there are results and consequences or repayments. 

In Verses 26 - 27 David summarizes this about God - live in a way that honors God and be honored. 

Verse 28 reminds us that God saves His people. But for those that are not His will receive His wrath. 

Verse 29 — “For You are my lamp, Lord;
And the Lord illuminates my darkness” 

God has a covenant relationship between God and His people. He lights my way. God transforms me from darkness to light. Hope, deliverance, and God’s presence in times of trouble.  

Because of God my foes are defeated and weakened (verse 30). 

God is perfect.  He is blameless (verse 31). praise God for the refuge we have in Him. He protects those who trust in Him. 

Summary: David continues his song to God showing how his righteous living results in good outcomes. 

Promise. God promises to be faithful to faithful people. 

Prayer: Lord you have saved me. I see this Lord though at times I really don’t understand it that in your divine grace you choose me to be your representative on this earth. I think you for this life that you have given me. I am grateful for the riches of blessings that you provide, the entertainment choices, the beautiful scenery in nature that is pleasing to her eye, the joy of being with others, but also the joy of working in ways that you have gifted me, and seeing the good results of that labor. Keep teaching me how to honor you with good works and walk in those good works. You deliver me from sin. you are a great guide, and your power is known throughout this land, and I recognize it and see it. Help me to see it more. And help me to know how to extend it to others and extend your message of hope to others. Help me to be more vocal.

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

2 Samuel 20 - Sheba's Rebellion

2 Samuel 20

And David said to Abishai, "Now Sheba the son of Bichri will do us more harm than Absalom; take your lord's servants and pursue him, lest he find for himself fortified cities and escape from our sight."(verse 6)

Message: Sheba's Rebellion

Time: Second Samuel is set in the land of Israel during the reign of David and follows the course of his forty years as king of Israel (1011–971 BC). It chronicles the establishment of the Davidic dynasty and the expansion of Israel under God’s chosen leader. 

What the Lord is Saying: In the last lesson, David is heading towards Jerusalem, crossing the Jordan, bringing Chimham along but there is a rift between the tribes of Judah and Israel. Absalom his son tried to start a rebellion with a desire to take over the throne, but he was defeated and died in the process at the hands of Joab, David's commander, but Amasa is now the army commander. 

David is with Israeli people in Gilgal and verse 1 of Chapter 20 begins with a mention of "a worthless fellow...whose name was Sheba." Sheba is from the tribe of Benjamin, the tribe of Saul but he is rebellious. Sheba says that David's kingship is to be rejected. The northern tribes chose to follow Sheba while the Southern tribe of Judah stayed with David. There is continual unrest that people have and all they need often is someone to step up and lead a charge in the opposite direction. 

David mentions 10 concubines that had been public defiled by Absalom (2 Samuel 16:22). Absalom's actions made them untouchable to David. But he continued to care for them. 

David has Amasa bring together the men of Judah. David speaks to Abishai, a trusted military leader, and has him fortify the cities before Sheba reaches them. He takes David's bodyguards (Cherethites and Pelethites) to pursue Sheba. Joab and Amasa accompany them but Joab pulls out his dagger and approaches Amasa giving him the idea of affection, but stabs him instead, killing him. Joab clearly wants to be the one in charge and so gets Amasa out of the way. Everyone went on with Joab leading them. 

Sheba did have a following. Joab with the army approach Abel-beth-maacah to seek to cut off military supplies and breach the city walls, breaking the cities fortifications. A woman from the city, perhaps acting as a mediator, wants to speak with Joab. She appeals to Joab to resolve conflicts with wise counsel rather than violence. Joab responds that he wants to keep peace as well as a representative of David's kingdom. Joab makes it clear that if they hand over Sheba all will be satisfactory and no more conflict will be necessary. 

In response to this they cut off Sheba's head and hand it over. And Joab returned to Jerusalem. 

Upon the return the leaders are confirmed. Joab, the leader of the army. Benaiah son of Jehoiada, command over the Cherethites and Pelethites, who served as David's personal bodyguards, underscores his trusted position within the king's inner circle. Adoram, also known as Adoniram in other biblical passages, was a high-ranking official in King David's administration. Jehoshaphat, the son of Ahilud, served as the recorder or chronicler, a position of significant importance in the royal court. The recorder was responsible for maintaining official records, documenting events, and possibly advising the king. Sheva served as the royal scribe under King David. In ancient Israel, the role of a scribe was crucial for maintaining records, drafting official documents, and preserving sacred texts. Zadok and Abiathar served as priests during King David's reign, representing the religious leadership of Israel. Ira is identified as a Jairite, indicating his lineage from Jair, a descendant of Manasseh. This is a non-Levitical priest showing David's intent to integrate religious leadership in his governance. 

Summary: Sheba now rebels and the Northern Tribe, but Joab begins to cut off the supplies in a fortified city and a woman comes forward to mediate and Sheba's head is cut off and delivered to Joab.

Promise: Remain faithful to the Lord when His people and His kingdom seem to be under siege.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for these lessons. Mediation is sometimes necessary and we need to not be afraid to enter into these situations in order to prevent a greater problem in the future. Rebellion is common and I pray I would not be acting in rebellion and submit and surrender to those you have placed over me. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

Joshua 23 - An Exhortation to Faithfulness

Joshua 23

Be very firm, then, to keep and do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, so that you may not turn aside from it to the right hand or to the left (verse 6).

Message: An Exhortation to Faithfulness

Time: Joshua "Yahweh saves" led Israel, under God's command, to victorious conquest of the Promised Land. The book spans about 25 years, beginning about 1406 BC. The conquest of Canaan, numerous military campaigns and regathering of the nation are major components. 

What the Lord is Saying: Joshua is older now, advanced in years, and he calls all of the leaders of Israel together to speak to them. He speaks of the Lord God and all that God has done for them - fighting for them. Land has been provided for you. Possess it, but also be a people that will "Be very firm, then, to keep and do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, so that you may not turn aside from it to the right hand or to the left (verse 6)." God has gave these people a lot. He provided them land and rescued them from dangers and in return, the people owe them their life to follow his words throughout their lives. He provides, we respond. People owe it to him. 

He exhorts the people to not associate with the nations and their gods. They are not to serve them or bow down to them. And there is application today for me as well. We are to be a people about Him, loving God and serving Him. It seems like anything that is selfish or for me might be a god today. Entertainment at times I think can be a god, even watching basketball to no end or movies or listening to music. I guess I think of these as gods or idolatry if they start getting in the way of my relationship with God and serving him. The admonishment from Joshua was to not associate with them. But instead "you are to cling to the Lord your God." I like that word -- "cling." It gives an idea of hold on tight or grab a hold of. We cling because it says later, "the Lord your God is He who fights for you (verse 10)." And "love the Lord your God (v. 11)." Then Joshua gives a warning about clinging in the wrong sort of way. Do not go and cling to the nations, intermarry. When we do, the Lord is not near to us to fight for us. 

It seems people simply expect God to bless them no matter what and think they can live their lives however they want. And yet God seems clear here that what we need is to cling to him and serve him. The anger of the Lord is mentioned so it is real and we need to watch out from this anger and stay clear from it. 

Summary: Joshua tells the people as he is aging that they need to cling to the Lord and not serve other gods. God will keep fighting for us as we do this. 

Promise: Let us continue trusting the Lord this day, and let us encourage the generations that follow us to do the same.

Prayer: O God, you are rich in mercy. You provide for me and bless me in ways I cannot fathom. I don't give you enough credit. Thank you for the setting this land before me and giving it to me. You have been faithful to me. Now, help me to be faithful to you and live in a way that honors you. Forgive me for my sins and getting angry so often. Keep me focused on You o God, relying on You God at all times. Keep me far from idolatry and going after things that are not about You. I want to live in a way that leaves no question as to my allegiance to You. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

Joshua 21 - Our Promise-Keeping Lord

Joshua 21

Not one of the good promises which the Lord had made to the house of Israel failed; all came to pass. (Verse 45)

Message: Our Promise-Keeping Lord

Time: Joshua "Yahweh saves" led Israel, under God's command, to victorious conquest of the Promised Land. The book spans about 25 years, beginning about 1406 BC. The conquest of Canaan, numerous military campaigns and regathering of the nation are major components. 

What the Lord is Saying: This chapter marks a culmination of a promise made to Abraham centuries earlier - Genesis 12:1-9. In verses 6 and 7 it reads, "Now the Canaanite was then in the land. The Lord appeared to Abram and said, “To your descendants I will give this land.” And now in Joshua 21:45 it states, "Not one of the good promises which the Lord had made to the house of Israel failed; all came to pass." From the promise to the conclusion. Unfortunately, in a way, the way Israel gets the land is through domination and many people going to their deaths. God provides for his people Israel. Yet, we submit and surrender to God for his ways are not our ways. Israel would carry out God's commands. One people would receive His promise. One important lesson is that God is on the throne and we submit and surrender to His will. 

Levi did not receive the land provided to the tribes (of the 12 tribes, Joseph was separated into land for his two sons Ephraim and Manasseh). Levi instead ministered in the tabernacle and taught God's law and instead Levi was allotted cities as described in Joshua 21:1-40. Numbers 35:1-8 gives this promise of the cities to the Levites, also includes the cities of refuge spoken of in Joshua 20. 

Numbers 21:1-7 mentions how the Levites received their lands - receiving 13 cities from the tribe of Judah, Simeon, Benjamin; 10 cities from the tribe of Ephraim and Dan and half-tribe of Manasseh, 13 cities from the tribe of Issachar, Asher, Naphtali and half-tribe of Manasseh, 12 cities from tribe of Reuben, Gad, Zebulun. 

Joshua 21:43-45 is really an exciting passage. It is quite the culmination of hundreds of years. "The Lord gave Israel all the land he had sworn to give..." "And the Lord gave them rest on every side..." "Not one of the good promises...failed." God is faithful. He is our deliverer. He promises and carries those promises out. He provides rest to His people. And we celebrate the promise keeping God we have. 

Summary: God keeps his promises and comes through on all promises. He never fails and provides land for all the tribes of Israel, culminating here in cities given from each tribe to tribe of Levi. 

Promise: The Christian faith is founded on the promises of God. The Lord keeps His promises. 

Prayer: Praise God. Praise God for your faithfulness and providing land and cities to the tribes of Israel. You are a Great God and the one that never fails to deliver your promises. Only you are praised and adored and you receive all of our thanksgiving. You are faithful. You provide us rest and all that is good. You know what is best for us. The reality is not everyone yields your promises. You do indeed set aside your riches for those you choose. This is life. Forgive us Lord for writing a different way in life and not really understanding these truths. Let us be a people that is always submitting ourselves to You and You alone. And then may we be a people that carries out your tasks, protects people and looks forward to being united with You in heaven and earth for all eternity. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

Joshua 14 - Caleb Receives His Inheritance

Joshua 14

Nevertheless my brethren who went up with me made the heart of the people melt (become demoralized) with fear, but I (Caleb) followed the Lord my God fully. (v. 8) 

Message: Caleb Receives His Inheritance

Time: Joshua "Yahweh saves" led Israel, under God's command, to victorious conquest of the Promised Land. The book spans about 25 years, beginning about 1406 BC. The conquest of Canaan, numerous military campaigns and regathering of the nation are major components. 

What the Lord is Saying: Chapter 12 is a list of the kings that were defeated - describing land to the east and the west within Canaan that had been defeated. Not all of the land is mentioned as being conquered, but enough for the people to have success. Thus, the reason for chapter 13 and specifying the land not defeated. The promise for land remains though and is mentioned in Chapter 13. This chapter also references the tribe of Levi and how their inheritance is not land, but the Lord himself. To the majority of Israel is land, but to the tribe of Levi, not land. 

Now to Chapter 14:
1 - the land inherited (apportioned by Eleazar, Joshua)
2 - commanded through Moses

3 - not to the Levites

4 - the inheritance to 2 tribes (Manasseh and Ephraim) and half-tribe

5 - sons of Israel did as the Lord commanded Moses

6 - Now the sons of Judah - Caleb said

7 - Caleb was 40 when sent by Moses to spy out the land

8 - Many people melt with fear, but I followed the Lord fully

9 - Moses swore to me land as an inheritance because I followed

10 - The Lord has let me live now 45 years and I am now 85

11 - I am still strong now

12 - Give me this hill country before me now

13 - Joshua blessed Caleb and gave him the land of Hebron

14 - Because he followed the Lord God of Israel fully

15 - Hebron had rest now from war

Interesting verses. There is land inherited but not to the Levites. It seems 14:1-5 is a quick overview of this and the inheritance is detailed back in Chapter 13 verses 8-33. This was land not conquered or listed in Chapter 12. Thus, this land (east of the Jordan River) is still part of Israel and is recognized as being distributed to 2 1/2 tribes. With the land to the east distributed, now it is mentioned the land west of the Jordan River that had been conquered. To Caleb he received a specific land - Hebron. Why? Because he followed the Lord God fully for 45 years. 

The choice of Caleb is not clear. He was chosen to spy out the land by Moses. He wasn't the only one. Numbers 13 mentions someone from every tribe and Caleb is mentioned in verse 6, from the tribe of Judah. The difference with Caleb is someone that believed Moses and that the land would be conquered while the other spies did not. Numbers 13:20-21, "Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses and said, "We should by all means go up and take possession of it, for we shall surely overcome it." But the men who had gone up with him said, "We are not able to go up against the people, for they are too strong for us." Caleb believed and had confidence. And because of this Caleb and his faithfulness is chosen as the first to receive territory. 

I wonder if this is all foreshadowing the future reward of heaven. God chose people, the 12 tribes and promised them temporal land in Canaan. Promised to Moses but he did not fulfill in his lifetime, but instead given to Joshua, who still led by God was able to conquer. 

What I do know is I am to be like Caleb and believe God and trust in Him and do this to the fullest of my ability. 

Summary: Land is given to 2 and a half tribes east of the Jordan River. To the west, the first land allotted is to Caleb, a man who followed the Lord God fully. 

Promise: Everything we have comes from the hand of God. I am to believe God and trust in His promises. I owe everything to Him. 

Prayer: O God, I love the simple truth here, the simple obedience and the great reminder to know You God fully. Thank you for people like Caleb and so many others in my life. Like my mom. I thank you for her commitment and her faithfulness to follow You all the days of her life - fully. These are my mentors and those that I want to emulate. Thank you for your great promises and what is afforded to me in believing in You and living for you to the fullest. Lord, I pray that Your Spirit will continue to speak to me and give me wisdom and understanding. Help me to have confidence in You and to be an ambassador for you and stand up for You, like Caleb did, as a minority. It is wonderful to be in your presence and to be by Your side always from now to eternity. It is hard for me to fathom, but I trust You. 

 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

Romans 3:21-22a - Faithful Through The Ages

Romans 3:21-22a - But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe.

Message: Faithful Through The Ages

Time: The Apostle Paul wrote to the Romans from the Greek city of Corinth in AD 57, just three years after the 16 year old Nero had ascended to the throne as Emperor of Rome. Persecution of Christians wouldn't begin until AD 64. The church was experiencing times of relative peace. From where he wrote, Corinth, was a hotbed of sexual immorality and idol worship.

What the Lord is Saying:

As the title of this devotion declares, God has been faithful through the ages. The idea here is that throughout history God has called people to Himself and throughout history there has been one people called. As RC Sproul spoke about in his first message, My Faithful God from the series Living By Faith, we do not come to faith in God like we are leaping into something with no evidence. I have always been marveled at how the Mormons when they have shared with me focused so much on a feeling and they shared this verse from Moroni 10:3-4 telling me to ask God if it is not true and if you are sincere, then you will told it is true. But God shows us that our faith is not based on a feeling or no evidence (in fact, most of the evidence for LDS belief is very questionable). 

We have evidences in the natural world. One of my favorite passages is Romans 1:18-32 which shows how the world in which we live, the creation is constantly testifying of God. We can't look at all of this beauty without wondering how it came about. 

And we have a God in history that has shown mercy continually to His people. In my study of Genesis this past year with Bible Study Fellowship I have seen this. I have seen continually how God interceded on behalf of his people, giving them promises of blessing their descendants and it coming to pass. He shows His divine favor continually. He has shown me mercy. I shared at BSF about the hopelessness I felt early on in our marriage and finding little worth in my life for providing for my family and yet, He was with me and has carried me through this to where I am today.

We have evidences in the Bible of a chosen people. Throughout scripture He chooses the people of Israel, and then gives them many reminders of this through the Law and Commandments. We can see God's faithfulness in this and Paul reminds us of this continually in his letters that we are chosen by God. There are differences in people obviously throughout history, but it is clear that God has chosen people, not everyone. But, He has chosen certain ones. Often it is not by the way of the birth order but simply out of His great grace. God is faithful forevermore. 

And in today's passage is another example of how God chose us apart from our works. What a comfort to know that God isn't waiting for my righteousness. This is the way of the world. We do good continually to receive rewards, but with God, He chooses us and His righteousness is manifested apart from our doing of His Law.  But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested ...through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe. I can became righteous by faith. If my obedience merits Him, I get some or all of the glory, but if the righteousness of God is given to me simply by faith, then God is glorified. 

God did something new in the New Testament through Jesus. And yet God has been faithful in every age to His people: through a new Prophet (Deut. 18:15), a new Priest (Isa. 53), or a new King (Ezek. 37:24). It is actually easy to know Him and His purposes. He is faithful through the ages. 

Promise: God is faithful and this is why I study His Word, to understand His promises and what He has done, can do in my life and will do. I abandon my life to Him, not to receive gifts, but to receive Him and the prize of eternal life with Him. 

Prayer: O God, you are faithful. I praise you and glorify you for saving me. You showed me faith clearly. Thank you for not staring at my achievements and waiting for my faithfulness. In Christ as I abandon and surrender my life to You, You show yourself to me and to others. Thank you for the evidence of You and the presence of You in life. You have affected me and provided for me. You have given me a peace that surpasses all understanding. Thank you for choosing me. 

Question: What sort of evidence do you see in your life of God providing or rescuing you? 

The Man Who Pioneered Faith - Abraham, The Friend of God, Charles Swindoll Bible Study Guide

The Man Who Pioneered Faith

This Abraham study is about him being a friend of God. And it begins talking of Abram as being a pioneer of faith. His life was one of faith and simplicity. Colossians 2:6 -- Therefore as you have received (by faith) Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him (by faith). “Walk by faith, not by sight” the song goes. What does this look like? I trust Jesus Christ by faith. Faith is to trust or believe in God. This is simple and should be simple in our lives. Our lives begin in Christ with simplicity. 

I saw this text: Psalm 37:1-5: 

Do not fret because of evildoers,

Be not envious toward wrongdoers.

For they will wither quickly like the grass

And fade like the green herb.

Trust in the Lord and do good;

Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness.

Delight yourself in the Lord;

And He will give you the desires of your heart.

Commit your way to the Lord,

Trust also in Him, and He will do it.

Let my life be about faith and living by faith and cultivating a life of faithfulness. 

Prayer: Oh Lord, I got started today on a journey with you and Abraham and his life to better understand you and better understand my life with You. I pray that my life is lived by faith. Help this to transcend me and in turn, help me to encourage others - here at home, online, everywhere. But I want to live by faith. And I want to know what this means each day to live a life by faith. 

The point is made that ‘faith expands understanding.’ God gave Abram promises - 

Now the Lord said to Abram,

“Go forth from your country,

And from your relatives

And from your father’s house,

To the land which I will show you; 

And I will make you a great nation,

And I will bless you,

And make your name great;

And so you shall be a blessing;

And I will bless those who bless you,

And the one who curses you I will curse.

And in you all the families of the earth will be blessed.” [Genesis 12:1-3]

Abram followed God before the promises seemed attainable. He followed. He loved the promise of land, but he loved more the promise of an heir. He didn’t know how it would occur as Sarai was barren. He thought it might be his servant that would be the heir, but God corrected him and said it would be “one who shall come forth from your own body.”

Prayer: Lord, I do want to follow You first. Not follow then wait for rewards. Let’s face it, you have already given me so much. 

Children follow - with a simplicity. Jesus made mention of this - “unless you are converted and become like children, you shall not enter the kingdom of heaven.” Abraham (“father of a multitude”) and Sarah (“princess”) seem to have this type of faith - throughout their lives. They would have a son, Isaac (“he laughs”) after God promises to them. 

Q: In whom or in what are you placing your trust? 

• It is supposed to be ‘in God’ but it feels more likely that my trust wallows back and forth between wanting to be in God and more likely in His blessings. I wonder if that is the same thing. At times, it is, but am I only happy and content if I have what I need and want? If I am in want - am i still trusting? 

Q: And what kind of eternal dividend will that investment yield? 

• The eternal dividend of trust in God yields peace with God and life with Him. Heaven should not be a surprise but should echo the life I am living now toward God. 

The faith that Abraham displayed in offering his son as a burnt offering, only to be stopped by the angel of the Lord prior, is a faith that very few have duplicated. One is the appearance of an audible intercession by the Lord that I do not encounter today. The other is sometimes not feeling like I experience these kind of tests. But also Abraham, while following God, anticipated God to intercede - so he seemed to anticipate God interceding. 

Encoutering death is something Abraham did when Sarah died and then he prepared for his own death. 

Q: How would I respond if I was told I had very little time to live? 

• I would want my family to be prepared for my passing. To be ready to go on without me. 

Q: If this was my last day, how would I live it? 

• Saying goodbye to those I have loved and have loved me. 

The Life of Abraham - Genesis 11-25

11 - Terah is his Abram’s father; Abram takes Sarai as wife and they settle in Haran with Terah and Sarai

12:1-3 - Abrahamic Covenant - “a great nation, I will bless you, and all the families shall be blessed.” Abram departs from Haran (w/ Lot - his nephew) at age 75 - possibly in Southern Turkey and now Harran and arrives in Shechem - 14 hours drive south of Harran today; Lord “I will give you this land” and Abram built an altar, then he went to Mountain east of Bethel, then to Negev; then to Egypt.

12:11-20 Encounters Pharaoh and misleads him, saying Sarai (beautiful) is his sister, leading to the Lord striking plagues onto Pharaoh, and his men escorted them away; Pharaoh, tho he does not follow God knows the plagues are from God. 

13:1-14 - They leave Egypt (w/ Lot) to the Negev, b/w Bethel and AI - Lot and Abram each had lots of flocks, herds, tents and so they decide it is best to separate for the land cannot sustain them both - Lot goes east to Sodom (valley of Jordan); Abraham settled in Canaan

13:15-18 - Lord says, “Look, all that you see is for you and your descendants” and he went to Hebron and built an altar

14:1-12 - Lot is removed,  he and his possessions, from Sodom; Abram rescues Lot

14:17-24 king of Salem, Melchizedek, blesses Abram; Abram takes nothing in return

15:1-5 - Abram receives a message from God through a vision; Eliezer, his servant will not be his heir, but one born of him. Your descendants will be counted like the stars. 

15:6-11 - Abram believe in the Lord and He reckoned to him as righteousness

15:12-15 - Your descendants will be strangers, enslaved and oppressed 400 years, but God will judge the nation they serve and they will come out with many possessions; Abram will live a long life.

15:18 - Lord made a covenant with Abram - “i have given this land to your descandants”

16:2 - Sarai tells Abram to go into Hagar (maid) to obtain children, 10 years after living in Canaan

16:5 - strife exists now b/w Sarai and Hagar

16:9-12 - Angel says to Hagar, “Return to Sarai and submit to her and I will greatly multiple your descendants. Your child will be called Ishmael. He will live to the east.”

16:16 - Abram is 86

17:1 - Abram is 99

17:2-8 - The Lord gives covenants to Abram - “I will multiply you exceedingly” and “You shall be the father of a multitude of nations.” Your name is now Abraham which means father of a multitude. “I will make you exceedingly fruitful” and “I will make nations of you” and “kings shall come forth from you” and “everlasting covenant between Me and you and your descendants” and “I will give you and your descendants the land of Canaan” 

17:9-14 - The Lord says, “You shall keep My covenant”; “You shall be circumcised as a sign of the covenant” and this includes servants

17:15-27 - Sarai is now Sarah (princess) and I will give you a son by her and bless her and Abraham laughed as he wondered how this would happen to Sarah who is 90. Lord said, “his name will be Isaac and I will also establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant for his descendants after him.” Ishmael will be blessed and made fruitful and become the father of 12 princes. BUT, my covenant will be with Isaac. Then Abraham circumcised himself, and all in his household.  

18:1-15 - Three appear before Abraham, thought to be 2 men and the Lord and Abraham prepares food for them. They are looking for Sarah to tell her that a son will be born to her at this time next year. Sarah laughs at this and then denies it for “Is anything too difficult for the Lord” is what is said

18:16-33 - Abraham intercedes for the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah and with God he sort of bargains for the fate of those in the city stating that if there are 50, then 40, then 30, then 20, even 10 righteous ones in all the city, then all the city will be spared. Before this God said that he is going their to decide the fate of those in the City. 

19:1-29 - 2 angels come to Sodom, and Lot welcomes them into his home, but the men of the City want those men in order to have relations with them. Lot pleads with them to not act in this evil manner, even offering his virgin daughters, but they insist. The angels intercede and strike these wicked men with blindness and then ask Lot to gather him and his family to spare them for the Lord has sent these men to destroy this city because of its wickedness. The angels say to Lot and his family to escape to the mountain, but Lot bargains with them and asks instead to go to the town of Zoar. Fire and brimstone then fell on Sodom and Gomorrah. After being told to not look back, Lot’s wife does indeed look back, and became a pillar of salt. It is said that God remembered Abraham in allowing Lot and his family to live.

19:30-38 - Lot’s daughters think that there are no men left to have children so they get their father drunk and lie with him in order to preserve the family. The first born gives birth to Moab (father of Moabites) and the younger to Ben-ammi (father of the sons of Ammon).

20 - Abraham goes to land of Negev, then to Gerar where he comes up king Abimelech and once again says Sarah is his sister. The Lord spoke to Abimelech and he called Abraham wondering why he would say this to him. Abraham thought there was no fear of God in this place and would kill him. Following this Abimelech gave Abraham sheep, oxen, male and female servants. Previously, having been made barren Abimelech’s wife because of this incident, Abraham intereceds for Abimelech and his wife and maids now bore children. 

21 - 3 things happen in this chapter. First, the birth of Isaac is mentioned and Sarah laughs because she and Abraham have bore children at an old age. Second, she sees Hagar, the mother of the child that was bore with Abraham and she wants Hagar to leave, stating that the offspring blessing is now reserved for Isaac. But the Lord says that while Hagar needs to leave, her offspring will still be blessed. So she leaves. Third, a treat is made between Abimelech and Abraham. Abimelech is the leader of the army and a covenant between him and Abraham is established. There is an episode of his servants seizing water from a well, but Abraham provides an offering for this it would seem to provide a sign that all is well between he and Abimelech. 

22 - This is the story of the offering of Isaac whereby God calls thim to make this offering. He must journey several days to the place of the offering, taking his son, a donkey and servants, and wood. The son wonders what the sacrifice will be and Isaac assures him that an offering will be provided. He leaves the servants once he arrives at the place and just as he is ready to slaughter his own son, God intercedes and perhaps Abraham hears the lesson that was needed hear - that Abraham is willing to forsake all for following the Lord. Immediately, a ram instead is provided for the sacrifice and Abraham builds an altar saying, “God will provide” and remains living in Beersheba. At the end fo the chapter, the offsprings of Abraham’s brothers is mentioned. 

23 - This chapter is about the burial place for Sarah, who has died at the age of 127. Abraham mourns for her, but spends time picking a burial place that is then promised to Abraham as a burial place. It is a cave.

24 - Abraham tells his servant where they are to go to find a wife for Isaac. After a long journey, and wanting to make a right decision, Abraham’s servant says that upon a woman coming who says to him, “Let down your jar that I may drink” will be the one. Immediately, Rachel appears and provides her jug for the servant to drink from. Rebekah had a brother Laban who provides a place to rest for Abraham’s servant. Rachel is a daughter of one of Abraham’s brothers - Nahor. Nahor hesitates in letting Rebekah go back with the servant, asking for her to stay 10 days, but then asks Rebekah and she says it is fine, so Rebekah then leaves and arrives at home and upon seeing Isaac in the field they are immediately wed. 

25 - After Sarah’s passing, Abraham takes another wife, Keturah and has more children. Abraham lived to the age of 175. Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave that I believe Sarah was also. 

Can I identify some of the struggles that Abraham faced? What is going on in my life right now and what struggles am I facing? 

Abraham: The life and times of Abraham is from age 75 to 175. Much of that is written about Abraham isn’t necessarily what he experiences but what others experience around him (Lot, Sarah, his servant) and besides this God bestows on Abram great gifts and providence. I suppose Abraham is challenged to listen to God and do what he says in offering his son Isaac. He also can’t believe that he can enter a town without lying. So he struggles with lying at times. He also sees his friends struggling and intercedes for them (christians living in Sodom and Gomorrah). He also has a wife that tells him to do a sin and he goes along with it.  

Me: So far my Christian life has been from 14 to 52. In that time one of the big things I’ve struggled with is anger. And I’ve also noticed I struggle with feeling a need to please others. And also feeling like I am never doing enough. In my walk with God, I often struggle wondering what more I can do. I feel that like God has provided me with alot and I’m not sure I’m taking care of others the way I need to do; so like Abraham what am I doing with the gifts He provides. The Lord will provide and does provide. I know I do good things and people tell me so, but still I wonder.  

My Utmost for His Highest - November 14 - Discovering Divine Designs

I being in the way, the Lord led me.… — Genesis 24:27

We have to be so one with God that we do not continually need to ask for guidance. Sanctification means that we are made the children of God, and the natural life of a child is obedience — until he wishes to be disobedient, then instantly there is the intuitive jar. In the spiritual domain the intuitive jar is the monition of the Spirit of God. When He gives the check, we have to stop at once and be renewed in the spirit of our mind in order to make out what God’s will is. If we are born again of the Spirit of God, it is the abortion of piety to ask God to guide us here and there. “The Lord led me,” and on looking back we see the presence of an amazing design, which, if we are born of God, we will credit to God.

We can all see God in exceptional things, but it requires the culture of spiritual discipline to see God in every detail. Never allow that the haphazard is anything less than God’s appointed order, and be ready to discover the Divine designs any where.

Beware of making a fetish of consistency to your convictions instead of being devoted to God. “I shall never do that” — in all probability you will have to, if you are a saint. There never was a more inconsistent Being on this earth than Our Lord, but He was never inconsistent to His Father. The one consistency of the saint is not to a principle, but to the Divine life. It is the Divine life which continually makes more and more discoveries about the Divine mind. It is easier to be a fanatic than a faithful soul, because there is something amazingly humbling, particularly to our religious conceit, in being loyal to God.

My Thoughts

• The mark of a mature Christian is not having to ask God to be led as obedience is natural as I become a true child of God. Children obey. 
• I need to see God's divine design in all the details of life, not only the grand ones. 

Isaiah 55:10-11 - The Power and Infallibility of Scripture

Isaiah 55:10-11
10 10 “For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven,
And do not return there without watering the earth
And making it bear and sprout,
And furnishing seed to the sower and bread to the eater;
11 So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth;
It will not return to Me empty,
Without accomplishing what I desire,
And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.

Message: The Power and Infallibility of Scripture

Time: Isaiah prophesied from 739–681 BC to a nation that had turned a deaf ear to the Lord. He wanted to see the nation of Judah return to serving God with humility and love for their neighbors. But he was called to pronounce judgments to on a people offering meaningless sacrifices in the Temple and committing injustices throughout the nation. It provides the most prophetic picture of Jesus in the entire Old Testament.

What the Lord is Saying:

Scripture is God-breathed meaning that it is inspired by God and this means that He actually spoke through each writer and the words penned in Scripture are considered the words of God. Yet each Word still represents the personality of the author. Scripture speaks to man and provides him with everything that he needs in life. It serves as the foundation for every situation man may find himself in and it equips man for every good work. This Word completes man. Without, we are incomplete.

Scripture has the highest authority in life. I think many understand this and this is why interpreting scripture has become such a big deal and defines many religions today. But the Word of God is consistent. Scripture holds a greater authority than any man-made structure.

In these verses in Isaiah he records that Word will not return void. The Word of God has no chance of failing. It is 100% useful each time. This doesn't mean that every person achieves salvation because many hearts are hardened toward the Word of God and God. But even that hardening is complete. It is true that God loves the world, but the entire world does not accept the things of God. And God makes this clear in His word.

Isaiah 55 is an entire chapter chronicling the promises of God. It provides an invitation to the feast and the promise to Israel and then the preparation of the feast, namely repentance and the encouragement to it because of God's faithful promises. It makes mention that man can come to God and receive what He needs. What He needs most of all is to be restored to God. In verse 3 - Incline your ear and come to Me. Listen, that you may live; And I will make an everlasting covenant with you. God promises a promise to His people to be their God. He tells us to come to Him and this promise will be realized.

The wicked have the promise that God will restore them. Let the wicked forsake his way And the unrighteous man his thoughts; And let him return to the Lord, And He will have compassion on him. We are all fragile in our sin. We are all ashamed of our mistakes and the results those mistakes have on our lives. We know we are being disobedient. God makes it clear that if we forsake our way and admit our sin then the Lord will return to us and have compassion. When we are sorry, he forgives us. I think this is hard for us to accept many times because we are deep in our own thoughts of who we are and we think who we are is too great of a problem for God. But God then declares - My thoughts are not your thoughts,Nor are your ways My ways. Again, we are to trust for God's ways are not man's ways.

In all of these truths of God rescuing us, God restoring us, God declaring to us that we are loved and we are His as we come to Him, He makes it known that His word is complete. My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it. It will accomplish its purpose. People always want a visual of God, but God has given us a visual in His word. The written word provides us what we need, all that we need. It is complete.

Promise: While the Word of God is spoken to fallible humans it was spoken by an infallible God, so that it does not teach falsehood. It is either all right or all wrong, but there is no middle ground.

Prayer: Thank you Lord for the truth of Your Word and thank you that I can see you in this word. I can know about a person by reading words written by him. I do this throughout my life. I don't need pictures, but the words make a picture. You have given me all that I need, my need is simply to trust in You and trust that You are complete, and God's word is complete. I love discovering the Word because it often surprises me of the clarify of it when I read it. Like on Sunday at church, and studying a simple passage and how it comes alive and we all walk out of the service amazed of the clarity of the Word of God. It is because God we have met You and we have seen you and experienced You and know you better. We have received what we need. We thank you for this and how you speak through fallible men your perfect ways. You are great Lord, great indeed and we praise Your name.

Note: I follow the readings from the Tabletalk Magazine devotional, though I am a little behind and working through 2017 devotionals. 2017 is a study of key biblical doctrines with February being about the doctrine of revelation and the various aspects of the doctrine of Scripture that sola Scriptura seeks to preserve.

Psalm 101 - Godly Resolve

Psalm 101
¹ I will sing of lovingkindness and justice,
To You, O Lord, I will sing praises.
² I will give heed to the blameless way.
When will You come to me?
I will walk within my house in the integrity of my heart.
³ I will set no worthless thing before my eyes;
I hate the work of those who fall away;
It shall not fasten its grip on me.
⁴ A perverse heart shall depart from me;
I will know no evil.
⁵ Whoever secretly slanders his neighbor, him I will destroy;
No one who has a haughty look and an arrogant heart will I endure.

⁶ My eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me;
He who walks in a blameless way is the one who will minister to me.
⁷ He who practices deceit shall not dwell within my house;
He who speaks falsehood shall not maintain his position before me.
⁸ Every morning I will destroy all the wicked of the land,
So as to cut off from the city of the Lord all those who do iniquity.

Message: Godly Resolve

Time: The psalms were written by many different people across a period of a thousand years in Israel's history. They are thought to have been compiled and put together in their present form by some unknown editor shortly after the captivity ended about 537 B.C.

What the Lord is Saying: From Joseph Benson -

I will praise thee, O Lord, as for all thy other excellences, so particularly for those two royal perfections of mercy or lovingkindness and justice, or judgment, which thou hast so eminently discovered in the government of the world, and of thy people Israel; and I will make it my care to imitate thee, as in other things, so especially in these virtues, which are so necessary for the discharge of my trust, and the good government of thy and my people.

I will give heed to the blameless way — I will manage my affairs with wisdom and integrity; which are the two chief qualifications requisite for all men, and peculiarly necessary in princes, whose example is wont to have great influence on the morals of their people, and who can with no dignity nor consistency punish the crimes of others, if they be guilty of the same crimes themselves. When will you come to Me? — And be with me to assist me to execute this my purpose. I will walk within my house — I will conduct myself in my family and court, as well as in my public administration of the affairs of my kingdom, with the integrity of my heart — Sincerely intending and desiring to please and glorify God, and to set before the members of my family, and all my subjects, an example worthy of their imitation.  

I will set no worthless thing before mine eyes — If any ungodly or unjust thing be suggested to me, whatsoever specious pretenses it may be covered with, as some reason of state or worldly advantage, I will cast it out of my mind and thoughts with abhorrence, so far will I be from putting it in execution. I hate the work of those that fall away — From God, and from his laws. It shall not fasten its grip on me — I will neither imitate nor endure such works nor such workers.

A perverse heart — or a man of a corrupt mind and wicked life; shall depart from me — Shall be turned out of my court, lest he should infect the rest of my family, or be injurious, or an occasion of offence to my people. I will not know no evil — I will not own nor countenance such a one, but will keep all such at a distance.

Whoever secretly slanders his brother — Such as by secret and false information's, and accusations of others, seek to gain my favor, and to advance themselves by the ruin of others; him will I destroy — From my family and court. No one has a haughty look and an arrogant look — Those who think highly of themselves, and look down with contempt upon others, or treat them with insolence; or, whose insatiable covetousness and ambition make them study their own advancement more than the public good; will I endure — In my house nor among my servants.

My eyes shall be upon the faithful — I will endeavor to find out, and will favor and encourage, men of truth, justice, and integrity, men of religion and virtue, who will be faithful, first to God, and then to me and to my people; that they may dwell with me — or converse with me, in my house, and counsels, and public administrations. These he would use as his familiars and friends, employ them in the domestic services of his palace, and advance them to public offices and stations in his kingdom. He who walks in a blameless way — In the way of God’s precepts, which are pure and perfect; is the one who will minister to me — In domestic and public employments.
 
He who practices deceit — That uses any frauds or subtle artifice to deceive, abuse, or wrong any of my people; shall not dwell within my house — Though he may insinuate himself into my family, yet, as soon as he is discovered, he shall be turned out of it. He who speaks falsehood — Either to defend and excuse the guilty, or to betray the innocent; shall not maintain his position before me — I will certainly and immediately banish him from my presence.

Every morning I will early destroy all the wicked of the land— That is, all that are discovered and convicted; the law shall have its course against them; and incorrigible offenders shall suffer as it directs. So as to cut off from the city of the Lord all those who do iniquity — “I will use my utmost diligence to reform the whole nation; but especially the place of my peculiar residence, which ought to be an example to the rest of my kingdom: taking care that all offenders be severely punished in the courts of justice; and, if there be no other remedy, cutting off those evil members, who have got an incurable habit of acting wickedly.”  

Promise: Remember what Christ has done and be empowered by thankfulness to stand firm against sin.

Psalm 119:137-144 - Faithful Obedience

Psalm 119:137-144

¹³⁷ Righteous are you, O Lord,
    and right are your rules.
¹³⁸ You have appointed your testimonies in righteousness
    and in all faithfulness.
¹³⁹ My zeal consumes me,
    because my foes forget your words.
¹⁴⁰ Your promise is well tried,
    and your servant loves it.
¹⁴¹ I am small and despised,
    yet I do not forget your precepts.
¹⁴² Your righteousness is righteous forever,
    and your law is true.
¹⁴³ Trouble and anguish have found me out,
    but your commandments are my delight.
¹⁴⁴ Your testimonies are righteous forever;
    give me understanding that I may live.

Message: Faithful Obedience

Time: The psalms were written by many different people across a period of a thousand years in Israel's history. They are thought to have been compiled and put together in their present form by some unknown editor shortly after the captivity ended about 537 B.C.

What the Lord is Saying:  Righteous are you, O Lord, - in all the ways you are, you act correctly; you are above reproach; your ways dealings with man are correct and justified. Your ways are not like mine for you do life always correctly. and right are your rules. Your rules and commands are correct. They are always correct and true. You are Truth. The standard described in scripture are complete and true.

You have appointed your testimonies in righteousness and in all faithfulness - You have declared your people to do good works and to be about you. In saving your chosen ones, you intend for our lives to be marked by goodness, love, charity. Christ is in me, working through me, not because of any goodness that is found in me, a sinner, but because of your appointment of me living in righteousness and faithfulness. The reason I can be good is because of You.

My zeal consumes me, My ways consume me; I get distracted because my foes forget your words. the world lives in opposition to you. This nation has transgressed from being a Christian nation to a nation of relative living. 

But Your promise is well tried, your ways are well tested and your servant loves it. I love what is taught me through this testing in my life. 

I am small and despised, You are vast and respected, but on this earth, I am small and often despised; yet I do not forget your precepts. I stand by your words and power. 

Your righteousness is righteous forever, Your ways are not momentary, but long lasting. and your law is true. Your law is always true; it is not momentary, but eternal. 

Trouble and anguish have found me out, In my life, trouble and anxiety well up inside me all too often. They stake a place in me. But bring me back to you, to your words, your truth; but your commandments are my delight.

Your testimonies are righteous forever; Again, your ways are righteous forever, so give me understanding that I may live.

Promise: From Tabletalk - True persevering faith exhibits itself when we stand fast under trial. If we truly love the Word of God, then, like the author of Psalm 119, we will not abandon the Lord’s revelation when it is unpopular to keep His law.

Proverbs 5:15-20 - Standing Firm Against Adultery

Proverbs 5:15-20
¹⁵ Drink water from your own cistern and fresh water from your own well.
¹⁶ Should your springs be dispersed abroad, streams of water in the streets?
¹⁷ Let them be yours alone and not for strangers with you.
¹⁸ Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth.
¹⁹ As a loving hind and a graceful doe, let her breasts satisfy you at all times;
Be exhilarated always with her love.
²⁰ For why should you, my son, be exhilarated with an adulteress and embrace the bosom of a foreigner?

Message: Rejoice in your wife

Time: It seems that Proverbs was written and then compiled sometime between the tenth and sixth centuries B.C. Proverbs was probably written during the reign of Solomon, 971-931 B.C.

What the Lord is Saying:

In the previous 14 verses of Proverbs 5, Solomon gives clear warnings to his pupil regarding committing adultery. Between the two warnings are the points that (1) it is not how it may appear, and (2) it will yield a hard life both today and for eternity. 

Solomon continues the conversation here in these verses, but here talks about how we are to live, with this adultery in mind. It is true there can be application to other idolatrous passions in our lives but it is clear that this is talking about adultery and cheating on our wife, or the woman that God has given us. And it really goes without saying that marriage is sacred and these are passions that are not meant to be stirred prior to marriage and so adultery is viewed even as a warning that is presented in Song of Solomon as "do not arouse or awaken love before its proper time."

Only enjoy your wife
Verses 15-17 are the clear direction from Solomon that, the pupil, or son, is to keep in mind that his relationship with his wife and more specifically, the sensual relationship with his wife, is for his eyes only and to only be enjoyed by him and he is not to seek out anyone else for this enjoyment. It is not a sin to notice beauty or a beautiful person but to seek out after that person for further gazing and interest is a sin. Society knows that sex and beauty pulls people in and so this temptation is present in our world all the more. 

I've heard verse 15 mentioned several times and it is a verse I have loved reading in the Bible. It speaks clearly and reminds me that God is very concerned about my relationship with my wife and the importance of that relationship. Drink water from your own cistern and fresh water from your own well.

Adam Clarke (1760 or 1762 - 1832) was a British Methodist theologian and Biblical scholar. He wrote on this passage: Be satisfied with thy own wife; and let the wife see that she reverence her husband; and not tempt him by inattention or unkindness to seek elsewhere what he has a right to expect, but cannot find, at home. These are tough words especially to the wife to not tempt the husband to seek out attention and kindness from other sources.

Verse 16 says, Should your springs be dispersed abroad, streams of water in the streets? Your springs or fountains are the lawful husband and wife relationship. The streams are their offspring. Children can be dispersed abroad when they are grown up and carrying on with other lawful relationships.

Not roving passions 
My passions are to be for my wife and my wife alone. They are not to be for anyone else. Again, this is hard as the world presents itself too many temptations. But, this is not their problem, but really my problem. My satisfaction is to only come from my wife and I am to be satisfied with her. Let them be yours alone. My passion is not for anyone else. If a person goes into a relationship with other women and their is offspring then it becomes unclear who's offspring is what. The harlot has many partners, so how can you be sure what is yours; and not for strangers with you.

Know (only) your wife
There is clearly an intimate union present between a husband and wife. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful wife; the Spirit of God is in her and she submits to me and satisfies me completely. This testifies more clearly to me God's graces. My wife is to be mine completely and it pains me to think of days when I have had the idea that she is not sufficient. At times, early in my life, non-married life, I trained my mind to think that I could engage in mind harlotry. Oh how this is contrary to God's perfect plan. I am to be patient and wait for the wife of my youth. When she came she was everything I could have dreamed of and more. 

The hind and does were prized and petted upon for their beauty and affectionate dispositions. They are not rough and tough creatures, but delicate and graceful and so they should be treated as such. The husband is to treat his wife with dignity and not simply an object for his desire. There is a union present there that is firm. Her bosom or breasts are to charm him and satisfy him, not for all days, but at all times. It is possible that sickness and illness may come to the wife. The important thing here is the body of the wife is for the husband and meant to be his charm. I often have thought of a mainstream song by Backstreet Boys which says she is my safest place to hind. The wife is my refuge and my safe place. I am to be exhilarated always with her love.  

It is clear that it makes no sense to be exhilarated with an adulteress and embrace the bosom of a foreigner. Why should we seek after something that isn't kin to us and made for me? It makes no sense. 

Promise: Rejoice in the wife of my wife. She is everything that I need.