Generations

Generation

ISAIAH 15

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The burden against Moab.

Isaiah 15:1

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Understanding scripture often takes us understanding cultural and historical principles that aren't familiar to us today. I often don't take the time to dig into the richness of some of the cultural implications of scripture. What is pretty mind blowing, is that regardless of understanding the time appropriate information, the foundational principles are timeless.

Isn't God so cool?

What might be important to understand regarding the city of Moab (Genesis 19:30-38), is it is named after a son born to Lot out of a incestuous relationship with his daughter. I think it's clear of God's feeling toward Moab in this chapter, but God's judgement, His decision towards Moab is because of their sinful and wicked behavior.

The last time I shared, I wrote about getting comfortable with judgement. And likely this is going to be an ongoing theme I discuss since it's what God is currently teaching me. Webster defines judgement as the process of forming an opinion or evaluation by discerning and comparing. And in God's case it is an authoritative decision. I suspect one of the reasons we are so uncomfortable with judgement, is because we are so unsure if we are living right.

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For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me,but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.

Exodus 20: 5b-6

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As a woman, I have read the book of Ruth many times. It's one of the books named after a woman, which is awesome! God loves women! He loves His daughters. You are special to Him. I know we can feel conflicted at times when we read scripture about women. Which is another important reason we understand the cultural and historical meanings. God is eternal. He is timeless. His thoughts about any gender or race, are not based on historical context or social values of any given time. What God deems right or wrong, is outside of the context of time. I think it's an important understanding when we view God's judgement.

Ruth, is a Moabite. And though this chapter of Isaiah takes place after the account of Ruth, I think it's important we look at how God used Ruth (Matthew 1:1-17).

Ruth had a son. "And they called his name Obed. He is the father of Jesse, the father of David." Ruth 4:17b. Ruth is the great grandmother of King David. I don't want you to account this for anything short of spectacular. God is always looking to redeem our lives, so He receives glory! And I wonder, how often are we given the opportunity to see the 'real' glory? It's absolutely astounding that King David was born from the lineage of Ruth, but the most fantastic part is God chose that His own lineage, the lineage of His own begotten Son, the lineage of Jesus Christ would have Ruth a moabite woman amongst His heritage.

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Therefore know that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments;

Deuteronomy 7:9

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We will not hide them from their children,

Telling to the generation to come the praises of the Lord,

And His strength and His wonderful works that He has done.

That the generation to come might know them,

The children who would be born,

That they may arise and declare them to their children,

That they may set their hope in God,

And not forget the works of God,

But keep His commandments;

Psalm 78: 4, 6-7

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For the Lord is good;

His mercy is everlasting,

And His truth endures to all generations.

Psalm 100:5

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Remember His covenant forever,

The word which He commanded, for a thousand generations,

1 Chronicles 16:15

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God is so intricate, thoughtful, and detailed in all He does. I find it interesting that God didn't choose the lineage of Moses from which to bring forth His only begotten Son, but He chose Tamar, Rahab, and Ruth. I challenge you to go on this journey with God and get comfortable in His thoughts, decisions, and yes even His judgement toward you. It doesn't have to be scary, afterall "God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." He desires that we have a sound mind, one not persuaded by doubt, fear, or worry. Instead, that our thoughts, actions, and behaviors would be propelled by HIs vast love for us that extends to future generations, far beyond our comprehension. That we would respond out of great love toward our Father, instead of hiding from His judgement.

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Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Ephesians 3:20-21

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Prayer: I am so grateful for God's faithfulness from generation to generation. What an overwhelming goodness I can't begin to fathom. That God would extend His kindness, covenant, and mercies to a thousand generations to follow me- because I love Him. And yet He loved me first. To know God is to love God. How great are You Lord! I am stunned and yet cannot stop bringing to mind your countless and matchless beauty and kindness. I love You! Amen.