Explore the Bible Series

with Dr. Jim McCullen
You can contact Dr. James McCullen at: DRjim@preachhim.org

Make major life adjustments; remain faithful

Introduction: Have you ever taken a test to indicate stress levels in your life? Making adjustment in our lives will cause stress. Jacob and his sons were required to Make Major Life Adjustments just like most people today.

1. Make Major Life Adjustments Through The . . Plan Of God. 46:1-7

God appeared to Jacob in a vision and this makes the eighth time the Bible records such an appearance to him. One commentator tells of at least forty-four (44) total appearances of God in the Bible. The Lord called out to Jacob and he gave the same reply that Abraham gave when God called to him. Jacob heard the voice of God and by this time he must have been somewhat familiar with the message that God continued to affirm. God’s plan assures him of a safe trip and the promise to make him a great nation. He receives the message that his long lost son will, “put his hands on your eyes.” This is a promise that Joseph will be present when his father dies. Jacob heeded the plan of God as he took all of his family and possessions and went to meet Joseph. This move certainly caused them to Make Major Life Adjustments.

2. Make Major Life Adjustments Through The . . Preparations Of God. 46:28-30

Jacob made the decision to send his son, Judah, ahead of him to prepare the way for them to meet Joseph. Don’t you know Jacob was eager to see this son he thought was dead. Eagerness certainly motivated Joseph as he made the preparations to see his father. I would like to have seen that meeting! What a sight as a father and son meet after some 20 years. They had not seen or heard from one another in all that time. We must appreciate the fact that they hugged and wept for a long time. Jacob pronounced that he could now die since he knew this lost son was alive. But, he lived another 17 years.

3. Make Major Life Adjustments Through The . . Presentations Of Joseph.   47:7-12

A blessing by Jacob to Pharaoh seems unusual since he came to Egypt to get the necessities of life. His blessing may have included a salute, thanks, and a prayer for his welfare. It is interesting that included in the exchange of facts that Pharaoh asked Jacob about his age. Jacob seems to bemoan his hard life and that it has been shorter than his fathers. He lived another 17 years but even at 147 his life is shorter than Abraham’s 175 or Isaac’s 180. Joseph, following the command of Pharaoh, made sure his family and their dependants received the property, food and furnishings needed. Moving causes one to Make Major Life Adjustments, but finally settling in adds to the adjustment. This can be true even when the move is beneficial to you and your family. Amen? Amen! (For a more detailed outline, visit: http://www.preachhim.org/SundaySchoolIndex.html.)

Bible Studies for Life

with Dr. Andy Chambers
You can contact Dr. Chambers at CHAMBERS@mobap.edu

Be trustworthy; be ready to forgive

How do you build trust into a friendship? Consider the following principles from Jonathan and David’s friendship.

First, make a commitment (1 Sam. 18:1-4). Jonathan made a commitment to David and loved him dearly (v1). David stayed with King Saul, and that allowed their friendship to grow into a covenant (vv2-3). To show his commitment to the friendship Jonathan gave David his own fighting equipment (v4). Jonathan understood that a strong friendship depends on a strong commitment. How many relationships falter, because we will not remain committed to each other? We miss out on so much when we cut and run once misunderstandings and conflict occur. If you will trust the commitment and work through problems together, you will come through them more devoted to each other than ever.

Second, be loyal (1 Sam. 19:4-7). King Saul was jealous of David and saw him as a rival. Saul’s son Jonathan intervened on David’s behalf and spoke well of David to his father the king (v4). He called on his father to cease seeking David’s life (v5). He risked his father’s wrath in doing this. However, Saul listened to Jonathan, and David was restored (vv6-7). Jonathan was loyal, even when it could have cost him. Loyalty is in short supply in a culture that devalues faithfulness. Remain loyal to your friends, even when they come under attack. When someone goes after them, decide that they must get through you first. The world is looking for examples of devotion in people who do not turn away when things get rough. 

Third, be honest (1 Sam. 20:10-13). David’s life literally hung in the balance, because of the threats Saul made against him. He needed straight answers, even if the news was bad (v10). Jonathan promised David that he would bring him back if Saul was favorable toward him (vv11-12). If Saul still intended to harm David, Jonathan promised to send him away in peace (v13). What is amazing about Jonathan here is that he stood to lose much either way. Jonathan could have lied to David or double crossed him and justified it by saying that he should be the next king anyway. Yet, he was loyal. David knew Jonathan would tell him the truth, whatever it was. Friends are honest with each other, even when the truth is not easy to say or hear.

Fourth, be consistent (2 Sam. 20:16-17). Jonathan made another covenant, this time with the “house of David,” which meant they promised that their families would remain loyal to each other over time (v16). Jonathan promised to be consistent in his loyalty because he loved him (v17). These two friends promised that no matter what happened in the future, they would remain steadfast in their devotion to each other.

The friendship between these two men sets an example for everyone who seeks to build a deep level of trust in friendships. When you persist in your commitment, loyalty and honesty to each other, and when you are consistent in these things over time, you will build a level of trust in each other that pleases God and blesses you greatly.