Let's read the Bible together in the next year. Today our passages are Genesis 31:17–32:12; Matthew 10:26–11:6; Psalm 13:1-6; and Proverbs 3:16-18. The readings are the Contemporary English Version.
Genesis 31:17-32:12 (Contemporary English Version)
17Then Jacob, his wives, and his children got on camels and left 18for the home of his father Isaac in Canaan. Jacob took all of the flocks, herds, and other property that he had gotten in northern Syria. [a] 19Before Rachel left, she stole the household idols [b] while Laban was out shearing his sheep. 20Jacob tricked Laban the Aramean [c] by not saying that he intended to leave. 21When Jacob crossed the Euphrates River and headed for the hill country of Gilead, he took with him everything he owned.
Laban Catches Up with Jacob
22Three days later Laban found out that Jacob had gone. 23So he took some of his relatives along and chased after Jacob for seven days, before catching up with him in the hill country of Gilead. 24But God appeared to Laban in a dream that night and warned, "Don't say a word to Jacob. Don't make a threat or a promise." 25Jacob had set up camp in the hill country of Gilead, when Laban and his relatives came and set up camp in another part of the hill country. Laban went to Jacob 26and said:
Look what you've done! You've tricked me and run off with my daughters like a kidnapper. 27Why did you sneak away without telling me? I would have given you a going-away party with singing and with music on tambourines and harps. 28You didn't even give me a chance to kiss my own grandchildren and daughters good-by. That was really foolish. 29I could easily hurt you, but the God your father worshiped has warned me not to make any threats or promises.
30I can understand why you were eager to return to your father, but why did you have to steal my idols?
31Jacob answered, "I left secretly because I was afraid you would take your daughters from me by force. 32If you find that any one of us has taken your idols, I'll have that person killed. Let your relatives be witnesses. Show me what belongs to you, and you can take it back." Jacob did not realize that Rachel had stolen the household idols.
33Laban searched the tents of Jacob, Leah, and the two servant women, [d] but did not find the idols. Then he started for Rachel's tent. 34She had already hidden them in the cushion she used as a saddle and was sitting on it. Laban searched everywhere and did not find them. 35Rachel said, "Father, please don't be angry with me for not getting up; I am having my period." Laban kept on searching, but still did not find the idols. 36Jacob became very angry and said to Laban:
What have I done wrong? Have I committed some crime? Is that why you hunted me down? 37After searching through everything I have, did you find anything of yours? If so, put it here, where your relatives and mine can see it. Then we can decide what to do.
38In all the twenty years that I've worked for you, not one of your sheep or goats has had a miscarriage, and I've never eaten even one of your rams. 39If a wild animal killed one of your sheep or goats, I paid for it myself. In fact, you demanded the full price, whether the animal was killed during the day or at night. [e] 40I sweated every day, and I couldn't sleep at night because of the cold. 41I had to work fourteen of these twenty long years to earn your two daughters and another six years to buy your sheep and goats. During that time you kept changing my wages. 42If the fearsome God [f] worshiped by Abraham and my father Isaac had not been on my side, you would have sent me away without a thing. But God saw my hard work, and he knew the trouble I was in, so he helped me. Then last night he told you how wrong you were.
Look what you've done! You've tricked me and run off with my daughters like a kidnapper. 27Why did you sneak away without telling me? I would have given you a going-away party with singing and with music on tambourines and harps. 28You didn't even give me a chance to kiss my own grandchildren and daughters good-by. That was really foolish. 29I could easily hurt you, but the God your father worshiped has warned me not to make any threats or promises.
30I can understand why you were eager to return to your father, but why did you have to steal my idols?
31Jacob answered, "I left secretly because I was afraid you would take your daughters from me by force. 32If you find that any one of us has taken your idols, I'll have that person killed. Let your relatives be witnesses. Show me what belongs to you, and you can take it back." Jacob did not realize that Rachel had stolen the household idols.
33Laban searched the tents of Jacob, Leah, and the two servant women, [d] but did not find the idols. Then he started for Rachel's tent. 34She had already hidden them in the cushion she used as a saddle and was sitting on it. Laban searched everywhere and did not find them. 35Rachel said, "Father, please don't be angry with me for not getting up; I am having my period." Laban kept on searching, but still did not find the idols. 36Jacob became very angry and said to Laban:
What have I done wrong? Have I committed some crime? Is that why you hunted me down? 37After searching through everything I have, did you find anything of yours? If so, put it here, where your relatives and mine can see it. Then we can decide what to do.
38In all the twenty years that I've worked for you, not one of your sheep or goats has had a miscarriage, and I've never eaten even one of your rams. 39If a wild animal killed one of your sheep or goats, I paid for it myself. In fact, you demanded the full price, whether the animal was killed during the day or at night. [e] 40I sweated every day, and I couldn't sleep at night because of the cold. 41I had to work fourteen of these twenty long years to earn your two daughters and another six years to buy your sheep and goats. During that time you kept changing my wages. 42If the fearsome God [f] worshiped by Abraham and my father Isaac had not been on my side, you would have sent me away without a thing. But God saw my hard work, and he knew the trouble I was in, so he helped me. Then last night he told you how wrong you were.
Jacob and Laban Make an Agreement
43Laban said to Jacob, "Leah and Rachel are my daughters, and their children belong to me. All these sheep you are taking are really mine too. In fact, everything you have belongs to me. But there is nothing I can do to keep my daughters and their children. 44So I am ready to make an agreement with you, and we will pile up some large rocks here to remind us of the agreement." 45After Jacob had set up a large rock, 46he told his men to get some more rocks and pile them up next to it. Then Jacob and Laban ate a meal together beside the rocks. 47Laban named the pile of rocks Jegar Sahadutha. [g] But Jacob named it Galeed. [h] 48Laban said to Jacob, "This pile of rocks will remind us of our agreement." That's why the place was named Galeed. 49Laban also said, "This pile of rocks means that the LORD will watch us both while we are apart from each other." So the place was also named Mizpah. [i] 50Then Laban said:
If you mistreat my daughters or marry other women, I may not know about it, but remember, God is watching us! 51-52Both this pile of rocks and this large rock have been set up between us as a reminder. I must never go beyond them to attack you, and you must never go beyond them to attack me. 53My father Nahor, your grandfather Abraham, and their ancestors all worshiped the same God, and he will make sure that we each keep the agreement.
Then Jacob made a promise in the name of the fearsome God [j] his father Isaac had worshiped. 54Jacob killed an animal and offered it as a sacrifice there on the mountain, and he invited his men to eat with him. After the meal they spent the night on the mountain. 55Early the next morning, Laban kissed his daughters and his grandchildren good-by, then he left to go back home.
If you mistreat my daughters or marry other women, I may not know about it, but remember, God is watching us! 51-52Both this pile of rocks and this large rock have been set up between us as a reminder. I must never go beyond them to attack you, and you must never go beyond them to attack me. 53My father Nahor, your grandfather Abraham, and their ancestors all worshiped the same God, and he will make sure that we each keep the agreement.
Then Jacob made a promise in the name of the fearsome God [j] his father Isaac had worshiped. 54Jacob killed an animal and offered it as a sacrifice there on the mountain, and he invited his men to eat with him. After the meal they spent the night on the mountain. 55Early the next morning, Laban kissed his daughters and his grandchildren good-by, then he left to go back home.
Genesis 32
Jacob Gets Ready To Meet Esau
1As Jacob was on his way back home, some of God's angels came and met him. 2When Jacob saw them, he said, "This is God's camp." So he named the place Mahanaim. [k] 3Jacob sent messengers on ahead to Esau, who lived in the land of Seir, also known as Edom. 4Jacob told them to say to Esau, "Master, I am your servant! I have lived with Laban all this time, 5and now I own cattle, donkeys, and sheep, as well as many slaves. Master, I am sending these messengers in the hope that you will be kind to me." 6When the messengers returned, they told Jacob, "We went to your brother Esau, and now he is heading this way with four hundred men."
7Jacob was so frightened that he divided his people, sheep, cattle, and camels into two groups. 8He thought, "If Esau attacks one group, perhaps the other can escape."
9Then Jacob prayed:
You, LORD, are the God who was worshiped by my grandfather Abraham and by my father Isaac. You told me to return home to my family, and you promised to be with me and make me successful. 10I don't deserve all the good things you have done for me, your servant. When I first crossed the Jordan, I had only my walking stick, but now I have two large groups of people and animals. 11Please rescue me from my brother. I am afraid he will come and attack not only me, but my wives and children as well. 12But you have promised that I would be a success and that someday it will be as hard to count my descendants as it is to count the stars in the sky.
Footnotes:- Genesis 31:18 northern Syria: See the note at 24.10.
- Genesis 31:19 household idols: These were thought to protect the household from danger. It is also possible that the person who had them would inherit the family property.
- Genesis 31:20 the Aramean: Meaning someone from northern Syria (see the note at 24.10).
- Genesis 31:33 two servant women: Bilhah and Zilpah (see 30.4,9).
- Genesis 31:39 you demanded. . . night: A shepherd was not responsible for sheep and goats killed by wild animals, if the shepherd could supply proof of how they were killed.
- Genesis 31:42 fearsome God: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text.
- Genesis 31:47 Jegar Sahadutha: In Aramaic "Jegar Sahadutha" means "a pile of rocks to remind us."
- Genesis 31:47 Galeed: In Hebrew "Galeed" means "a pile of rocks to remind us."
- Genesis 31:49 Mizpah: In Hebrew "Mizpah" sounds like "a place from which to watch."
- Genesis 31:53 fearsome God: See the note at 31.42.
- Genesis 32:2 Mahanaim: In Hebrew "Mahanaim" means "two camps."
7Jacob was so frightened that he divided his people, sheep, cattle, and camels into two groups. 8He thought, "If Esau attacks one group, perhaps the other can escape."
9Then Jacob prayed:
You, LORD, are the God who was worshiped by my grandfather Abraham and by my father Isaac. You told me to return home to my family, and you promised to be with me and make me successful. 10I don't deserve all the good things you have done for me, your servant. When I first crossed the Jordan, I had only my walking stick, but now I have two large groups of people and animals. 11Please rescue me from my brother. I am afraid he will come and attack not only me, but my wives and children as well. 12But you have promised that I would be a success and that someday it will be as hard to count my descendants as it is to count the stars in the sky.
Footnotes:
- Genesis 31:18 northern Syria: See the note at 24.10.
- Genesis 31:19 household idols: These were thought to protect the household from danger. It is also possible that the person who had them would inherit the family property.
- Genesis 31:20 the Aramean: Meaning someone from northern Syria (see the note at 24.10).
- Genesis 31:33 two servant women: Bilhah and Zilpah (see 30.4,9).
- Genesis 31:39 you demanded. . . night: A shepherd was not responsible for sheep and goats killed by wild animals, if the shepherd could supply proof of how they were killed.
- Genesis 31:42 fearsome God: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text.
- Genesis 31:47 Jegar Sahadutha: In Aramaic "Jegar Sahadutha" means "a pile of rocks to remind us."
- Genesis 31:47 Galeed: In Hebrew "Galeed" means "a pile of rocks to remind us."
- Genesis 31:49 Mizpah: In Hebrew "Mizpah" sounds like "a place from which to watch."
- Genesis 31:53 fearsome God: See the note at 31.42.
- Genesis 32:2 Mahanaim: In Hebrew "Mahanaim" means "two camps."
Matthew 10:26-11:6 (Contemporary English Version)
The One To Fear
(Luke 12.2-7)
26Don't be afraid of anyone! Everything that is hidden will be found out, and every secret will be known. 27Whatever I say to you in the dark, you must tell in the light. And you must announce from the housetops whatever I have whispered to you. 28Don't be afraid of people. They can kill you, but they cannot harm your soul. Instead, you should fear God who can destroy both your body and your soul in hell. 29Aren't two sparrows sold for only a penny? But your Father knows when any one of them falls to the ground. 30Even the hairs on your head are counted. 31So don't be afraid! You are worth much more than many sparrows.
Telling Others about Christ
(Luke 12.8,9)
32If you tell others that you belong to me, I will tell my Father in heaven that you are my followers. 33But if you reject me, I will tell my Father in heaven that you don't belong to me.
Not Peace, but Trouble
(Luke 12.51-53; 14.26,27)
34Don't think that I came to bring peace to the earth! I came to bring trouble, not peace. 35I came to turn sons against their fathers, daughters against their mothers, and daughters-in-law against their mothers-in-law. 36Your worst enemies will be in your own family. 37If you love your father or mother or even your sons and daughters more than me, you are not fit to be my disciples. 38And unless you are willing to take up your cross and come with me, you are not fit to be my disciples. 39If you try to save your life, you will lose it. But if you give it up for me, you will surely find it.
Rewards
(Mark 9.41)
40Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me. And anyone who welcomes me also welcomes the one who sent me. 41Anyone who welcomes a prophet, just because that person is a prophet, will be given the same reward as a prophet. Anyone who welcomes a good person, just because that person is good, will be given the same reward as a good person. 42And anyone who gives one of my most humble followers a cup of cool water, just because that person is my follower, will surely be rewarded.
Matthew 11
John the Baptist
(Luke 7.18-35)
1After Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he left and began teaching and preaching in the towns. [a]2John was in prison when he heard what Christ was doing. So John sent some of his followers 3to ask Jesus, "Are you the one we should be looking for? Or must we wait for someone else?" 4Jesus answered, "Go and tell John what you have heard and seen. 5The blind are now able to see, and the lame can walk. People with leprosy [b] are being healed, and the deaf can hear. The dead are raised to life, and the poor are hearing the good news. 6God will bless everyone who doesn't reject me because of what I do." Footnotes:- Matthew 11:1 the towns: The Greek text has "their towns," whichmay refer to the towns of Galilee or to the towns where Jesus' disciples had lived.
- Matthew 11:5 leprosy: See the note at 8.2.
Footnotes:
- Matthew 11:1 the towns: The Greek text has "their towns," whichmay refer to the towns of Galilee or to the towns where Jesus' disciples had lived.
- Matthew 11:5 leprosy: See the note at 8.2.
Psalm 13:1-6 (Contemporary English Version)
Psalm 13
(A psalm by David for the music leader.)
A Prayer for the LORD's Help
1How much longer, LORD, will you forget about me?
Will it be forever?
How long will you hide?
2How long must I be confused
and miserable all day?
How long will my enemies
keep beating me down?
3Please listen, LORD God,
and answer my prayers.
Make my eyes sparkle again,
or else I will fall
into the sleep of death.
4My enemies will say,
"Now we've won!"
They will be greatly pleased
when I am defeated.
5I trust your love,
and I feel like celebrating
because you rescued me.
6You have been good to me, LORD,
and I will sing about you.
Will it be forever?
How long will you hide?
2How long must I be confused
and miserable all day?
How long will my enemies
keep beating me down?
3Please listen, LORD God,
and answer my prayers.
Make my eyes sparkle again,
or else I will fall
into the sleep of death.
4My enemies will say,
"Now we've won!"
They will be greatly pleased
when I am defeated.
5I trust your love,
and I feel like celebrating
because you rescued me.
6You have been good to me, LORD,
and I will sing about you.
Proverbs 3:16-18 (Contemporary English Version)
16In her right hand
Wisdom holds a long life,
and in her left hand
are wealth and honor.
17Wisdom makes life pleasant
and leads us safely along.
18Wisdom is a life-giving tree,
the source of happiness
for all who hold on to her.
Wisdom holds a long life,
and in her left hand
are wealth and honor.
17Wisdom makes life pleasant
and leads us safely along.
18Wisdom is a life-giving tree,
the source of happiness
for all who hold on to her.
Thought for the Day
“Jesus told the people who had faith in him, 'If you keep on obeying what I have said, you truly are my disciples. You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.'” (John 8:31-32 - Contemporary English Version) Those who believe that Jesus is the truth will naturally want to do what he commands. And since he commands us to love one another as we've been loved, disciples will certainly use this attitude to shape their lives.
Quote for the Day
French socialist, politician, philosopher, economist and the founder of mutualist philosophy, Pierre-Joseph Proudhon, “When deeds speak, words are nothing.”
A Joke for Today
"I thought I told you to keep an eye on your cousin," the mother said. "Where is he?"
"Well," her son replied thoughtfully, "if he knows as much about canoeing as he thinks he does, he's out canoeing. If he knows as little as I think he does, he's out swimming."
A Prayer Request
As Christians, we can offer specific daily prayers for our community, nation and world. Below is the need that we're laying before God today.
That the racial, ethnic, religious, and political divisions within the United States be healed.
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