Character studies

I would like to change my style and reflect briefly on some Bible characters. These stories from the past give us insights for today and for tomorrow.

Genesis 2:15-17

Adam was given a job to do – in the garden to work it and keep it.

   Adam was given a choice to make – to eat or not to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil

      Adam had a friendship to enjoy – Verse 9 – in the cool of the day, God called to the man “where are you?”

Adam made the wrong choice and we today live with the unpleasant consequences.

Genesis 6:12-14

Noah lived in a wicked, corrupt, violent, immoral society  -  ruined with no repentance

    Noah was given a command – ‘Make yourself an ark’ and he did.

        Noah received a promise. 9:12-13 A rainbow that promised the judgement was past and future clouds would bring showers of blessing.

Noah obeyed, and by God the judge , he was blessed forever

Genesis 15:1,5,6

Abraham was rich with gold and camels but had no children.

   Abraham was given a promise. Ch 15:15 ‘so shall your offspring be’ – impossible!

     Abraham believed God. – and God kept the promise and Isaac was born

Abraham thus became the friend of God, with whom God shared His secrets.

Genesis 25:26

Jacob was a cheat, a deceiver by nature

   Jacob was afraid of God Ch 28:16  Yet he was given a promise of blessing and  Jacob makes a vow of surrender

      Jacob is given a new name Ch 35:9 ‘Israel’ – a prince prevailing with God

From a bad start, with a wily nature and an unhelpful family, faith takes him through many difficulties to end his days , worshipping as he leant on his staff.

Ruth 1:4

Ruth was a Moabite – not a good history, no claims to God’s promises

   Ruth clung ,V14-17 , to Naomi, to Naomi people, to Naomi’s God

     Ruth was redeemed by Boaz Ch3.13 Wedded to Boaz Ch4,13 and  thus she became the great, great..................... great grandmother of Jesus.

One of the sweetest stories of God’s grace, in the Bible.

1 Samuel 16.11

David was despised as insignificant – keeping sheep

   David risked his life, Ch 17:34-37, for the name of God, and for others.

      David sang – prayers of anguish, songs of praise, psalms of adoration, songs of enduring intimacy with God  - Psalm 23

David chose God’s way, obeyed God’s command, Believed God’s promises, Trusted Gods loving-kindness, clung to the God of all grace!

What is your choice?

Will you obey?

  Will you believe God

    Will you surrender to God?

      Will you cling to God and His grace?

Can you truly sing “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want”