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Realizing the presence, promise, and power of the Kingdom of God.
The DEEP

A Student

Just a student.

Genesis 47:27–31 (ESV)

Thus Israel settled in the land of Egypt, in the land of Goshen. And they gained possessions in it, and were fruitful and multiplied greatly. And Jacob lived in the land of Egypt seventeen years. So the days of Jacob, the years of his life, were 147 years.

And when the time drew near that Israel must die, he called his son Joseph and said to him, “If now I have found favor in your sight, put your hand under my thigh and promise to deal kindly and truly with me. Do not bury me in Egypt, but let me lie with my fathers. Carry me out of Egypt and bury me in their burying place.” He answered, “I will do as you have said.” And he said, “Swear to me”; and he swore to him. Then Israel bowed himself upon the head of his bed.

Israel has walked the whole road – from snake to saint. He has seen his favorite son lost and seen him reappear. He has watched Joseph’s older brothers go from murderers to penitents.

Now he comes to the end and he’s focused like a laser beam on the covenant. He knows where his true home is and he insists on being buried there. He doesn’t say “please” with this one; he exacts a pledge.

Jacob wasn’t particularly faithful to God; God was faithful to Jacob. Over the decades the LORD taught Jacob, often painfully, what it means to be a man of God. To Jacob’s credit, he didn’t resist or ignore the lessons.

He wasn’t a great student, but he didn’t sleep through class either.


It’s the same with us. God knows He’s teaching sinners. We don’t start out as saints; we’re saints in training. We’re merely expected to stay in school. That seems like a pretty low standard, but it’s amazing how many Christians struggle with it.

Please pray for your church’s role as a school. Usually when I ask for this prayer I’m referring to the children’s Sunday School program, but not this time. We need to shepherd all kinds of Christians, new as well as mature. We need to offer a range of things to stimulate the congregation (and the whole community) to advance in Christ. It’s a big job.

Please also pray for your church’s leaders. They’re tasked with developing the vision and the programs to help people grow. Ask God to direct them. Pray that they will listen well to his leading.

Also, ask the Lord to raise up good teachers and good programs. There are lots of great things available nowadays. Videos and on line courses are everywhere. We have choices.

Lastly, ask God to inspire us to be more intentional about growing in Christ. This could get as serious as, say, a Hebrew class on Wednesday nights. Of course, that’s not a specific suggestion; it’s just food for thought.

I’ve seen it done though.


The weekly study guides, which include discussion questions, are available for download here:

https://www.ailbe.org/resources/itemlist/category/91-deep-studies

Mike Slay

As a mathematician, inventor, and ruling elder in the Presbyterian Church in America, Mike Slay brings an analytical, conversational, and even whimsical approach to the daily study of God's Word.

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