The Patriarchs (Genesis 12-50)

By Surath Fernando

Abraham’s descendants in Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph follow in his footsteps through their faith in God. However, they all go through very different paths, with different weaknesses and redeeming traits.

Isaac was a loyal man. In a time where polygamy seemed the norm, he took one wife whom he loved dearly. However, his sin was to favour Esau over Jacob.

Whilst many of us are not at this stage of life, a father must always try to both love and accept his children equally. In this instance, this balance of love was lacking. And as often happens when there is a lack of balance, events conspire to equalize the scales. In this instance, Rebekah influencing Jacob to obtain Esau's blessings with trickery.

Jacob was someone who I found difficult to empathize with at the beginning. He was a trickster who lied and cheated into God’s blessings. And whilst he himself got tricked by Laban, he uses his wiles to obtain a great deal of Laban’s life stock.

In fact, it is only upon his return and his fight with God, that leaves him with a broken hip, does he appear to change his ways. Then he appears as the prodigal son. The takeaway for me here is how a very flawed character can be redeemed by God, not because of who he is, but rather because of who God is!

Joseph's story is what spoke the most to me. The man was clearly blessed by God and given the gift of wisdom and knowledge. When he was young, he used these gifts unwisely and incurred the wrath of his family.

At this point, I want to raise how we as people use our gifts without understanding the effects they have on others. I have been guilty of this in the past and am attempting to be more mindful of others.

But to Joseph's credit, despite his circumstances, he used his gifts and his strong work ethic to rise up the Egyptian ranks. But the key difference here is how he begins to acknowledge and recognize God’s influence in his success. He begins to glorify God through his success. This is not so apparent in the beginning. I feel this is what we need to do. To remember that the gifts and talents we have are but a reflection of God working through us. All we have to do is have a positive, hardworking, faith-filled attitude like Joseph.

The other thing I noticed about Joseph is how he starts off maintaining control of his emotions. He will go and hide instead of weeping openly. This is due to his title as an important person in Egypt. However, with time, he appears to surrender to his emotions. He is found weeping openly in front of his brothers and father.

We also live in a society where we control our emotions for fear of being seen as weak. But if we learn what these emotions are telling us, they can give us tremendous insight and power.

That's it from me. I have enjoyed the Patriarchs section. Joseph is my clear favourite. He is intelligent, wise, humble and a master strategist. He forgave and had trust in God’s plan. Through this, he was able to save all of Egypt and his people.

90-Day Bible Challenge: Reflections from the Patriachs (Genesis 12-50)

 On Abraham (Genesis 12-23)

One of my most favourite parts is when Abram trusted the Lord's plan even when he couldn’t see anything.

-        Pat P

I find Abraham's story quite interesting. Both Abram and Abraham mean father in Hebrew, yet he couldn't have children because his wife was barren. I'd think that during that time, not being able to have children was a shameful thing. Yet, Abraham didn't lose faith in the Lord and God found favour in him.

Imagine when it happens in our lives. When we couldn't get the person we love, when we couldn't get the job we want, when we couldn't get the results we want from uni. Can we still have faith like Abraham? Never leaving God and keep walking with Him? Believing that He will provide in the best time that He only knows?

Sometimes we are too afraid of society and their standards. I'm less than others because I'm 25 and still single. Sometimes I feel like finding a gf just because I don't want to be single and feel miserable. But Abraham's story reminds me that God doesn't work according to the society and its standards. He knows what's best for us and it might not be the same as others, or might be just different timing.  So rather than rushing and taking matters into our own hands, it's better to trust Him and follow His guidance. It might be hard and might take a while but faith is a battle and the only way to win is to persevere in God's way!

-        Mario WP

So many times while reading Abraham's story I kept feeling the strong instinct of self that we all feel when doing some of the things Abraham did, particularly with his son's sacrifice, it was a nail biter!

I remember all those times I’ve had those same thoughts and took the opportunity to try taking matters into my hands or to pray for an outcome I desired only for it to lead to a decision I regret making all because I did not trust like Abraham did.

-        Terence W

In the story of Abraham, we note that he is a desert nomad and head of a pastoral tribe. So Abraham and his tribe would move from one place to another looking for pasture.

If anyone has visited or lived in the Middle East, you will see that the land is largely rocky, barren and unforgiving. It's a tough place to live.

Given this difficult desert environment, I think it is not surprising that Abraham exhibits strong faith and determination. He was tested in the toughest of arenas. So when God called, it is not surprising he respond with faith in casting out Ishmael and offering Isaac.

The desert environment may also explain the reason for his exhibitions of kindness and hospitality. I mean, if I lived in such a harsh environment I would feel a sense of duty to provide hospitality to travellers or strangers who are moving through this unforgiving territory. This is exampled by his hospitality to the three angels, giving Lot first choice of land and his intercession for the people of Sodom.

How do we learn from Abraham's story? We don't live in the desert and have that to teach us and don't have to necessarily fend for our lives. However, we all have mosquitoes flying around us, challenging our faith in Gods will and His divine plan.

A strong faith is not something that happens overnight (unless you are very special). To expect anything more from ourselves will only lead to harmful and needless self-criticism.

Faith (as with most things) accumulates over time as we each travel on our journeys. Each time we are tested, we must strengthen our faith. We will fall but the trick is to always rise and rise again.

We may start off at different levels in our faith journey, but we should all be aiming to cultivate a faith like our man Abraham!

-        Surath F

On Sending Hagar and Ishmael Away (Genesis 21)

Interesting how God told Abraham to let Hagar go. I mean, Abraham is a responsible guy, he wouldn't just let his wife and kid go to the wilderness and die there. But God basically told him not to worry, because he'll take care of them. Abraham needed only to trust Him.

And it strikes me today, especially after the Friends of Refugees activities, that sometimes we feel helpless or we just want to fulfil all their needs, but I guess we always have to remember that we're only human there's just so much we can do. We can only try out best and let God handle the rest.

-        Mario WP

On Esau and his Wives (Genesis 26, 28, 33)

Esau changed from being a vengeful brother to a loving one so drastically. It’s like he was a different person. I imagined when they were reunited, Jacob was like, “Is this really my brother? How come he’s so different? Is he planning something?” So he got scared and didn’t want to go together with him. But apparently, Esau really did change and he was being genuine to his brother.

So I tried to think about what had changed during those times, and I noticed something: Esau was married to Hittites when he was vengeful, then after he got married to the daughter of Ishmael, he completely changed into a loving brother. Just like what God kept saying in the Old Testament, the wife did affect the husband. In the first glance, the bible seems to be sexist and mostly just show the men as the main figures, but implicitly, all the women are pictured as powerful figures, just like mother Mary and Esau’s wife. They might be physically weaker, but they have enough power to influence all the guys.

So be careful on using your power, women, and be wise in choosing your partner, my fellow brothers.

-        Mario WP

If only choosing a spouse was as easy as how Abraham’s servant found Rebekah!

But more than just being careful in “choosing”, what’s more important is praying for our future spouse. Who knows, they may be going through a hard time right now, or they may be feeling lonely. I always pray that God draws him closer to Him. I don’t care if I don’t meet him ASAP, as long as that guy meets God. And pray also that they draw strength from God to resist temptation, to keep them safe, and protect them from harm! They may even be heartbroken right now, or even simple things such as they may be down with a cold or have an important presentation at work. Who knows?

But one thing I know for sure, even if we haven’t met them yet, our prayers can reach them.

-        Pat P

I oftentimes question myself: do I really want the option to choose who it is? Or do I just choose to obey God and let Him do the "selection part"?

-        Pat P

As for whether we let God choose or we choose for ourselves, I'd like to think of it as God puts the limitation and he's our counsellor. We ask his opinion on every decision, but we're the one making the decision because it's the privilege God has given to us (free will).

Of course, just like when we counsel to someone, we have to truly discern what God told us to do and make decisions based on that. We can't say He’s our counsellor if we never seek counsel from Him.

-        Mario WP

The thought that free will is a privilege really stands out it ties into so much of what we discussed about living in a world where bad and tragic things happen because of free will where we do not choose to listen to our counsellor especially with so much noise temptations and distractions in this time.

-        Terence W

90-Day Bible Challenge: Reflections from the Early World (Genesis 1-11)

On Creation (Genesis 1-2)

I found interesting the idea of resting on the seventh day. This creation story was set at a time when people literally lived or died based on the work they did. They didn't have minimum wages, mandated 48 hour work week or enterprise bargaining. And in this context, there is still a clear message for rest, appreciation, and reflection on past accomplishments.

I find this interesting because (broadly speaking) it's a message society still hasn't quite got right today. (I think) we spend so much time working and striving for things that we don't take enough time to rest, reflect, and appreciate the fruits of our labour.

-          Surath F

We don't allow ourselves time to rest - to be still. And it's only when we allow ourselves those times to just soak in the presence of God throughout the day then we can truly rest.

-          Jess T

And sometimes we only realise that we haven’t had any rest when things are going downhill already, we feel drained and exhausted.

-          Pat P

Has anyone ever wondered why God formed woman out the man's rib instead of any other part?

Women were created from the rib of man to be beside him, not from his head to top him, nor from his feet to be trampled by him, but from under his arm to be protected by him, near to his heart to be loved by him. - David O'Mckay

-          Mario WP

On Original Sin (Genesis 3)

By eating of the tree of knowledge, we are given God’s knowledge of good and evil. This act constitutes original sin. God exiles us from the garden and guards the tree of life, which grants immortality.

Now all of us are sinners. All of us long for redemption. All of us have eternity "written in our hearts". So maybe the message is for us to not spend our lives in a frantic attempt to escape sin (of course do our very best to avoid sin), but rather to respond with faith, hope, and love.

-          Surath F

I oftentimes get upset with myself when I fall to sin. This is accompanied by shame. It is the devil's way of keeping us from God. I was told that shame is bad. Guilt, on the other hand, is good in a way. Apparently, when we have guilt after doing wrong, it's a sign that our soul is still alive.

-          Pat P

There is a difference between good guilt and bad guilt. Good guilt prompts out hearts (it's our guardian angel’s way of telling us what we have done wrong). It allows us to acknowledge, understand, and forgive ourselves. Bad guilt (essentially shame), makes us dwell in our sins. But oftentimes, it's hard for us to differentiate them both, hence, when we sometimes go for confession we never truly believe we are forgiven.

-          Jess T

Sin is lurking at the door; its desire is for you, but you must master it.

-          Claire D

On Cain and Abel (Genesis 4)

The Cain and Abel story is also interesting to me because I take from it to not compare yourself to others. Taking a line from the poem desiderata, "If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself".

-          Surath F

On Adam’s Descendants (Genesis 5)

Is there a significance in the number of years that each descendent lived and when each died?

I took it to be linked to the increase of sin in the world. In other words, as the descendants of Adam and Eve became more sinful and wayward in their ways, their lifespans were reduced.

-          Surath F

On Noah (Genesis 6-9)

I admire Noah. Imagine he was building a huge ark and everybody must have thought that he has gone crazy, hearing the Lord talk to Him. But he remained faithful. I wish I can go crazy for God like that. Not thinking of what other people would say about me.

-          Pat P

Noah had so much faith and was so obedient to God's word. It also makes me think that I'm thankful for the scriptures and the stories of all the prophets and apostles. It all helps to remind us to stay 'on track', so to speak.

-          Gen Y

I used to think that God is not fair for only selecting only Noah and his family. But now that I've grown up, I realise that to do what Noah did requires a lot of faith and trust in God. Not just anyone can do it.

Maybe God wanted to save as many as possible, but Noah was the only one who truly believed in God and so was saved. Maybe God prompted all humans, but only Noah and his family answered God’s prompting and trusted their lives in Him.

So I guess it's a question every one of us can relate to. Are we like Noah? Answering God's call and trusting Him until the very end even when the whole world does not? Or are we like the rest of the world and die in end because of the hardness of our hearts?

-          Mario WP

I find Noah's story fascinating. The words are very strong. Mankind is to be wiped off the earth for their sins. Likened to dirt! It begs the question of how far mankind must have fallen during that time to be so out of favour with God!

But having said that, there was one man, Noah, who found favour with God. He was a man living with principles in a time when there were none! He is a trailblazer, trend oppose, and leader. Think about the level of pure faith this man possesses, to see such a monumental task done. I both admire and aspire to that level of faith and trust (easy to say - challenging to do!)

Interesting to observe that God chose to destroy the world through water. Just as we enter our Christian faith through baptism of water. Or another way of looking at it, God saved Noah through water, just as we are saved through baptism.

-          Surath F

It's interesting that post the flood, Noah is given the authority to eat meat. Therefore, I assume that beforehand Adam and Eve were vegetarian in the garden. Is this a lifestyle hint for us, granted by God? Logically speaking, long life and a balanced vegetarian diet go hand in hand.

-          Surath F

On the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11)

The Tower of Babel episode is interesting because it shows what a united humanity, speaking "one language" can achieve. It also shows God’s wrath at the human attempt to reach the heavens. Note that in this instance, God does not forgive or extend the proverbial olive branch!

-          Surath F

My First Refugee Visit

By Jeremy Pierce

Unlike a “Holy Spirit” retreat or “STAY” where I go with an intention of receiving something, like being filled with the Holy Spirit, learning more about my faith and having the opportunity to learn from others. (* If you were thinking I go for tea, coffee, or snacks  NJ !)

The friends of refugees visit for me was an opportunity to give back and get involved, to do something for our community.

On arrival at our first house, I was astonished to meet with someone who had a friend move in with him. His friend brought along all the essentials for their home. He was polite, grateful and expressed such heartfelt thanks for all the support he received, said that he didn’t need anything and urged us to continue to help those less fortunate.

This set the atmosphere, which resonated with all the subsequent visits encountering one person after the next, full of cheer, gratefulness and love. People who have left their families, loved ones and everything that they are familiar with, seeking a safe environment to bring their families to. At one of the houses we met people who were eager to assist FORM as they spoke 5-6 languages, it's unfathomable to me who only speak one and has been afforded so many opportunities.

I find myself in the autumn winter of my life and saw myself Friday night scrolling through my phone book looking for someone to go to coffee with, someone who I could talk to and have a laugh with. This is after sitting at home for one week.

Can you imagine refugees being in detention centres for 5 plus years, now in Melbourne and still not afforded the right to work, there are so many obstacles that they face, one would imagine that they would be negative and despondent.

I saw only love, joy, and a longing to connect with someone.

I urge everyone to step out of their comfort zone and make a difference in their community, let's change someone’s season from winter to spring, share the light we have in our lives, let's fill someone’s cup, touch someone less fortunate. 

John 13:34
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.

Putting God to the Test

By Jack Chui

I put my hand up to lead Firebrandz Worship Night in June because Aaron wanted a break after the retreat in June. I'm not a fan of skipping regular events because I'm tired or that (no disrespect to Aaron) especially when there are many others in the team who can help. It was my chance to give back to Firebrandz not in part due to the great blessings that has been brought to STAY through Firebrandz.

I had never led Worship Night before nor ran such a big event from the front. It was an opportunity to step outside the comfort zone as I haven't done so for awhile, and I trusted God to be there like I have grown to trust God slowly through several years of ministry. I had done all the necessary preparations of people, advertising and prayer. I knew what I was going to do - a retreat testimony sharing session like the one I witnessed in Singapore during March.

It wasn't easy leading the Worship Night. I'm probably not the speaker I had imagined myself to be. Must be a gift I'm yet to develop - don't know how Aaron does it... There wasn't as many people as I had hoped or thought normally came to Worship Night (I've missed the last few Worship Nights) and the rush to share testimonies wasn't quite the same as I had seen in Singapore. The Holy Spirit was there to bring out the testimonies from the retreat but not in the way I had hoped for. This was not to say that it wasn't an amazing night - it was, and I was privileged to be able to hear the STAY people share how God worked through Fritz and them from the retreat.

I wondered and prayed about why it wasn't more amazing to me. I opened my bible for the first time in a while, and playing some guided bible roulette (thanks to inspiration through the Quick Journey Through the Bible series at Tuesday Cell Groups) I came upon the short book of Judith. I wanted to read more about the Maccabean revolt as its my least understood part of the bible and I enjoy reading about battles. 

The Israelites having returned from exile were being held to seige by the Assyrians looking to starve them out without causalities to any side. A very smart move... The Israelites were starving and thirsting and so they complained to their leader and the leader said they would surrender if nothing happened in 5 days. Judith was an Israelite widow in the town and asked the Israelite leader to meet her and she said:

Judith 8:11-17 (just the beginning of Judith's speech)

“Listen to me, rulers of the people of Bethulia! What you have said to the people today is not right; you have even sworn and pronounced this oath between God and you, promising to surrender the town to our enemies unless the Lord turns and helps us within so many days. Who are you to put God to the test today, and to set yourselves up in the place of God in human affairs? You are putting the Lord Almighty to the test, but you will never learn anything! You cannot plumb the depths of the human heart or understand the workings of the human mind; how do you expect to search out God, who made all these things, and find out his mind or comprehend his thought? No, my brothers, do not anger the Lord our God. For if he does not choose to help us within these five days, he has power to protect us within any time he pleases, or even to destroy us in the presence of our enemies. Do not try to bind the purposes of the Lord our God; for God is not like a human being, to be threatened, or like a mere mortal, to be won over by pleading. Therefore, while we wait for his deliverance, let us call upon him to help us, and he will hear our voice, if it pleases him.

It puts to light what I might have done wrong - I had expectations that God will deliver no matter what I do, so long as I was there and faithful. I have learned to be faithful and not successful from St. Mother Teresa and it eventually came with success (after quite a lot failing...). I wanted to see God work through weak/new people like me. I didn't think I put God to the test, but perhaps unconsciously I did with my expectations. God is the author of success, in His way and not mine. Perhaps I have been spoilt by the success He has brought STAY/Firebrandz that I have forgotten how to accept the small victories in front of me.

Thank you Father for continuing to teach me, and humbling me so that I can learn. I pray that I can change from what you are teaching me. All praise and glory be to Him forever.