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Esther Griggs

Tamar (Part Two)

by Esther Griggs December 1, 2023

written by Esther Griggs

What Troubles Us

Having reflected on the story of Tamar in part one, there are things we find unsettled us. In part two, we turn our attention to what troubles us about Judah, about Tamar, and also what we learn about God.

About Judah

First we look at Judah. He was one of God’s chosen and possessed the promises of God. But he disappoints us. He lacked integrity. He lived his life according to his own desires and fears. To top it all, he sent Tamar back home, reneging on his responsibility for her.

About Tamar

Then we consider Tamar. She was denied motherhood and although she understood the role of her father-in-law, she did not know his God and took the matter into her own hands. It was deceitful and conceived out of Judah’s lust and the fears both Judah and Tamar held.

What We Learn of God

Despite our disappointments we learn of God. First we learn that God is true to His word. Through the words of Jacob He promised a Messiah through Judah’s line. We find the fulfillment in Matthew’s genealogy.

Secondly we learn of His compassion to the oppressed, the widow, the poor. He took special care of Tamar, despite her sinfulness, he enabled her to conceive not only one but two sons.

Thirdly we see His redemptive nature. We see a scandalous situation but God saw an opportunity not only to buy them back from their useless way of life but to give their lives the tremendous purpose of bringing the Saviour to all mankind, the One all will obey., the true Redeemer.

The four thing we see is that God’s work carries on. He uses both the good and the bad for His purposes. When we see only evil around us, we can be confident that God is still at work, fulfilling His promises.

We have looked to the story of Tamar and through the eyes of disappointment in God’s people we have learned more of the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

December 1, 2023 0 comments

Tamar (Part One)

by Esther Griggs December 1, 2023

written by Esther Griggs

Tamar’s story lies in Genesis 38. It’s value rests in its connection to Judah the fourth of Jacob’s sons and in Matthew 1:3, a genealogy of Jesus. In Genesis 49:10, Jacob prophesied over his son Judah. “The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from his descendants until the coming of the one to whom it belongs, the one whom all nations will honor.” Tamar played a part in the fulfillment of this prophecy. Here is the story of Tamar and Er, Onan, and Shelah.

Tamar’s Story (Er)

Tamar became one of the family when Judah arranged her marriage to his eldest son Er. The Bible tells us Er was wicked so God took his life. In Deuteronomy 25:5-10 God’s law directs the second brother to marry the widow. Their first son would carry on the name of the deceased and provide for the widow. God made special provisions throughout the law for widows.

Tamar’s Story (Onan)

Judah initially followed the law by having his second son Onan marry Tamar. Onan married her but refused to father a son he could not call his own. It displeased God and He took his life also. Judah had one more son and therefore instructed Tamar to go to her father’s house and live as a widow until he was grown, but he feared Shelah would also die.

Tamar’s Story (Shelah)

After Judah’s wife died, Tamar learned Judah planned a trip to Timnah. Seeing Judah had not provided Shelah as a husband, she took the opportunity to disguise herself as a prostitute and received his pledge of payment. In time she bore twins and when Judah heard he wanted her burned alive because of the disgrace to his family because it. Then he learned the truth. He confessed that she was more righteous than he.

Here is the story of Tamar and Er, Onan, and Shelah. In part two we will reflect on why it troubles us and what we learn about God.

December 1, 2023 0 comments

Transition

by Esther Griggs November 24, 2023

written by Esther Griggs

As a Canadian living in the United States, we celebrate Thanksgiving for two months! After Thanksgiving, we transition to Christmas. Today I wish to express my thanks, speak to transition, and whet your appetite for my reflections in this Christmas season.

Thank You

First let me thank you for your faithfulness in supporting my website and Facebook pages with your likes and amens, your encouragement and prayers. It not only strengthens me to continue, but also prompts me to pray for you.

Transition

Secondly let me speak to transition. Many challenges come during transitions, but like a strong wind, it can rid us of dead branches like false hopes or misplaced affections. It provides a new framework for fresh thoughts and ideas, and tests the strength of our roots. As Christians we believe transitions can be God working in our lives to conform us to the image of His Son.

To Whet the Appetite

Finally I would like to whet your appetite for my theme for this Christmas Season. Matthew is the first Book of the New Testament. In the first chapter, you find one of two genealogies given for Jesus in the New Testament.

Matthew includes four different women among his list of forefathers, beginning with Abraham and ending with Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus. Weekly we will look to the story of one of these women and consider what we may learn about God from each encounter. You may be surprised at the women Matthew felt compelled to include in his list of Jesus’ forebearers.

Receive my thanks, be renewed in your times of transition, and watch for my reflections in this Christmas season. God’s richest blessings to each of you.

November 24, 2023 0 comments

Followers of Jesus grace and peace Peter

The End of the First Letter

by Esther Griggs November 17, 2023

written by Esther Griggs

Peter has written his letter by a man named Silvanus. He identified him as a faithful brother and identifies the writing as a brief exhortation. It is also a testimony of the true grace of God in which these Jewish Christians stand. As he finishes his letter, he exhorts the elders, the younger people and all others before finalizing his greetings.

The Elders

When Peter addresses the elders, we see his humility. He writes not just as a fellow laborer, but as a witness to the sufferings of Jesus who along with them is a partaker of the glory that will be revealed. He says, “Shepherd the flock of God which is among you.” Then he describes the way to do it. Be overseers not because you have to and not to make dishonest money. Rather than lord over them, be an example so when the Chief Shepherd returns you will receive a crown of glory that never fades away.

The Younger People

To the younger people, Peter says be submissive to your elders. Then he clarifies that he is talking to all of them. “Be clothed with humility,” He quotes Solomon, “God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.” “Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God.” When the time is right He will exalt you. Take all your worries to Him. God cares for you.

All Others

But look out. None of his readers are immune. You have an adversary. Like a lion, he prowls about looking for someone to devour. If you are sober and watchful, you can resist him by standing firm in your faith. You are not alone in your sufferings. Your brothers throughout the world experience the same things. To this he adds a prayer, “But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered for awhile, perfect, establish, strengthen and settle you. To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever.”

He then signs off with a blessing of peace. As he finished this first letter, he exhorts the elders, the younger people and all others before finalizing his greetings.

November 17, 2023 0 comments

Uncategorized

Therefore, Since Christ Suffered

by Esther Griggs November 10, 2023

written by Esther Griggs

People suffer. Christians suffer. Christ suffered for us in His body. Because He did, those who follow, walk in a new life. Peter writes, “arm yourselves with the same mind.” Sin has been dealt with. Therefore, since Christ suffered to free us from sin, consider how it affects our actions, purpose, and priorities.

Don’t go with the flow,

Praise the Lord!

Actions

How does it affect actions? Peter writes, “He who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin.” Instead of living to fulfill the cravings of the flesh, live for the will of God. Think of all the time spent wasted doing whatever felt good, the things that came to mind no matter the consequence. In fact with this new life, our friends will wonder what is wrong with us because we don’t want to do those things any longer. They will speak evil of us because of it. Don’t worry though because they have to answer to God.

Purpose

We have received a purpose. Life has taken on new meaning. Everything is coming to a close. Therefore, It is important to be serious and watchful in our prayers, to love one another and be hospitable without complaining. We need to use the gift God has given us and to do everything to glorify God.

Priorities

Our priorities are now to glorify God. Remember that when we are made fun of or criticized because of the name of Jesus, it means that the Spirit of God, the Spirit of glory is resting on us. We need not be ashamed or try to prevent it, but rather glorify God in it. We commit our souls to Him by doing good deeds. Remember the faithfulness of our loving Father, our Creator. We can trust Him even in these difficult situations.

Therefore, since Christ suffered to free us from sin, consider how it affects our actions, purpose, and priorities.

November 10, 2023 0 comments

A good conscience

A Good Conscience

by Esther Griggs November 3, 2023

written by Esther Griggs

The people Peter wrote to, lived in dangerous times. Rather than assuage them, he alluded to their suffering and bolstered them by his words. He wrote about the value of a good conscience, how we obtain a good conscience and the Christ who is in authority over it all.

Value of a Good Conscience

He wrote to them of the value of a good conscience. First he encouraged them. Suffering for doing good was a blessing. When threatened, don’t let it get to you. Don’t be troubled about it. Instead, set the Lord God apart in your hearts. Be prepared with an answer to anyone asking questions about the hope that is in you. Have the right attitude of humility and reverence to God. The value of a good conscience is that when they humiliate you as an evil person, they will be ashamed. In it all, to suffer for doing good is preferable than because of having done evil.

Obtaining a Good Conscience

Then he writes about obtaining a good conscience. He reminds them of the work of Christ. Jesus suffered once for sins. He was the just one who surrendered His life for the unjust. The reason? He desired to bring us to God. We were put to death in the flesh but made alive in the Spirit. He says that baptism is a type of this. It signifies a good conscience before God because of the resurrection of Jesus. Our sins have been cast into the deepest sea and before God in Christ we rise with a clear conscience.

Christ the Authority

Finally, Peter wrote that Christ is the authority. When we see Christ Jesus in His place of fulfillment, He is in heaven. Not only is He in heaven but He is at the right hand of God. It is a place of authority. Angels, authorities and powers have been made subject to Him. Jesus Christ is the final authority. It is to Him that all will show allegiance. I am reminded of John’s words, ” If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and He knows everything.” Peter wrote about the value of a good conscience, how we obtain a good conscience and the Christ who is in authority over it all.

November 3, 2023 0 comments

Body of Christ Family Followers of Jesus Guide to Christian Family Life Peter

Following Jesus at Home

by Esther Griggs October 27, 2023

written by Esther Griggs

After Peter wrote about the believer’s conduct in the community, he addressed following Jesus at home. He knew that the Shepherd of our souls understood the environment necessary for the thriving of our souls. First he wrote to wives, secondly to husbands and wrapped it up with a word to all.

A Word to Wives

When Peter wrote to wives, he addressed submission, chaste conduct and internal beauty. You may be able to win over husbands because of the way you act, he tells them. Be submissive to your own husband. Worry more about the hidden person of your heart, the quiet, gentle spirit which is precious to God rather than outward appearances. Follow the example of other godly women. Do good and don’t live in fear.

A Word to Husbands

In his words to husbands, he told them to live with their wives, with understanding and honour. Together, they are heirs of life. If you don’t, he told them, it will affect your prayer life. Your prayers will be hindered.

A Word to All

Finally he wrote a word to all. “The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayers.” All of you, be of one mind, compassionate, tenderhearted, humble, not revengeful or tit for tat but rather bless to receive blessing. “Turn away from evil and do good; … seek peace and pursue it.” Love as brothers.

God’s word remains our guidebook for our conduct as Christ followers in our communities, and in our homes. The apostle Peter, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, first wrote to the wives, secondly to husbands and wrapped it up with a word to all.

October 27, 2023 0 comments

Cross of Christ Followers of Jesus Peter Servanthood Suffering

The Christian’s Benchmark

by Esther Griggs October 20, 2023

written by Esther Griggs

In 1 Peter 2:11-25, he describes the conduct of Christ followers living visible to the world. Their benchmark is Jesus Christ. When an example is needed for how to respond when suffering as neigbours, citizens or under another’s authority, we look to God’s Son. Jesus lived as a servant, who suffered, and has become the Shepherd of our souls.

A Servant

Jesus lived as a servant. Paul in his letter to the Philippians wrote, “… He made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a servant,…” As Peter wrote to sojourners and pilgrims, we read the words of the writer to the Hebrews. He described living as strangers here while looking for an eternal city. Jesus sojourned here as a servant, to fulfill the word of God, to bring Him glory. Peter said, “For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men- as free, yet not using your liberty as a cloak for vice, but as servants of God.”

Who Suffered

He was a servant who suffered. Peter goes on to describe to his readers the style of conduct Jesus set forth as an example, “to follow in His steps.” He quoted the prophet Isaiah, “Who committed no sin, Nor was (deceit) found in His mouth.” The religious leaders of his day harshly criticized and condemned Jesus, but instead of threatening them, He trusted God to be the righteous judge. He “bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness-by whose stripes you were healed.”

To Become Our Shepherd

Peter continued using an example that Jesus Himself used. Jesus is the Shepherd and Overseer of our souls. Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.” Peter told his readers, “You have returned to the Overseer of your souls. You used to be sheep lost and wandering but not anymore.” Jesus Christ came as a servant to do God’s will. It involved a life of suffering in order to become the Shepherd of our souls. May our conduct follow in His footprints.

October 20, 2023 0 comments

Alive in Christ Followers of Jesus identity mercy new creation

God’s Special People

by Esther Griggs October 13, 2023

written by Esther Griggs

Today we reflect on Peter’s address about being God’s special people. As a new creation, born into the family of God, old things have passed away and all things become new. Peter speaks to the old things, describes the new reality, and proclaims the believers new identity.

Jesus our cornerstone, the cornerstone of God’s House.

Old Things

Peter, like the writer to the Hebrews, states that certain things must be left behind. They are part of the old life and have no place in the new. What things are they? These are characteristics that don’t line up with being children of our Father who is love. He lists malice which is the desire to hurt someone, all guile which is being duplicitous in the attaining of goals, hypocrisy, saying one thing and living another, envy, wanting someone else’s good things, and all evil speaking. Peter says “laying aside.” It is a process of putting these behaviours away.

New Reality

Instead, he writes, if you have tasted that God is gracious, long for God’s word the way a new baby wants milk so you can grow up into Him. You are different. You have come to a living stone, “the chief cornerstone”. Though chosen by God and precious, He is the starting place of God’s house despite His rejection by men. You also are like living stones being built together into a “spiritual house” a “holy priesthood” for the purpose of offering spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God, through Jesus Christ.

New Identity

He furthers speaks to the believer’s new identity. You are “a chosen generation, a holy priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people.” Your purpose is to proclaim His praises. He is who called you “out of darkness into His marvelous light.” Now you are God’s people when you were not a people. You have now obtained mercy when you had not experienced mercy before.

Put away the old ways, they don’t fit your new life. Don’t be disobedient to the word and stumble. You have a position within a new reality. You are a new creation being built up in the Lord Jesus for the praise of God. You have experienced mercy and become people of God.

Peter speaks still, to the old things, describing the new reality, and proclaiming the believers new identity.

October 13, 2023 0 comments

Alive in Christ Christ's Return Followers of Jesus Life in Christ Peter

A Transformed Life

by Esther Griggs October 6, 2023

written by Esther Griggs

As believers in Jesus our lives are transformed. Begotten into a living hope, with an indestructible inheritance, we rejoice. If necessary to purify our faith there will be trials. All this, according to Peter, demands a response. Peter gives a directive, the reason for it and summarizes.

The Directive

Peter directs his readers. “Gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, rest your hope fully upon the grace to be (received) when Jesus Christ is revealed.” Be God’s obedient children, live to the spirit not the flesh, and like He who called you, be holy. If you call on God the impartial judge, as long as you live, do so in reverence to God.

The Reason

Then he writes out the reason. “Before the foundation of the world,” he wrote, God planned the death and resurrection of Jesus, why? Peter explained it was to buy us back from our aimless conduct. God didn’t offer some material, easily corrupted method. No! He orchestrated the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, the perfect lamb of God, so we could put our faith and hope in God.

Peter Summarizes

Peter summarizes his thoughts thus. “Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren,” he writes, “love one another fervently with a pure heart.” He explains. You have been born anew, not by a flimsy transaction but rather an incorruptible one, through the word of God which is eternal. Everything else will pass away, rust or fade away with time. “But the word of the Lord endures forever.” As my dad used to say, “that’s a promise you can take to the bank.”

Peter gave a directive, the reason for it and summarized.

October 6, 2023 0 comments

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