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Esther Griggs

Creation

And God Said

by Esther Griggs
written by Esther Griggs

When God speaks, things happen, good things. In the six days of creation God brought forth not only life, but implanted within it, the seed for life to continue. As we think about creation, let also consider our words, what action they produce and if we can say it is good.

God Said

We know to trust what God says for He is faithful and His words are true for God cannot lie. His words also come with power. When we speak we often forget that our words also have power. What is the power behind our words? Do they reflect a call to life and creation or destruction?

The Action

An action was produced by God’s word in the creation story. Layer upon layer, the darkness, chaos and emptiness became light, order and life producing. Proverbs 18:21 states, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue. And those who love it will eat its fruit.” As the Psalmist prayed in Psalm 19:14 “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart, Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.”

The Result

What is the result? When God spoke, the world came into existence, when Jesus spoke, the blind saw, the demoniac was freed, the lame walked, and the dead came to life. The apostle James wrote about the power of the tongue and its poison. Blessing and cursing should not come from the same mouth was his observation. We can’t bless God and curse men who have been made like Him. Our words can produce life. “Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. (Col.3:17 NKJV).

Holy Spirit “Set a guard over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips.” Let my words be a creative force in Your kingdom. As we reflect on creation, let also consider our words, what action they produce and if we can say it is good.

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The Lightvictorious living

In the Beginning God

by Esther Griggs
written by Esther Griggs

With one week into the New Year, our grand expectations and solid determination have perhaps already vanished. What is our starting point? We think we need a fresh start, a new day, a new week, month or year. Jesus said, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end.” God is the starting place. His voice speaks and His light illuminates our darkness.

Where to Start

Where do we start? Because of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, there is an open door to the throne room of heaven. The invitation has been given along with the promise that any who come to Him will not be cast out. He is the great I Am who knows all and sees all. Who better to go to when our lives are confusing and chaotic. When we view our lives and know something needs to change, God knows us best and desires to show us the way.

His Voice

When God looked on the dark, formless, void we now call home, His voice uttered four words, “Let there be light.” The Psalmist cries out, “Oh, send out Your light and Your truth! Let them lead me.” In another passage he proclaims, ” For they did not gain possession of the land by their own sword, Nor did their own arm save them; But it was Your right hand, Your arm, and the light of Your countenance, Because You favored them.” May we like the psalmist say, “I will hear what God the Lord will speak, for He will speak peace to His people and to His saints.”

Illuminates Our Darkness

Great God of heaven illuminate our darkness. As the prophet Isiah proclaimed, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them a light has shined.” The voice of our Saviour, Jesus Christ calls to us, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” We start with God. His voice still speaks and His light illuminates our darkness.

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bold, confident and unafraidThe word

Into the New Year

by Esther Griggs
written by Esther Griggs

Over the last couple of months, much time and energy were spent focused on Christmas. In a flash it is over, and a New Year faces us. Since we reflected on the women in the genealogy of Jesus, we now have new insights to aid us as we step into the year ahead. God keeps His word, He knows our needs, and He will deliver us.

God Keeps His Word

Before the sun set on the day of Adam and Eve’s temptation, God spoke forth His plan. Then, as He journeyed with Abraham and the children of Israel, He continued to speak forth promises. The ultimate fulfilment of the promises spoken came through the Christ of Christmas. He was the word in the beginning; He was with God and was God.

God Knows Our Needs

Tamar needed a child to carry on Judah’s line. Rahab needed deliverance for her family. Ruth needed food for her and Naomi. Bathsheba needed forgiveness. God knows our deepest needs. We often think superficially, how will we pay this bill, where will our next meal come from, or how will we manage this circumstance? Jesus taught that life was more than food and the body was more than raiment. Our profound need is much deeper. God knew our deepest need was restoration to Himself. He could then take care of all our other needs.

He Will Deliver Us

These truths are explained in Isaiah 59. “Behold the LORD’s hand is not shortened that it cannot save; Nor His ear heavy that it cannot hear.”

“But your iniquities have separated you from your God; He saw that there was no man and wondered that there was no intercessor; Therefore, His own arm brought salvation for Him; and His own righteousness, it sustained Him.”

“The Redeemer will come to Zion, and to those who turn from transgression in Jacob.”

As we face the year ahead, we forge on with the courage of Rahab and the determination of Ruth, knowing we have a Redeemer who loves us and promises to meet every need. God keeps His word, He knows our needs, and He will deliver us.

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Christmas meditationGenealogy of Jesus

The Genealogy of Jesus (The Wife of Uriah)

by Esther Griggs
written by Esther Griggs

When Nathan the prophet roused King David’s anger by telling him a story, David heard the words, “You are the man.” These words enabled David to see what God saw in his actions. This story reminds us of our humanity, our faithful, never changing God, and His story of forgiveness.

Humanity

This story disappoints us. David is a man after God’s own heart. We read the Psalms and find great comfort. We want David to be much more than he is. Instead, we find a man who gets tired, discouraged, and sins, then sins again to cover his sin. We marvel at the depth of his sin and can’t imagine this man of God, in this state. Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah was complicit in the adultery, a daughter of Israel, far below her calling. Through this couple we see humanity, the propensity of even the saintliest among us.

Our Faithful God

“But God, our faithful God never changes, in stark contrast to humanity. The Bible tells us that God was displeased with David. He held him accountable by taking their first child. Yet when David confessed his sin, his relationship with God was restored. We find his cry in Psalm 51. “Have mercy on me, because of your unfailing love. Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sin,” and “Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.” He knew God as loving, merciful, compassionate and the forgiver of sin.

God’s Story of Forgiveness

When Moses cursed the unfaithfulness of the Israelites, he included “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree.” Jesus came as a baby, under every curse, but in Hebrews we read, “Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many.” The whole point of the birth of Jesus was the forgiveness of sins to all who believe, by His death on the cross. We may look with disdain on David and Bathsheba. But God in His infinite wisdom, through the sin, confession and restoration of this couple, gave humanity forgiveness, an erasing as far as the east is from the west of our sin through that sinless lamb of God.

This story reminds us of our humanity, our faithful, never changing God, and His story of forgiveness. Praise His Holy Name.

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Genealogy of Jesus

Ruth (A Story of Provision)

by Esther Griggs
written by Esther Griggs

When Elimelech left Bethlehem (House of Bread) due to famine, he travelled with Naomi and his two sons, to Moab, in search of provision. A decade later, Naomi and her two daughters-in-law were widowed. When Naomi heard the rumour about bread back home, she prepared to return. What Naomi didn’t know, was the fullness of God’s provision, through Ruth the Moabites, a kinsman redeemer, and the Son of God.

Ruth the Moabitess

Naomi cared for her daughters-in-law. Thus, she encouraged them to part ways, to find security in their homeland. She could not provide for them any longer. One was okay with it, but not Ruth. Ruth saw no life apart from Naomi and made a covenant with her that centuries later, lovers repeat to one another on their wedding day. “Entreat me not to leave you, or to turn back from following after you; For wherever you go, I will go; Your people will be my people and your God, my God.”

A Kinsman Redeemer

Naomi knew she couldn’t provide the necessary male. She couldn’t produce the son necessary to provide for Ruth, nor the heir to keep her late husband’s inheritance. The Jewish law was beyond her capability. When she began to notice the extra provision Ruth brought home each day, it reminded her of a close relative who could fulfill this important role. She sprung into action.

The Son of God

Boaz was an honorable man, treating Ruth with compassion and provision. When confronted with her laying at his feet, he was honored that she considered him and not a younger man. He also knew that someone was ahead of him in regards to this position, but followed the legal customs of his day. In the end he gained Ruth as his wife. The men said, “May the Lord give you descendants by this young woman who will be like those of our ancestor Perez, the son of Tamar and Judah.” The women said, “Praise the Lord who has now provided a redeemer for your family. May this child be famous in Israel.” No one saw that from their union, the Redeemer for all mankind would come. God’s provision, the bread of life, the Lord Jesus. What Naomi didn’t know, was the fullness of God’s provision, through Ruth the Moabites, a kinsman redeemer, and the Son of God.

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Genealogy of Jesus

Rahab (From Fear to Faith to Deliverance)

by Esther Griggs
written by Esther Griggs

In Moses’ day, God delivered his people from slavery in Egypt. It was only the start of a greater deliverance but a generation entrenched in fear, fell short. God chose Joshua and Caleb to lead the next generation on the journey. It called for great courage but God promised to defeat their enemies. When the armies of Israel moved, the earth trembled beneath them. As they approached Jericho, Joshua sent spies to survey the land. Here we learn of Rahab, a woman of bad reputation, who looked to the true God, and through whom God brought mankind’s great Deliverer.

A Woman of Poor Reputation

Rahab’s home was built into the walls of Jericho, a fortress city. She was a harlot, and the spies found shelter in her home. It however did not go unnoticed. and it was told to the King of Jericho. Rahab hid the men and fabricated a story to send the King’s men away thus sparing the men and their mission.

Who Looked to the Supreme God

Rahab spoke to the men. She told them of the great fear shaking their land. God was doing awesome deeds to deliver them. “The Lord your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath,” she said. Then she negotiated an agreement to spare the lives of her family. The spies gave Rahab clear and strict directions, including the detail of hanging a red cord from her window.

Great Deliverance

Following Rahab’s instructions, the spies left and delivered the news. Take the land. The people are fainthearted. God then led them into a mighty victory and Rahab and her family were rescued along with all she had. The scripture states that she still lived among the Israelites because of her deeds. God rewarded her faith not only by offering protection in this life, but He gave her purpose and eternal deliverance through her line. He brought forth Jesus, the deliverer, the One who became flesh and blood so that by His death, the power of the devil, who held the power of death, was broken. Now He sets free those who are enslaved by the fear of dying.

There is the story. Rahab, a woman of bad reputation, who looked to the true God, reaped the rewards, and through whom, mankind received the great Deliverer.

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Genealogy of Jesus

Tamar (Part Two)

by Esther Griggs
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.

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Biblical HistoryGenealogy of Jesusthe scripture fulfilled

Tamar (Part One)

by Esther Griggs
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.

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Transition

Transition

by Esther Griggs
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.

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Followers of Jesusgrace and peacePeter

The End of the First Letter

by Esther Griggs
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.

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