PROCLAIM x BIBLEin365: Day 12

Scriptures: Genesis 25 & 26 | Matthew 10:1-33 | Psalm 9:13-20
Date: January 16, 2026
Host: Erika Kirk (with Pastoral Advisor James Kaddis)

Episode Overview

This episode continues the journey of reading through the Bible in one year, focusing on pivotal moments in Genesis, the sending of Jesus’ twelve apostles in Matthew, and a heartfelt cry for God’s justice in Psalm 9. The readings highlight themes of God’s promises, faithfulness across generations, the cost and courage of discipleship, and appeals for divine mercy.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Genesis 25: Abraham’s Legacy and the Next Generations

• Abraham’s Death and Descendants
  • Abraham marries Keturah and has additional sons after Isaac.
  • Abraham gives all his estate to Isaac but gives gifts to his other sons and sends them eastward.
  • Abraham dies at age 175 and is buried with Sarah by Isaac and Ishmael.
  • Ishmael’s genealogy: twelve sons, twelve princes, the birth of a nation.
  • Ishmael dies at 137, a fulfillment of God’s previous promises regarding his lineage.
• Isaac, Rebekah, and the Birth of Esau and Jacob
  • Isaac prays for Rebekah who is barren; God answers, and she conceives twins.
  • God reveals, “‘Two nations are in your womb… the older shall serve the younger’” [03:17].
  • Esau is born first, red and hairy; Jacob follows, grasping Esau’s heel.
  • Key dynamic: “Isaac loved Esau… but Rebekah loved Jacob.” [04:05]
• Esau Sells His Birthright
  • Esau, exhausted and hungry, sells his birthright to Jacob for stew.
  • The narrative closes tellingly: “Thus Esau despised his birthright.” [05:16]
  • This incident foreshadows future conflict and the unfolding of God’s plan through Jacob.

2. Genesis 26: God’s Covenant with Isaac and Trials in Gerar

• God’s Promise Reaffirmed to Isaac
  • Famine compels Isaac to Gerar. God says, “‘Sojourn in this land, and I will be with you… I will establish the oath that I swore to Abraham, your father’” [06:20].
  • The same blessings and promises given to Abraham are extended to Isaac.
• Isaac and Abimelech: Deception and Protection Repeated
  • Isaac claims Rebekah is his sister out of fear, echoing Abraham’s earlier episode.
  • Abimelech discovers the truth and rebukes Isaac: “‘What is this you have done to us?... You would have brought guilt upon us’” [08:00].
  • Abimelech protects Isaac’s household under penalty of death for violators.
• Prosperity, Conflict, and Resolution
  • Isaac becomes very wealthy, causing envy among the Philistines.
  • Philistines fill Abraham's wells; Isaac repeatedly digs new wells, facing constant disputes.
  • The third well, Rehoboth, signifies peace: “‘For now the Lord has made room for us…’” [10:14].
• A Covenant of Peace
  • Abimelech visits Isaac and proposes a pact: “We see plainly that the Lord has been with you… Let us make a covenant…” [11:22].
  • The covenant is sealed with a feast and mutual peace.
• Esau’s Troublesome Marriages
  • Esau marries Hittite women, bringing “bitterness” to Isaac and Rebekah [12:37].

3. Matthew 10:1-33 – The Sending of the Twelve & Instructions for Disciples

• The Twelve Apostles Named and Commissioned
  • Jesus gives the twelve power “over unclean spirits… to heal every disease” [13:02].
• Instructions for Ministry
  • The apostles are sent to Israel, not Gentiles or Samaritans—at least for this initial mission.
  • Message: “Proclaim as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead…” [14:01].
  • Christ’s radical simplicity: “Acquire no gold or silver… no bag for your journey…” [14:36].
• Hospitality, Opposition, and God’s Justice
  • Bless those who receive you; shake the dust off from those who don’t.
  • Sobering warning: “It will be more bearable on the Day of Judgment for Sodom and Gomorrah than for that town.” [15:12]
• Warning of Persecution and Endurance
  • “‘Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. So be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.’” [16:03]
  • Jesus predicts betrayal and suffering: “You will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” [17:22]
  • Disciples are promised the Spirit’s guidance under trial.
• Do Not Fear — Divine Value and Courageous Witness
  • “Have no fear… for nothing is covered that will not be revealed…” [19:09]
  • “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” [19:55]
  • “Even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” [20:20]
  • “So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father…” [21:11]

4. Psalm 9:13-20 – A Prayer for Justice and Remembrance

• The psalmist pleads for God’s grace and recounts His saving acts.
• Calls out the fate of the wicked: “The nations have sunk in the pit that they made; in the net that they hid, their own foot has been caught.” [22:08]
• “The hope of the poor shall not perish forever.” [23:02]
• Ends with a plea: “Put them in fear, O Lord! Let the nations know that they are but men!” [23:43]

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• God’s Sovereign Choice:
  • “‘Two nations are in your womb… the older shall serve the younger.’” – God to Rebekah ([03:17])
• The Weight of the Birthright:
  • “Thus Esau despised his birthright.” ([05:16])
• On God’s Provision:
  • “‘Sojourn in this land, and I will be with you and will bless you…’” – God to Isaac ([06:20])
• Christ’s Instructions for Mission:
  • “‘You received without paying; give without pay.’” ([14:10])
  • “‘Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. So be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.’” ([16:03])
• On Endurance:
  • “‘But the one who endures to the end will be saved.’” ([17:22])
• Assurance in Suffering:
  • “‘Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.’” ([20:20])
• Public Confession:
  • “‘So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven.’” ([21:11])

Important Timestamps

• Abraham’s descendants and death: 00:03 – 03:10
• Birth of Esau and Jacob: 03:10 – 05:17
• Birthright exchanged: 05:17 – 06:03
• Covenant with Isaac: 06:03 – 09:40
• Wells and conflict in Gerar: 09:40 – 12:22
• Esau’s marriages: 12:37
• Twelve apostles chosen and mission: 13:02 – 15:12
• Persecution and encouragement: 15:13 – 21:10
• Psalm 9 prayer: 22:08 – 23:43

Final Thoughts

This episode intertwines stories of legacy, faith, costly obedience, and God’s ever-present justice and care. From Abraham’s final acts to the hard challenges and dignity of following Jesus, and the enduring confidence that God sees and judges rightly—the readings encourage steadfast trust and courageous witness in God’s unfolding story.