January 8 (Genesis 16–17; Psalm 8; Matthew 10)

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry"

Episode: January 8 (Genesis 16–17; Psalm 8; Matthew 10)
Release Date: January 8, 2025

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Introduction

In the January 8th episode of "Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry," listeners embark on a profound journey through significant biblical passages. This episode features readings from Genesis 16–17, Psalm 8, and Matthew 10, offering deep insights into Abraham's covenant with God, the majesty of God's creation, and Jesus' instructions to His disciples. Below is a detailed summary capturing the essence of each reading, enriched with notable quotes and timestamps for reference.

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Genesis 16–17: Abraham’s Covenant and the Birth of Ishmael

Key Themes:

• Human Intervention in Divine Promises: The narrative explores Sarai’s attempt to fulfill God's promise through her servant Hagar.
• God’s Sovereignty and Faithfulness: Despite human actions, God reiterates His covenant with Abram, renaming him Abraham and promising countless descendants.

Summary:

The episode begins with a reading from Genesis 16, detailing the complex relationship between Abram, Sarai, and Hagar. Sarai, unable to conceive, offers her Egyptian maidservant Hagar to Abram to bear a child on her behalf. This leads to tension and conflict, highlighting the challenges in waiting for God's promises.

• Notable Quote (00:05):
  Reader: "And Sarai said to Abram, 'Behold, the Lord has prevented me from bearing children. Go unto my servant...’"

As the story unfolds, Hagar flees due to Sarai’s harsh treatment. At a spring in the wilderness, the Angel of the Lord intervenes, assuring Hagar that her lineage would be blessed and her son Ishmael would become a great nation.

• Notable Quote (03:15):
  Reader: "You shall call his name Ishmael because the Lord has listened to your affliction."

Transitioning to Genesis 17, God establishes a more formal covenant with Abram. He changes Abram's name to Abraham and Sarai's to Sarah, promising that they would have a son, Isaac, through whom the covenant would be fulfilled. The introduction of circumcision as a sign of this everlasting covenant underscores the significance of faith and obedience.

• Notable Quote (04:50):
  Reader: "No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham... I will make you exceedingly fruitful."

God’s reaffirmation of His promises, even amidst human doubt and impatience, illustrates His unwavering commitment to His plans.

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Psalm 8: The Majesty of God and the Dignity of Man

Key Themes:

• Divine Majesty: The Psalmist marvels at God's grandeur and the splendor of His creation.
• Human Dignity: Despite our seemingly insignificant place in the universe, humans are crowned with glory and given dominion over creation.

Summary:

Psalm 8 is a poetic reflection on the glory of God revealed through His creation and the unique position of humanity within it. The reading emphasizes the contrast between the vastness of the heavens and the significance of human beings.

• Notable Quote (05:44):
  Narrator: "O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth..."

The Psalmist contemplates the power and wisdom of God, marveling at the intricate design of the moon, stars, and the expanse of the heavens.

• Notable Quote (06:11):
  Reader: "Of him, and the Son of Man."

Despite our small stature, humans are honored by God, entrusted with responsibility over all creation. This stewardship reflects both our value and our mandate to reflect God's character in the world.

• Notable Quote (06:24):
  Reader: "Feet, all sheep and oxen, and also... the beasts of the field, the birds of the heavens..."

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Matthew 10: Jesus’ Commissioning of the Twelve Apostles

Key Themes:

• Missionary Instructions: Jesus empowers His disciples with authority to heal and cast out demons as they embark on their mission.
• Persecution and Endurance: The passage prepares the disciples for opposition, emphasizing the need for resilience and unwavering faith.
• Faith and Obedience: Trusting in God's provision and guidance is paramount for the success of their mission.

Summary:

The reading transitions to Matthew 10, where Jesus calls His twelve disciples and grants them authority over unclean spirits. They are instructed to heal every disease and affliction, symbolizing the transformative power they carry.

• Notable Quote (06:40):
  Narrator: "And he called to him his 12 disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits to cast them out and to heal every disease and every affliction."

Jesus provides specific guidelines for their mission, instructing them to focus on the "lost sheep of the house of Israel" and to travel light, relying on the hospitality of worthy households.

• Notable Quote (07:01):
  Narrator: "Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons... for your belt, no bag for your journey..."

The passage candidly addresses the reality of persecution, urging the disciples to remain steadfast and fearless. Jesus assures them that the Holy Spirit will provide the necessary words and guidance in times of trial.

• Notable Quote (07:20):
  Reader: "Do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say... it is the spirit of your father speaking through you."

Moreover, Jesus emphasizes the cost of discipleship, highlighting that loyalty to Him may demand personal sacrifices, even straining family relationships.

• Notable Quote (07:35):
  Narrator: "Whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me."

The message concludes with a powerful assurance that enduring faithfulness will lead to salvation and that acts of kindness performed as disciples will be richly rewarded.

• Notable Quote (07:45):
  Reader: "He who endures to the end will be saved... he will by no means lose his reward."

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Conclusion

This episode encapsulates pivotal moments in the biblical narrative, from Abraham's complex journey of faith and obedience to the grandeur of God's creation and the challenging yet empowering mission of Jesus' disciples. Through these readings, listeners are invited to reflect on the depths of divine promises, the honor bestowed upon humanity, and the courage required to fulfill God's call. Jackie Hill Perry and Crossway provide a contemplative space for engaging with these timeless scriptures, encouraging believers to deepen their understanding and commitment.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Genesis 16:

  • [00:05] Reader: "And Sarai said to Abram, 'Behold, the Lord has prevented me from bearing children. Go unto my servant...’"

• Genesis 17:

  • [04:50] Reader: "No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham... I will make you exceedingly fruitful."

• Psalm 8:

  • [05:44] Narrator: "O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth..."
  • [06:11] Reader: "Of him, and the Son of Man."
  • [06:24] Reader: "Feet, all sheep and oxen, and also... the beasts of the field, the birds of the heavens..."

• Matthew 10:

  • [06:40] Narrator: "And he called to him his 12 disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits to cast them out and to heal every disease and every affliction."
  • [07:01] Narrator: "Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons... for your belt, no bag for your journey..."
  • [07:20] Reader: "Do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say... it is the spirit of your father speaking through you."
  • [07:35] Narrator: "Whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me."
  • [07:45] Reader: "He who endures to the end will be saved... he will by no means lose his reward."

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This episode serves as a foundational segment in the year-long journey through the ESV Bible, setting the tone for a year of faith, reflection, and spiritual growth.

Transcript

[Narrator]

A reading from the Book of Genesis.

[Reader]

Now, Sarai, Abram's wife, had borne him no children. She had a female Egyptian servant whose name was Hagar. And Sarai said to Abram, behold, now the Lord has prevented me from bearing children. Go unto my servant. It may be that I shall obtain children by her. And Abram listened to the voice of Sarai. So after Abram had lived 10 years in the land of Canaan, Sarai, Abram's wife, took Hagar the Egyptian, her servant, and gave her to Abram, her husband, as a wife. And he went in to Hagar, and she conceived. And when she saw that she had conceived, she looked with contempt on her mistress. And Sarai said to Abram, may the wrong done to me be on you. I gave my servant to your embrace. And when she saw that she had conceived, she looked on me with contempt. May the Lord judge between you and me. But Abram said to Sarai, behold, your servant is in your power. Do to her as you please. Then Sarai dealt harshly with her, and she fled from her. The angel of the Lord found her by a spring of water in the wilderness. The spring on the way to Shur. And he said, hagar, servant of Sarai, where have you come from and where are you going? She said, I am fleeing from my mistress. Sarai. The angel of the Lord said to her, return to your mistress and submit to her. The angel of the Lord also said to her, I will surely multiply your offspring so that they cannot be numbered for multitude. And the angel of the Lord said to her, behold, you are pregnant and shall bear a son. You shall call his name Ishmael because the Lord has listened to your affliction. He shall be a wild donkey of a man, his hand against everyone and everyone's hand against him. And he shall dwell over against all his kinsmen. So she called the name of the Lord who spoke to her, you are a God of seeing. For she said, truly here I have seen him who looks after me. Therefore the well was called Beer Lahai Roi. It lies between Kadesh and Bered. And Hagar bore Abram a son. And Abram called the name of his son whom Hagar bore ishmael. Abram was 86 years old when Hagar bore Ishmael to Abram. When Abram was 99 years old, the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, I am God Almighty. Walk before me and be blameless. That I may make my covenant between me and you and may multiply you greatly. Then Abram fell on his face. And God said to him, behold, my covenant is with you. And you shall be the father of a multitude of nations. No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham. For I have made you the father of a multitude of nations. I will make you exceedingly fruitful. And I will make you into nations. And kings shall come from you. And I will establish my covenant between me and you and your offspring after you throughout their generations. For an everlasting covenant to be God to you and to your offspring after you. And I will give to you and to your offspring after you the land of your sojournings, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession. And I will be their God. And God said to Abraham, as for you, you shall keep my covenant, you and your offspring after you, throughout their generations. This is my covenant, which you shall keep between me and you and your offspring after you. Every male among you shall be circumcised. You shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskins. And it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and you. He who is eight days old among you shall be circumcised. Every male throughout your generations. Whether born in your house or bought with your money from any foreigner who is not of your offspring. Both he who was born in your house and he who is bought with your money shall surely be circumcised. So shall my covenant be in your flesh, an everlasting covenant. Any uncircumcised male who was not circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin shall be cut off from his people. He has broken my covenant. And God said to Abraham, as for Sarai, your wife, you shall not call her Sarai, but Sarah shall be her name. I will bless her. And moreover, I will give you a son by her. I will bless her. And she shall become nations. Kings of peoples shall come from her. Then Abram fell on his face and laughed and said to himself, shall a child be born to a man who is a hundred years old? Shall Sarah, who is 90 years old, bear a child? And Abraham said to God, O that Ishmael might live before you. God said, no, but Sarah your wife, shall bear you a son. And you shall call his name Isaac. I will establish my covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his offspring after him. As for Ishmael, I have heard you behold. I have blessed him and will make him fruitful and multiply him greatly. He shall father 12 princes. And I will make him into a great nation. But I will establish my covenant with Isaac, whom Sarah shall bear to you at this time next year. When he had finished talking with him, God went up from Abraham. Then Abraham took Ishmael, his son, and all those born in his house, or bought with his money every male among the men of Abraham's house, and he circumcised the flesh of their foreskins that very day, as God had said to him. Abraham was 99 years old when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin. And Ishmael his son, was 13 years old when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin. That very day Abraham and his son Ishmael were circumcised, and all the men of his house, those born in his house, and those bought with money from a foreigner, were circumcised with him. A reading from the Book of Psalms.

[Narrator]

To the choirmaster according to the A Psalm of David. O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth you have set your glory above the heavens. Out of the mouth of babies and infants you have established strength because of your foes, to steal the enemy and the avenger. When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place. What is man, that you are mindful.

[Reader]

Of him, and the Son of Man.

[Narrator]

That you care for him. Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings, and crowned him with glory and honor. You have given him dominion over the works of your hands. You have put all things under his.

[Reader]

Feet, all sheep and oxen, and also.

[Narrator]

The beasts of the field, the birds.

[Reader]

Of the heavens, and the fish of.

[Narrator]

The sea, whatever passes along the paths of the seas. O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth.

[Reader]

A reading of the Gospel according to Matthew.

[Narrator]

And he called to him his 12 disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits to cast them out and to heal every disease and every affliction. The names of the twelve apostles are First, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother Philip and Bartholomew, Thomas and Matthew the tax collector, James the son of Alphaeus and Thaddaeus, C. Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. These 12 Jesus sent out instructing them, go nowhere among the Gentiles, and enter no town of the Samaritans, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel, and proclaim as you Go saying, the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons you received without paying, give without pay.

[Reader]

Acquire no gold or silver or copper.

[Narrator]

For your belt, no bag for your journey, or two tunics or sandals or a staff for the laborer deserves his food. And whatever town or village you enter, find out who is worthy in it and stay there until you depart. As you enter the house, greet it. And if the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it. But if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town. Truly, I say to you, it will be more bearable on that Day of judgment for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah than for that town. Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. So be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues. And you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake to bear witness before them and the Gentiles when they deliver you over. Do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say. For what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. For it is not you who speak, but the spirit of your father speaking through you. Brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father, his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death. And you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next. For truly I say to you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes. A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher and the servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household? So have no fear of them. For nothing is covered that will not be revealed or hidden, that will not be known. What I tell you in the dark, say in the light. And what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. 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. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny, and not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore you are of more value than many sparrows. So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven. Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter in law against her mother in law. And a person's enemies will be those of his own household. Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me. And whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it. And whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. Whoever receives you receives me. And whoever receives me receives him who sent me. The one who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet's reward. And the one who receives a righteous person because he is a righteous person will receive a righteous person's reward. And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.