Monday, February 23, 2009

Today's passage: Genesis 30

I believe many of us after reading this chapter feel like we just watched an episode of Jerry Springer. What I mean by that is, it is pretty much all about self-centeredness and using and abusing other people. But like Brent said in his post yesterday we need to look at Jacob's life as a whole.

One of our blog followers "Eve" made this comment yesterday:
"I was bothered by the fact that Jacob was so so rewarded for being so awful"

I agree completely. It really bothered me reading about how Jacob didn't put a stop to the feud between his wives and then how he manipulated the breeding patterns of the flocks to benefit him. After reading this I frankly thought Jacob is a jerk and somehow God is still blessing him, why? Then I realized this: If I am completely honest, I have had some dark days in my life. Actually I have had some dark years, but by God's grace and plan He has led me to where I am now. Which is not to say that I no longer make poor choices from time to time, but that God has grown me from a very cynical and worldly person into someone that desperately seeks Him with faith and hope.

The simple fact that God's plan involves using people that would be best described as jerks, or worse, at some point in their lives, I hope is a testimony to all of us. If there is someone in your life that you think there is no way that God could or would ever use them, the truth is He very well might already be paving the way for that person to bring Him glory through their future actions.

So would you join me in making a commitment to start a conversation this week with someone that God has laid on your heart? Remember no matter how unlikely it might seem to us. The most unlikable person can be changed by the Holy Spirit and used for God's glory. Amen?