Today's passage: Genesis 29
Jacob's story is very interesting from beginning to end. There are lots of twists and turns throughout. This is one of them. I think we should take a bigger look at Jacob's life to help us keep this story in perspective.
On the surface it looks like 'poor ole Jacob'! But by taking a bigger look at Jacob's life, I have seen something very interesting. Not too many chapters ago, it was Jacob who swindled his older brother out of his birthright. This is a flaw that Jacob had, and God began to work on that with him. A little taste of his own medicine, if you will. There was a lack of dependence on God. One of the ways that God was using this situation was to expose Jacob's weakness.
I find myself with the same weakness. I rely on my own resourcefulness or knowledge in different situations, and think...'you know what, I'll take this one God...just take a break for a bit'. How utterly futile that is. God calls for us to be dependent on Him for EVERYTHING! I know it sounds overwhelming at first, but can we just take baby steps in the right direction. I understand that we are all not to that point of total dependence, myself most definitely included, but can I say that that is not ok for you and I! Take time today and think about just one more thing that you can depend on God for. Let us press on for the prize!
It is important to look at Jacobs whole life.....I was bothered by the fact that Jacob was so so rewarded for being so awful....but his punishment came for what he did...yet another example of you reap what you sew. It has been healing for me to see how human Abraham and Issac were. I always saw them as "Godly" men...men that did no wrong....but they were no better then me. They were funky, and human like me, but God used them to fulfill His mighty plan. What hope that gives me. I am so thankful that Gos loves me in the same way.
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