Day 11

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Isaac blessing Jacob, painting by Horst, Gerrit Willemsz. (c.1612 - 1652)  

Scripture

January 11—Genesis 27-31: Jacob's Schemes and Outcomes

Observation

A conflict between twins that began in the womb carries over into the adult lives of Esau and Jacob. After following Rebekah’s plan to trick Isaac into giving him the patriarchal blessing, Jacob flees to Haran for safety. On route to Haran, he receives assurance from God in a dream that he is indeed the heir of the covenant promises. In Haran, he is out-tricked by his uncle, Laban, and after twenty frustrating years returns to Canaan with four wives, eleven sons, one daughter and considerable wealth.

Application

Jacob always got what he went after: birthright, blessing, wife, flocks, herds etc. And he paid a high price: alienation from father and brother, dissension within his own home, toward his in-laws, and continual anxiety. Sadly, he could have possessed all those things he connived to get and enjoyed fellowship with God—if he had just been willing to take God at his Word (25:23; 28:12-15). Manipulation has no place in God’s program. Are we tempted to pull strings and push buttons? We need to just do our part: love, pray, wait, trust. And let God do his. As the saying goes, let go let God!

Prayer

Oh, Lord thank you for showing us in today’s reading why we need to do our part in trusting you to fulfill your promises and help us to wait on you. Give us the peace and assurance we need to trust and wait instead of trying to take care of things ourselves making matters worse. Thank you for we have everything we need today while we wait. In Jesus name, amen!

Jacob reproaching Laban for giving him Leah in place of Rachel, painting by Hendrick ter Brugghen (1588-1629)











© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business! 2019

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