In our first study, we looked at the life of Abraham and how God had spoken to him that he must sacrifice his son, Isaac. With immediate obedience and great courage, he made a three day journey in order to offer up his son. However, God stopped him in the nick of time, and blessed Abraham as the father of many.
Today we look at Jacob, the grandson of Abraham. A man we would come to know as Israel; the father of the twelve tribes. We see, not in just one chapter, but twice the obedience of Jacob. But it was not always like this for Jacob. In fact, Jacob was quite the troublemaker.
A deceit most noted is that of Jacob in deceiving his father, in Genesis 27. Here, Jacob tells his father many lies in order to steal a blessing that belonged to his older brother Esau. Many were the consequences that came as a result of Jacobs deception, but over the course of his life, he learned to hear and respond to the voice of God.
I believe this can be a great encouragement to us all. We can look at the life of Israel and see God's mercy and favor, as he sought God. We can know that our past mistakes are not barriers to Gods blessings. Yes, there will be consequences to our sins, but God is merciful and covers us with favor as a shield.
Over time, Jacob learned to recognize the voice of God. And not only did he recognize the voice of God, but he learned obedience.
In Genesis 31, Jacob has made a family and acquired property for himself, while living with his uncle Laban. After years of service to Laban, he finds his favor with his uncle dwindling. In a dream, God calls Jacobs name, and he responds with, "Here I am." God then proceeds to tell him to take his family and property, and to return to his native land.
That took courage on Jacobs part. Why? Because returning home meant facing his older brother Esau. Remember, Jacob had fled home in the first place because he was told Esau had plans to kill him. To return home could mean death for him.
The second time we see God call to Jacob in a dream is in Genesis 46, and Jacob of course responds, "Here I am." This time, God calls Jacob to leave home, and to travel to Egypt in order that he may be reunited with his son Joseph. We can find confidence in knowing that sometimes when God calls us, it may be a bit unnerving, going to a place we are unfamiliar with, but it's road leads to answered prayer and restoration.
We can look at the life of Jacob and be encouraged. To see a man botch it up quite a bit, but to see this man grow into someone God uses to birth His chosen nation, Israel. We can be encouraged in knowing that even though we make mistakes, God chooses to restore our fortunes out of His own loving desire, to restore us and bless us.
Perhaps God is calling your name right now. You hesitate to respond out of fear. Out of doubt that you are capable. Be assured that God will equip you for every journey He calls us to. Sometimes its hard. Sometimes it's very hard. Usually it leads to a blessing we cannot imagine. Jacob returned to his native land, with Esau meeting him with open arms. And in his later years, he travelled the unknown to be reunited with his precious son Joseph, whom he thought was dead.
When God calls your name, will you be able to recognize His voice? If so, will you respond immediately and with courage?
No comments:
Post a Comment