Day 12 – The story of Jacob

Reading: Genesis 27:1 to Genesis 36:43

“May God pass on to you and your descendants the blessings he promised to Abraham. May you own this land where you are now living as a foreigner, for God gave this land to Abraham.” Genesis 28:4 NLT

How we react to a moral dilemma often exposes our real motives. Frequently we are more worried about getting caught than about doing what Is right. Jacob was the third generational link in God’s plan to start a nation from Abraham. He might not be the hero type we expect. We get to know him as a selfish deceiver and liar, yet as we follow his story from his birth to death, we see God’s mighty work. Not only in his life but as the foundation of the nation of Israel.

Jacob’s life had four significant stages, each marked by a personal encounter with God. After stealing his brother Esau’s blessing by deceiving his father he fled. During this flight, God appeared to him confirming the blessing and awakening in Jacob a personal knowledge of Himself.

In the second stage, Jacob experienced lying and deception from the other side through Laban’s manipulation. But here is the curious change: “Stage 1 Jacob” would simply have left, but “Stage 2 Jacob” waited six years for God’s permission to move.

As we move into the third stage by the Jordan River, Jacob grabbed onto God and wouldn’t let go and God changed his name from Jacob (heel grabber) to Israel (God fights). No longer was he self-sufficient and proud but became dependent on God who would now fight for him.

In Jacob’s last stage of life, we see the blessing unfold through his 12 sons and upon Joseph’s invitation to relocate to Egypt, he was clearly unwilling to make a move without God’s approval. Through his obedience to move, Israel entered Egypt and was blessed to become the promised nation of God.

Prayer: Father, there are so many things we can associate with in Jacob’s story. You showed mercy and love to a deceiver and changed his life whereas others would’ve only turned their backs. Thank You that we can learn that You are personally involved in our lives and want a personal relationship regardless of what we’ve done. As part of the Body of Christ, thank You that You fight for us too. Amen.