PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Genesis 27-28
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it.” (Genesis 28:16)
Jacob the schemer is good at knowing what is going on, and how to use it to his advantage.
But here is something he did not realize, that God was in this barren place.
God shows up in unexpected places, people and ways, and we are often clueless to it.
We think we know how God works, what God will do, who God will use or not use.
Jacob’s scheming self-confidence needed to be broken for God to use him.
This is true for all of us, as we all have this same tendency.
It was this cluelessness to God’s ways that led the religious leaders not to know Jesus.
Despite their claims to knowledge, they did not know what they were doing (Luke 23:34).
Is God through Jesus at work in places and people and ways we are unaware of?
Are we open to seeing the Lord present and at work in the people and places around us?
We are called, like Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, to bless the nations.
We are not called to curse or exclude other people, but to embrace them God’s way.
It is not by scheming or programs or money that we do this, but by being gracious.
The Lord is at work in our community, whether we are aware of it or not – will we join him?
PRAYER
Lord, you are here and at work where I am, whether I’m aware of it or not. Open my eyes to see you here, and open my heart to join you in blessing those around me!
With all the deception for a blessing and a birthright for Jacob and Esau – despite all this, God works through the circumstances to bring about his Will. Jacob has the dream and recognizes that God has approached him and here’s the blessing of God passed on to him and by God’s blessing “All peoples on earth will be blessed through you and your offspring”. Then Jacob made a vow and he capped it with a promise to tithe a tenth – to set it aside as God’s alone. I too am challenged to be a source of blessing for others and as I serve too I have the privilege of setting aside special gifts – a tithe as well. Lord help me to use all I have to serve you!
God is everywhere but do I have the eyes that see it?
God has blessed me as I continue to volunteer in the thrift store. He has blessed the store with blessings, at times overflowing. Then we are able to be a blessing to the community aiding a different charity each month. Some may complain of the ever abundance but in all things I need to see God at work through His people. I need to be a steeping stone and not a stumbling block as I serve Him being an instrument of His peace. Where will I see God this day? – – – in the new day, in the sun rise, in the new opportunities to serve Him.
In the stars His handiwork I see,
On the wind He speaks with majesty,
Though He ruleth over land and sea,
What is that to me?
I will celebrate Nativity,
For it has a place in history,
Sure, He came to set His people free,
What is that to me?
Till by faith I met Him face to face,
and I felt the wonder of His grace,
Then I knew that He was more than just a
God who didn’t care,
That lived a way out there and
Now He walks beside me day by day,
Ever watching o’er me lest I stray,
Helping me to find the narrow way,
He’s Everything to me.