THE STORY OF JESUS: Genesis 34:1-36:43
“Your name will be Israel… I am God Almighty… A nation and a community of nations will come from you, and kings will be among your descendants.” (Genesis 35:10,11)
God-struggler (Israel) and God Almighty, what a team.
God takes sinful, deceitful strugglers, and does great things through them.
What gives me confidence is not the strength of my faith, but the strength of my God.
God has stepped into my life through Jesus, the greatest descendant/king from Israel’s line.
He takes me with all my weaknesses, and does something great in/through me.
If we look at Israel’s story, we see many episodes of weakness and folly.
If we look at the church’s story, we see many occasions of shame and failure.
If we look at our life story, we see more weakness than strength, more gory than glory.
But this is what GRACE is all about, and why I keep hanging on despite my failures.
What stands out in this story is the greatness of God despite our weakness.
The reach of His mercy extends beyond the reach of my folly.
Yes we struggle, but not without hope; yes we fail, but not without mercy.
As Christians, we ought to be the most humble people in the world.
As Christians who have been graced beyond belief, we ought to be the most gracious of all.
May our life story remind us where our confidence lies… in God Almighty!
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, grace is not an excuse to sin. But it is a reminder that when I do, I can turn back to You for mercy, and with Your help find my way again!
In tune with God.
God speaks and Jacob listens.
The people had gone wayward, but God works His grace and they return – into His presence. God talks to His own and His own – Jacob – listened. God also fulfilled His promises.
And so today, how am I in tune with God? How does He speak to me? How do I know the voice of God?
I too need to be in tune – walking and talking and praising God in all if my daily activities. As Adam walked with His Father so I too need to walk daily with God. In all of my doings I must live for Jesus – not my will but His will be done. I am not my on but belong to Him. That’s the frame of reference that must drive me each day anew.
And as I live this day for Him I must continue my talks with Him and He will continue to be my Guardian and Guide. Lead me and guide me Lord.
Lead me oh Lord, won’t you lead me
I am tired and I need Thy strength and power
To guide me over my darkest hour
For just open my eyes that I may see
Lead me oh Lord, won’t you lead me
Lead me, guide me along the way
For if you lead me I cannot stray
Or just open my eyes that I may see
Lead me oh Lord, won’t you lead me
I am lost if you take your hand from me
I am blind without try light to see
Lord just always let me Thy servant be
Lead me oh Lord, won’t you lead me
Lead me, guide me along the way
For if you lead me I cannot stray
Lord just open my eyes that I may see
Lead me oh Lord, won’t you lead me