Jacob Journey Brief  01/12/2016

Contemporary Christians (or Jews, for that matter) often erroneously believe that God only walks with those who live righteously throughout their lives. The story of Jacob serves as a stinging rebuke to this mind-set. Born grabbing at his brother’s heel, this future patriarch goes on to unscrupulously maneuver Esau out of his birthright and blessing, leading the former to flee for his life. Soon, Jacob himself reaps what he sows via the underhanded treatment of his uncle, Laban. After enduring two decades of unrelenting servitude, Jacob decides to return home to face the wrath of his brother. Along the way, he cathartically wrestles with God, and in doing so, he finally comes to terms with his Creator. At the end of this journey of faith, God blesses Jacob, renaming him “Israel”; he would eventually become the father of a nation.

God can mold and use all of us, and it may be a long journey to be molded into the person God wants us to be.

God never said being a Christian would be easy. In fact He shared that there will be times of trouble. However God mentions as not to be afraid 365 times in the Bible. He desires us to rely on Him, to seek Him, and to tell others about Him. To find comfort in His word, in His people, and in His promises. We may wrestle with our faith, however God always fulfills His promises.

May all of you find comfort, and peace in the promise of God that was foretold in the Old Testament and fulfilled in the Birth of Jesus Christ in Whom’s birth we just celebrated.

– DW