Genesis 32:13-34:31; Matthew 11:7-30; Psalm 14:1-7; Proverbs 3:19-20
There really are things that money cannot buy! Jacob, while returning home, encounters Esau. Because he is unsure how Esau will receive him, Jacob devises a plan to shower Esau with gifts in the hopes of buying his acceptance and forgiveness. He arranges his possessions and people so that if Esau attacked part of his family and wealth, the other part could get away.
How mistaken he was! Jacob fretted all night over what would happen when he saw Esau. God sent a messenger to Jacob and Jacob refused to let the angel go until he blessed him. Jacob wrestled until morning and received the blessing. The interesting thing is that Jacob already had the blessing on his life. Jacob saw first hand God’s empowerment to succeed against all odds. But, Jacob could not see how God would heal his relationship with his brother.
Are you trusting God completely in one area and then struggling to trust God in another? You might be facing different issues in your life but the same God who has worked on your behalf before, will work again for you!
Jacob had a great track record with God. You should too. Stop trying to work out situations on your own. Stop trying to use things to buy people. Let God show you that He can do for you what money cannot buy!
Tomorrow’s Reading: Genesis 35:1-36:43; Matthew 12:1-21; Psalm 15:1-5; Proverbs 3:21-26