Be Encouragedby Dale Harcombe | More from this Blogger 13 Oct 2008 07:00 PM I admit to having a soft spot for Jacob in the Bible. Yes, he was a liar and a cheat. But he was also a man who knew what was important. Jacob saw the value of the birthright when Esau didn't, Genesis 25:31-34. Although the methods he and his mother, Rebekah, employed to gain his father's blessing were underhanded and deceitful, Genesis 27:1-29, they both paid the penalty for that. Jacob had to leave home because of his brother's anger, Genesis 27:42-45. Though they both thought it would be only for a short time, Jacob never saw his mother again. Before he left, Isaac blessed Jacob and urged him to marry a woman from his brother-in-law's family. Esau on the on the hand did everything he could to disobey God's command and those of this father, Genesis 28:7-9. On the way Jacob had a dream where God revealed Himself to Jacob and promised him he would be blessed with many descendants and one day would return to his land, Genesis 28:13-15. Jacob committed himself to God and initiated a tithe to God, Genesis 28:21,22. Jacob went to stay with his uncle Laban. He fell in love with Rachel and agreed to work for her. He worked for him conscientiously for years, but when it came time for her to be his wife, Laban tricked him. Jacob discovered how it felt to be on the receiving end of such deception when he ended up with Leah instead. Undaunted, he agreed to work another seven years for Rachel. Jacob was nothing if not determined and persistent when he wanted something. And he wanted Rachel. Then God called him to go back to his home land. Was Jacob afraid? Yes. He had no idea what sort of reception he could expect from Esau after all these years. But Jacob obeyed God and went. He took precautions to safeguard those he loved, Genesis 32:3-8, 13-23. More importantly, he prayed to God reminding God that it was in obedience to His command he had returned. He reminded God of his promises to him, Genesis 32:12. Left alone without family Jacob wrestled with God. Persistence was one of Jacobs's admirable qualities. He persisted until God blessed him. And bless him God did! For Jacob's name was changed to Israel and from him the nation of Israel grew, Genesis 32:24-32. Yes, Jacob had his flaws, obvious to anyone who reads his story. But doesn't it comfort you to know that God doesn't choose perfect people? He takes us as we are, despite our faults and sins. Even better, He is able to use us despite our faults and personality quirks, despite past deceits or wrong actions, and despite our tendency to sin. That encourages me. I hope it encourages you. Bible verses from The New American Standard Version Please visit these related blogs How to Handle the Storm in Your Life Are You Projecting Your Own Stuff Onto Your Kids? Practical Lessons from Hezekiah
Learn more about Dale Harcombe  Dale has a passion for books and writing. She writes in various forms, from articles to poetry to fiction for children and adults. Relevantchristian tags User Comments trying2bmanofGod (219) 14 Oct 2008 10:50 AMI don't know if Jacob is my favorite. But there are a lot of good lesons in thier. I am encourged by many in the bible. As I am sure you know many leave you wondering why did God choose them, so I am encourged that since God could use them with all their flaws maybe there is hope for me.  Dale Harcombe |
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