Daily-Devotions

We might be tempted to gloss over chapter 36. It’s one of those long genealogy chapters in the Bible; and this family tree isn’t even one that relates directly to Jesus. Yet it’s a reminder that God cares for all peoples. Truly He wants all to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

Jacob calls upon his family to put away their foreign gods, and to purify themselves before the Lord. What gods might we need to put away from our hearts and lives? May God give us eyes to see our own personal idols. But may we also see God’s forgiving mercy, which tenderly calls us back to His side.

Scripture records the good, the bad, and the ugly, but often it’s a lot more of the bad and the ugly. The murderous deceit of Levi and Simeon shows the great evil of which humankind is capable. Lord, help us to see our own wretched sin, and daily flee to You for forgiveness.

Even after twenty years, Jacob can’t be sure that Esau is ready to let bygones be bygones. But Christian humility and kindness can go a long way in diffusing a potentially hostile situation. Then let’s not forget God’s mighty angels, whom He sends to watch over us every day. However, ultimately we put all our trust in God to guard and guide our way.

A wrestling match for the ages! Jacob goes head to head with God and comes out the winner! How so? The Lord loves it when we wrestle with Him in prayer. He’s always sure to let us win, which is to say He will answer our every prayer in a way that best serves our spiritual and eternal good. Take your Lord to the mat, dear Christian. You’ll win every time!

It’s time to escape the clutches of deceitful Uncle Laban. But Laban isn’t the only one hauling around spiritual baggage. Within Jacob’s own family there is a thief, and possible idol worshipper. Jacob and crew have enough baggage of their own. Let’s recognize our own baggage, bringing it to the cross, where Jesus carried the full weight of all our sins.

Despite a less than godly atmosphere in this growing family, the Lord, as He had promised, continues to be with Jacob and to bless him. But while Jacob’s flocks experience rapid growth, it’s obvious that his faith has much room for grow. But he’s not alone, is he? “Lord, increase our faith!”

It’s a dysfunctional family right from the start. In coming chapters Jacobs’ family will experience one self-created problem after another. Yet God has grace even for a family like this. “Lord, give our families the grace and wisdom to avoid the pitfalls of this family; but may You also supply the soothing balm of Your merciful Word to all our family flaws and shortcomings”

Heaven is opened wide to sinners through faith in Christ Jesus our Savior. Knowing Christ by faith, also means we have the Lord’s promise that He will be with us and will bless us throughout our earthly pilgrimage, even during our loneliest of times.

The family’s dysfunction boils over when Rebekah and Jacob deceive Isaac. They seem to be successful. But it all blows up in their faces when Esau has murder on his mind, forcing Jacob to run for his life. Yet God’s grace is still at work as we shall see in the next chapter.

Rebekah prays about the struggle going on within her womb. The LORD tells her that she is carrying two nations, and that the older son will serve the younger. We soon see that this is a family with problems. But God loves families with problems as much as any family.

This chapter records the death of Abraham. As with the rest of God’s people his time on earth was not always easy. Yet the LORD was always with Him, blessing Him in so many ways. Can’t you and I say the same? Just think, all this and Heaven, too!