"Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men and have overcome."
-----Genesis 32:28
I have been dealing with an issue about Abraham, Isaac and Jacob that I could not get my head around. These men seem to thrive in the art of deception. Each time we see it happen in scripture, they walk out the other side with God blessing them. I have not been able to figure out what is going on here. What am I missing? This doesn't seem fair. Why are people doing things in deception, being rewarded by God?
Then it hit me. I was reminded about this verse a few weeks back:
"...the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and give them to anyone he wishes."--Daniel 4:32
It hit me. It is not my job to approve how God distributes His blessing. Abraham, Isaac and Jacob are not deceptive people in God's eyes. They are first of all people who God loves, that just so happen to use deception in their weakest moments. I can relate to that.
I feel this is the beginning of a paradigm shift for me. Once again my job is simplified. My role in the story of God is not His auditor. My role is His child. It is clear in Jacob's story here, that God is working on Him and is not finished doing something incredible through his family. In verse 28 God gives Jacob a new name, ISRAEL.
The moment I met my heavenly Father, He gave me a new name...
His Child!!!
"Father, You alone are God and You pour Your blessings on those You choose."
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
-----Genesis 32:28
I have been dealing with an issue about Abraham, Isaac and Jacob that I could not get my head around. These men seem to thrive in the art of deception. Each time we see it happen in scripture, they walk out the other side with God blessing them. I have not been able to figure out what is going on here. What am I missing? This doesn't seem fair. Why are people doing things in deception, being rewarded by God?
Then it hit me. I was reminded about this verse a few weeks back:
"...the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and give them to anyone he wishes."--Daniel 4:32
It hit me. It is not my job to approve how God distributes His blessing. Abraham, Isaac and Jacob are not deceptive people in God's eyes. They are first of all people who God loves, that just so happen to use deception in their weakest moments. I can relate to that.
I feel this is the beginning of a paradigm shift for me. Once again my job is simplified. My role in the story of God is not His auditor. My role is His child. It is clear in Jacob's story here, that God is working on Him and is not finished doing something incredible through his family. In verse 28 God gives Jacob a new name, ISRAEL.
The moment I met my heavenly Father, He gave me a new name...
His Child!!!
"Father, You alone are God and You pour Your blessings on those You choose."
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
