Change of Heart
Today’s reading: Genesis 31:22-33:20
My Selection: Genesis 32:9-10
9 And Jacob said,“O God of my father Abraham and God of my father Isaac, O Lord who said to me, ‘Return to your country and to your kindred, that I may do you good,’ 10 I am not worthy of the least of all the deeds of steadfast love and all the faithfulness that you have shown to your servant, for with only my staff I crossed this Jordan, and now I have become two camps.
My reflections: Most of the tenor of Jacob’s life has been one of conniver who thinks he has been cheated by others or only taken what was his due. Here we see a change of heart as reflected in his prayer to the Lord for deliverance from the threat of his estranged twin brother, Esau. For, perhaps, the first time Jacob acknowledges that God has done great deeds of steadfast love and faithfulness to him. Jacob seems to recognize that all has been by grace and mercy not because he earned it or deserved it.
The fear of Esau was, it seems, the greatest test he had ever faced and this test brought with it a change of heart. Jacob shows that he really does recognize his sin and need for God’s protection.
My challenge: Do you feel humbly grateful for God’s blessings on you or do you feel you have gotten less than you earned and deserved? Jacob, at this point, sets a good example to us in gratefulness to God. Praise Him for His love and faithfulness which is truly more than we deserve.
Tomorrow’s reading: Genesis 34:1-36:30