Jacob replied, “First sell me your birthright.” — Genesis 25:31
As Jacob grew up, his life began to take a very different course from that of his brother, Esau. Not only did Jacob and Esau have different interests and personalities, but their parents’ favoritism likely fueled their sibling rivalry. And in the back of Jacob’s mind, there was probably often a reminder of God’s response to Rebekah—a prophecy saying that “the older [brother] will serve the younger” (see Genesis 25:23).
Have you ever been frustrated by the feeling that you were not getting what you deserved? Knowing that God intended to bless him, Jacob took steps to secure that blessing for himself. And Esau, whose hunger for soup overruled his common sense, cooperated by selling his birthright. Perhaps like Jacob, we often see God’s blessing as something we should have—or maybe even deserve—and we think we need to seize it or -secure it by making some kind of deal or bargain or even putting someone else down in the process. But blessings from God are an undeserved gift.
They cannot be purchased for any price other than the blood Christ gave for us on the cross. Yet as Jacob’s story will show us, it can take a lifetime to set aside our human tendency to struggle against the work of God and to receive his love as a gift. God freely gives this gift to us. Note that we do not deserve it but His love for us is so wide and deep that He gifts to us. Pray that God’s Spirit will begin to help you learn that lesson today. Spend time with Him today and thank Him for this gift of blessing.
READ
WORSHIP
Think about the worship songs below and enter a time of worship. May these worship songs bless you during your time of fellowship with God.
PRAYER
Gracious God, we often try to seize for ourselves what you delight to offer as a gift. Help us to look today to Christ, who has already paid the price of your blessing for us. Help us to seek your face and not your hand. Change our heart, O God. We know you are for us! Thank you God! In Jesus name, Amen.
SHARE
Our prayer for you in this season is to eagerly await what the Lord will do for us, in us and through us during these very special 30 days. Our heart is to spread the hope of Jesus to the world around us. Invite your family and friends to this daily devotional, save the image below, and share via social media!
- If you are viewing this email on a phone, press and hold the image, then click 'Save Image.'
- If you are viewing this email on a computer, hover your mouse over the bottom left of the image, then click (or right-click) to download and share.
