Saturday, January 28, 2012
Gen 30:2 and Matt 19:20 "Am I in God's Place?" (January 29)
Jacob cheats his brother; now, Jacob's father-in-law cheats Jacob. Even in the midst of Jacob's mess, it is Divine Providence that leads the empty-handed God-fearing Jacob to a field to meet his wife, Rachel. "What do I still lack?" Matt 19:20. Jacob followed his heart, his emptiness. Tears flow free from Jacob when he meets Rachel. Do you ever ask yourself what your tears are really for? Jacob's tears poured out of his suffering brought on by himself...and his newfound gratitude for the Hand of God leading this 70-year-old man to find a young, beautiful wife. Psalm 32:8 "I will counsel you with My Eye on you." The envy between both of Jacob's wives, Rachel and Leah, is exhausting as they grieve over the good in each other. Wonder why Jacob didn't say---Enough! I'll have no more of this competition by your giving me your maidservants to conceive children for you. No more! So, Leah names her children: "Attached" and "Happy" ~ now her husband will be attached to her; now others will call her happy. Jacob speaks a righteous word: "Am I in God's Place?" Gen 30:2. The God Who withholds. Wonder why Jacob's actions didn't match up to his words? Wonder in my own life why my envy of others doesn't result in tears of repentance? Matt 19:30 "Many who are first will be last, and the last first."
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“All these (the Commandments) I have kept. What do I still lack?” 21 Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” 22 When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.”
ReplyDeleteThe rich man still knew he lacked something, felt empty, and came up short. He was young. He was rich, but he had an attachment greater than his love for God. He trusted in chariots instead of Grace. He preferred counting on himself instead of counting himself nothing.
I’ve had much, and I’ve had little, materially speaking. And this is what I’ve learned. Possessions can make you too comfortable to need God. Possessions can make life too predictable to fear God. Possessions can make you lazy. Gratitude becomes a fleeting prayer instead of a desperate one. I know that emptiness that comes from too much stuff, and not enough substance. Does it have to be this way? No. But no doubt these are just a few of the reasons God said it is harder for a rich man to enter heaven than a camel to pass through the eye of a needle. Guard our hearts, Lord, against idols such as self-reliance, pride, laziness. Guide our hearts to depend and trust only in Your Love, Your Mercy and Your Provision, and to always remember that the treasures of eternity are such as these.
Jacob marries.
ReplyDeleteOne wife is his duty.
The other is his love.
Christ has a bride. Duty or love?
So glad I'm not His duty.
ReplyDelete