6 Minute Read + Scripture readings
Today’s Bible Reading:
Today’s Bible Verse(s):
“When Esau looked up and saw the women and children, he asked, ‘Who are these with you?’ He answered, ‘The children God has graciously given your servant.’”
Genesis 33:5 (CSB)
Reflections on Today’s Bible Verse(s):
When we hear Esau’s question, we expect something very different to come out of Jacob’s mouth.
Essentially, Esau was asking: “Who are all of these people? What about all of these possessions, brother? When you left home, you had nothing. And now, I look and see this massive crowd and possessions. Where did it all come from?”
If Jacob had been spiritually immature, he might have said: “I obtained all of it by a lot of hard work. Sure, life sent me some curveballs but I made the most of them. I worked twenty long years for everything I’ve got, Esau!”
But, that’s not what he said, is it?
Genesis 33:5 (CSB): “When Esau looked up and saw the women and children, he asked, ‘Who are these with you?’ He answered, ‘The children God has graciously given your servant.’”
When we listen to Jacob’s response, we hear the words of someone who is spiritually mature. In fact, he’s been broken by his God. He graciously attributes to God anything and everything that he has obtained and has done.
What about you, friend? Do you have such a relationship with the Lord? Do you see His hand in everything that you have done and have received? Do you see His hand working even in the times when injustice and hardship prevails (like when Jacob was treated unjustly by Laban)?
Someone who is spiritually mature credits God with anything good that happens. They credit God with the good that results from the bad. They see God’s hand all around them and they realize that they are simply a recipient of God’s grace.
We might be tempted to say: “Well, Jacob obtained a lot of wealth. I’d sure like to obtain wealth and give God the credit!”
However, that’s earth-centered. When Jacob finally died, he couldn’t take a red cent with him. He left every last bit of his wealth behind. What he took with him was who he had become because of God’s hand on his life.
Ultimately, you and I are going to stand before Jesus one day and He’s going to judge us (2 Corinthians 5:8-10). When we are judged, we won’t wish that we had made another dollar. Instead, we will wish that we had served Jesus more, that we had strived for holiness more. These things are the ultimate good that he is working in us (Romans 8:28).
So, as God forms Christ in you (Galatians 4:19), be like Jacob. Don’t take credit for it. Make it clear that you are simply a recipient of God’s grace. Give God the glory.
One day, as you stand before Jesus, you’ll be glad you did.
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Lord Jesus, help me to see that I’m really not as in control of my life as I think. Help me to see that if it weren’t for You, I would be nothing. I pray that I would much more readily point a finger to You when people tell me of something positive that they see in my life. Help me to give credit where credit is due. Amen.
Matt’s Musings 