Wednesday
1-11-17, Modesto, California
Today we
read Gen 27 – 28, Psalm 4 and Luke 11
S = Scripture O =
Observation A = Application P = Prayer SOAP
for the soul.
S. Gen 27:38 Esau pleaded, "Not one blessing left for me? O my
father, bless me, too!" Then Esau broke down and wept. NLT
O. Jacob, prompted by his mother, Rebekah,
had cleverly tricked Isaac into thinking he was blessing his favorite son,
Esau. The deception worked, and Isaac, who was old and blind, prayed his
generous covenant-blessing over Jacob instead of his twin brother Esau. Soon
after this, Esau returns from hunting wild game, and carefully prepares a
savory meal and with great anticipation of a generational blessing, presents it
to his blind father. But Esau discovers that his father has no hunger now. He
has just eaten the food that Jacob brought him. His brother Jacob had stolen
his covenant-blessing.
A. I admit that I am a soft touch, but
every time I read this story I cannot help but place myself in Esau’s
situation. When he cries out the desperate plea (shown above) to his father, I
find myself tearing up and, yes, I weep along with Esau. I confess that I
wonder why God still honored the stolen covenant-blessing for Jacob. But I am
not in a position to judge God for His decisions. I have only a small part of
this story (or of any story for that matter) whereas God sees the whole
picture, even our deep-seated motives.
P. So, Heavenly Father, as I walk this
path of life and face many situations, help me to restrain from judging someone
in my heart.** I am tempted to say, “But Lord, how can You bless the ministry
of that brother? Look what he did!” And You answer me with these words, “Do you
think for a moment that I have blessed you because you are without dark spots?
I have seen your repentant heart and have blessed you time and again when you
did not deserve it.” Yes, it is true, Lord. What amazing grace! Amen.
Ralph
**Luke 6:37 Stop judging others, and you will not be judged. Stop
criticizing others, or it will all come back on you. If you forgive others, you
will be forgiven… NLT
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