Today’s Reading: Genesis 31; Genesis 32; Genesis 33; Luke 13
Scripture: Genesis 32:9-12
9 Then Jacob prayed, "O God of my father Abraham, God of my father Isaac, O LORD, who said to me, 'Go back to your country and your relatives, and I will make you prosper,' 10 I am unworthy of all the kindness and faithfulness you have shown your servant. I had only my staff when I crossed this Jordan, but now I have become two groups. 11 Save me, I pray, from the hand of my brother Esau, for I am afraid he will come and attack me, and also the mothers with their children. 12 But you have said, 'I will surely make you prosper and will make your descendants like the sand of the sea, which cannot be counted.'"
Observation: I just love this prayer. Jacob is humble, "I am unworthy...", he is honest and open, "I am afraid [of Esau]", and he reminds God of the promises he has given to him, "But you have said."
Application: This is a smart prayer. It's always a good idea to quote God to God! It's like appealing to a parent, "remember what you said..." I think God liked this prayer too. [It is interesting to note that after praying this prayer asking God to save him, Jacob schemes and plots various scenarios to save himself. But God saves Jacob anyway.]
Prayer: Lord, thank you for hearing our prayers, even when we have a bit (or a lot) of inner dissonance. Lord, I believe. Help me in my unbelief.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
1 comment:
Great post. God wants us to be honest with him. He can handle our fears and insecurities if we will just be open with him instead of trying to be something we are not.
Post a Comment