2024_07_17 Insight Post- Rusty Coram
This week’s reading- Genesis 27-30
Seeing Jacob’s story played out gives us a picture of how God is continually at work to help us learn and grow in our faith and character. When Jacob deceived his father to steal his brother’s rightful inheritance, God began a lengthy training program for him. Running for his life, Jacob stayed with his uncle, who deceived him for years. Through this grueling process, Jacob developed greater humility.
God is much more interested in our character than our accomplishments, yet we are bombarded by messages that elevate success and comfort over character all the time. We live in a season where, all too often, “the ends justify the means” is the key operating principle lived if not verbalized. Jesus gives us a very different perspective when He says, “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” Matthew 6:31–33 (NLT)
I believe God orchestrates circumstances to show us where our true values are, and then He works to help us see our error by letting us “reap what we sow.” We can try shortcuts and bypass God’s purposes, but in the end, we only prove that He is right. “Do not be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. 8 Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. 9 So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time, we will reap a harvest of blessings if we don’t give up.” Galatians 6:7–9 (NLT)
Jacob had to learn his lessons the hard way. We have the opportunity of learning from his example and avoiding unnecessary problems. The choice remains ours.
Rusty Coram
Senior Pastor