Genesis 27-29

Man, what a mess! Stealing a birthright, deceiving your husband, stealing a blessing, plotting to kill, fleeing to live, deceiving in marriage!

You know, sometimes we have these glorified pictures of the patriarchs of the faith. We gloss their characters as righteous faithful men who had great relationships with God. Uhmm, we haven't seen one yet that hasn't blown it royally! No one hasn't had a sinful story told about them.

Yet God even in the midst of these frantic selfish and sinful chapters is seen reiterating His promise to the next generation, Jacob. (Almost shockingly right afterwards Jacob makes a deal with God. "If You protect me... I'll let you be my God." What a wonderful role model who would soon become Israel! Yuck!)

God dealt with those unworthy men and allowed them to be a part of the greatest blessing given to the world. Those men continuously made mistake after mistake. We have only begun to read about Jacob's messed up actions and life. So far he has... stolen a birthright and a blessing from his brother, lied outright to his dad, put God to the test, and married two different women... one of which it is obvious that he is neglecting!

What a way to start the road to the final Adam. That God chose this family from among all the families of the earth (Duet 7:7) just makes you wonder how bad the rest must have been! That He would use them as the vessel to offer salvation to the world is foolishness...

Uhmm... maybe we ought to consider ourselves? That, for those of us in Christ, God has called us into His covenant, that God has called us to be the light of the world, that He has called us to be the aroma of Christ, that He has called the Church to be His ambassadors of reconciliation to the world!

And what is He working with today? Look through the mirror of Genesis. Churches that split over carpet color, professing believers who look no different from the world, Christians who stumble in pornography, divorce, addiction, ambivalence and apathy, martial unfaithfulness, materialism, pride, selfishness, ... need we be forced to continue?

Why did God choose those first fathers of the faith? For the same reason He has chosen us. God is amazing in His patience and faithfulness. All we can say is... grace. We today are no more worthy of His affections, His free offer of the gospel, the hope of eternal life, nor the mission of the propagation of the gospel. Yet through and despite our weaknesses, when we confess upon Him, He is shown strong. That the Church even exists today is the miracle and mercy of God. It is His faithfulness, that He can not deny. It is His sovereignty, which is never in question. It is His promise, that will never fail. It is His Son, who will never be deprived His final consummation.

Praise God that He is gracious and good. There is no one like our God. To Him be the glory and honor of every good work His people do in His name, by His strength, and through His grace. We like all men are no more worthy to know and serve Him. Thank you Lord for the reminder. It's all about You.