Genesis 32:1-32
Reflect
We sometimes hold back or are reluctant to share words that reflect the deepest parts of our feelings. Even when we have a God that surely knows the depths of our hearts and our emotions better than we do, we limit what we truly want to say to Him. But Jacob finds himself digging deep and praying based on his need for help.
What’s interesting to see is that after Jacob prays (v9-12), he decides to take things into his own hands and offer a peace settlement to Esau by sending hundreds of animals. It’s as if he was trying to find peace with his guilt by presenting an offering to his brother! Jacob should know that his deliverance from the whole Jacob-Esau situation is found not in his works or gifts to Esau, but only in God.
When we look at our relationship with God, it can be tempting to do the same. We feel as though we can somehow earn our forgiveness after we’ve sinned by doing a bunch of good works. God is not looking for our gifts, like the pagans and their false idols, but He’s after our hearts.
Apply
There is nothing that you can do to earn more of God's grace and forgiveness. Embrace the truth of grace today by spending time in silence with God.
Pastor Nathanael
Pray
- Pray for our childcare team, the children and their families this week. Pray for the interim Director, Angie.
- Pray for our Audio/Visual Director, Grant Mix.
- Pray for our Lead Team Pastor, Terry Okken and his family. Pray that God’s Spirit would work powerfully and effectively in all the various ministry groups in our church this week.