No.9: Jacob and Esau Compete

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Feb 16 |00:00 AM

Name & Bio

I’m Paul Elliott, a forty-six year old father of two (David and Samantha) and husband of Rosy. I have been a Christian since I was a teenager and have been involved in work in Carnmoney for many years. I am an elder and am currently in charge of coordinating our Church strategy under 2020 Vision. I also work in our AV team, host the Marriage Course (with Rosy, of course!) and help out in CE.  Bible Passage

Genesis 27:1–28:19

What did you learn about God today?

Today I have been reading about Jacob and Esau and how Jacob deceived his elderly father by pretending to be his older brother in order to get the birthright. As he flees from his angry brother Jacob meets God as he sleeps one night at Bethel. Even though Jacob had deceived his brother it strikes me that God was still prepared to meet with Jacob and promise to do great things through him. It occurred to me in this passage that God is prepared to work through sinners such as Jacob to do good things. And throughout all of history (with one exception - Jesus) He has acted through sinners to achieve hIs aims.

How is this relevant to you today? As I think about my own life I know am a sinner saved through the grace of Jesus. I have done just as many bad things (probably more) than Jacob did. But I find comfort (and amazement) that in spite of all the wrong things that I have done in my life, that God still cares for me and love me. And even better, He has chosen me to do things for Him! Wow! I realise that I have a job to do for Him and, just as He promised to bless Jacob in this passage, I know that He has promised to be with me too. It’s hard to take in. But I do! And I am thankful to Him for that.

Name & Bio
I’m Paul Elliott, a forty-six year old father of two (David and Samantha) and husband of Rosy. I have been a Christian since I was a teenager and have been involved in work in Carnmoney for many years. I am an elder and am currently in charge of coordinating our Church strategy under 2020 Vision. I also work in our AV team, host the Marriage Course (with Rosy, of course!) and help out in CE.

Bible Passage
Genesis 27:1–28:19

What did you learn about God today?
Today I have been reading about Jacob and Esau and how Jacob deceived his elderly father by pretending to be his older brother in order to get the birthright. As he flees from his angry brother Jacob meets God as he sleeps one night at Bethel. Even though Jacob had deceived his brother it strikes me that God was still prepared to meet with Jacob and promise to do great things through him. It occurred to me in this passage that God is prepared to work through sinners such as Jacob to do good things. And throughout all of history (with one exception - Jesus) He has acted through sinners to achieve his aims. 

How is this relevant to you today?
As I think about my own life I know am a sinner saved through the grace of Jesus. I have done just as many bad things (probably more) than Jacob did. But I find comfort (and amazement) that in spite of all the wrong things that I have done in my life, that God still cares for me and love me. And even better, He has chosen me to do things for Him! Wow! I realise that I have a job to do for Him and, just as He promised to bless Jacob in this passage, I know that He has promised to be with me too. It’s hard to take in. But I do! And I am thankful to Him for that.