Meditation

12/13/2019

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 our relatives, and I will make you prosper,’ 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. 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. 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.’” (Genesis 32:9-12)

The experience of Jacob and Esau provides an illustration of bitter conflict between brothers resolved in later years by the desire of both brothers to overcome the hostility. Family treachery can be overcome when the victim takes the initiative in offering forgiveness.

Contemporary families may not use the same methods Jacob and Esau used to resolve their particular conflicts, but we can and must demonstrated the same willingness to overcome family hostilities through forgiveness and reconciliation. Clear?

PRAYER FOR THE DAY:

Precious Abba, Jacob and Esau resolved their problems with each others, because they had a desire to do so and were willing do what was necessary to reunite with each other. Jacob based his prayer on God’s faithfulness to His past actions and to His word. Should we not do the same? Our prayers represent the best of our relationship with God through Christ. They do no require formal words or a large number of words to tell God what He already knows in our hearts and minds. Always seek in prayer, to remain in His will at all times, and make no demands, just simple words expressing our hurts and desires. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY:

“There are many things in our lives for which we should be ashamed, but Jesus is not one of them!”

KNOWING GOD:

“Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear.” (Isaiah65:24)

Prayer will be an integral part of God’s new creation. The faithful God will respond instantly to His people’s call. A “new creation” so glorious it eliminates past memories is the ultimate hope of God’s people. God’s new creation will eliminate mourning and untimely death. Fear and fighting among God’s creatures will vanish. God’s new heaven and new earth for restored Israel were a foregleam of the heavenly home to which we look forward with hope and expectation. The One who created the first will also provide the second. Those who, on earth, follow the Lord in faith and fellowship with one another throughout eternity. Transformed natures will serve as the basis for spiritual communion. Will you be part of the new creation?

I AM:

“Prayer, Faithfulness of God:” (Zechariah13:9)

The great struggle through out the Old Testament was establishing a people who truly believed in and relied on one God. This verse looks to the day of he Messiah when a remnant will truly recognize Yahweh, Israel’s God, as the only One worthy of worship and service. God’s people face trials and testing. They respond by calling on God for help. God answers the faithful people with the covenant formula. He assures His tested and refined people that He still claims them as His own. They respond by committing, themselves to Him as their God. Finally, it is the refined who demonstrated a genuine relationship with God. In that state, they will call on Him and own Him as their God. That call is assured an answer. Unanswered prayer may indicate we are unfaithful and need discipline and refining. God is, always faithful.

Second Thought of the Day:

“Since you call on a Father who judges each man’s work impartially, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear.” (1^st Peter1:17)

Reverent fear of God is the proper stance for Christians in the face of potential danger and suffering and in face of the judgment. Prayer is a “calling on” God. Prayer history began that way.

Although we call on His as Father, we should do it reverently, without forgetting that He is also an unbiased Judge, faithful to His won character. Prayer is an awesome responsibility that should not be taken lightly.