Today’s devotion comes from Genesis Chapter 33 which covers Jacob’s meeting with his brother Esau. As we remember, Jacob was fearful of meeting Esau. Here is a link to the chapter – http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+33&version=NASB
I quote the following verses.
“Then Esau ran to meet him and embraced him, and fell on his neck and kissed him, and they wept. He lifted his eyes and saw the women and the children, and said, “Who are these with you?” So he said, “The children whom God has graciously given your servant.” Genesis 33:4-5.
“And he (Esau) said, “What do you mean by all this company which I have met?” And he (Jacob) said, “To find favor in the sight of my lord.” But Esau said, “I have plenty, my brother; let what you have be your own.” Jacob said, “No, please, if now I have found favor in your sight, then take my present from my hand, for I see your face as one sees the face of God, and you have received me favorably. Please take my gift which has been brought to you, because God has dealt graciously with me and because I have plenty.” Thus he urged him and he took it.” Genesis 33:8-11.
“Now Jacob came safely to the city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan, when he came from Paddan-aram, and camped before the city. He bought the piece of land where he had pitched his tent from the hand of the sons of Hamor, Shechem’s father, for one hundred pieces of money. Then he erected there an altar and called it El-Elohe-Israel.” Genesis 33:18-20.
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Today’s Scripture presents a lesson on detecting and acknowledging God’s grace. An important element of faith is being aware of God’s blessing on our lives. “And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6.
Jacob was aware of God’s blessing on his life. Jacob detected and acknowledged God’s grace. We see at least four examples of it in today’s Scripture.
First, Jacob detected and acknowledged that his children were graciously given to him by God. “The children whom God has graciously given your servant.” Verse 5.
Second, Jacob detected and acknowledged that his property was given to him by God. “God has dealt graciously with me and … I have plenty.” Verse 11.
Third, Jacob detected and acknowledged that the favor that he had with Esau was given to him by God: “for I see your face as one sees the face of God, and you have received me favorably.” Verse 10.
Fourth, Jacob remembered when he wrestled and the blessing that he received from God, part of which was receiving the name of “Israel”. Genesis 32:24-32. “Then he erected there an altar and called it El-Elohe-Israel (which means ‘God, the God of Israel’).” Verse 20.
“Blessed be God, Who has not turned away my prayer Nor His lovingkindness from me.” Psalm 66:20.
“Many are the sorrows of the wicked,
But he who trusts in the Lord, lovingkindness shall surround him.
Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous ones;
And shout for joy, all you who are upright in heart.” Psalm 32:10-11.
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 