Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions

Today’s devotion comes from Genesis 32:1-5.

“Now as Jacob went on his way, the angels of God met him.  Jacob said when he saw them, “This is God’s camp.”  So he named that place Mahanaim.

Then Jacob sent messengers before him to his brother Esau in the land of Seir, the country of Edom.  He also commanded them saying, “Thus you shall say to my lord Esau:  ‘Thus says your servant Jacob, “I have sojourned with Laban, and stayed until now;  I have oxen and donkeys and flocks and male and female servants;  and I have sent to tell my lord, that I may find favor in your sight.”’”  Genesis 32:1-5.

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Like Jacob, we may be on our way minding our own business, so to speak, and then we experience God meeting us in some way.  We may not expect it at that time such as through a dream or insight or revelation, or we may hope and expect it through Scripture that we read or through our prayer or through a worship service.  But, God meets us in some way to strengthen us and prepare us for what we will face.

In today’s Scripture, we do not know whether prior to the meeting with the angels, Jacob intended on visiting Esau.  It is possible that God put it in his mind to do so and strengthened and prepared him to visit Esau.

“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”  Philippians 4:13.

Other doctrine is satisfied with only this promise.

But, Reformed Doctrine understands that more is needed than ability.  We need the will to do so.  In other words, I can, but will I?

Other doctrine trusts their alleged free-will.

But, Reformed Doctrine trusts God’s will.  

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.”  Ephesians 2:10.

“for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.”  Philippians 2:13.

“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 1:6.  

“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.  For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren;  and these whom He predestined, He also called;  and these whom He called, He also justified;  and these whom He justified, He also glorified.”  Romans 8:28-30.

In summary, “The LORD will accomplish what concerns me; …”  Psalm 138:8.