Jacob Gets Isaacs Blessing

Jacob uses deception to steal the blessing from his older brother Esau. This theme of deception and in-fighting will continue on to the next generation (which we will hear about in the sermon next week). Despite this act of sin, God continues to work. He is able even to use our sin and deceit to accomplish His purposes. As we often say around UALC, we are stubborn to sin, but God is even more stubborn to save.

STUDY THE SCRIPTURE

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REFLECTION

Struggle for Blessing

by Jeff Morlock

God promised to bless and save the world through Abraham’s family. Each generation carried on the messianic seed through one son. This seed passed through Isaac. And now it will pass to one of his sons. Will it be Esau or Jacob? The word “bless(ing)” occurs 22 times in these verses. Off-handed comments of blessing or cursing affect us more profoundly than we care to admit. How much more words of blessing spoken with authority and finality at a parent’s death bed? 

The struggle for blessing is the theme of Jacob's life. But no one can bless themselves. Therefore, Jacob risks everything to steal from his brother what everyone desires above all else - the blessing of the firstborn. It's about being special and favored in the father's eyes. The absence of this blessing poisons one's future. But in order to steal the blessing of the firstborn, Jacob has to pretend. We all do this. We hide our true selves from others. Seeking approval, some become what their parents want them to be. Or they rebel and become the opposite, trying to convince themselves that they don’t care. But what all of us desperately need is what this story offers: God the Father gives favor, even to folks like Jacob who don’t deserve it. 

Jacob lied when he said, "I am the firstborn." But despite his deception God was at work, and through Jacob's line came Jesus, "the firstborn over all creation" (Colossians 1:15) and "the firstborn from the dead" (Colossians 1:18). Jesus leaves the father’s home to come to earth and die on a cross, where, he prays. "My God, my God”. Every other time he addresses God as Father, but not at Calvary. Because at the cross, Jesus loses the blessing of the firstborn, and fulfils the words of Jacob's mother and co-conspirator, Rebekah, "May the curse [for sin] fall on me”. 

Jesus dressed up like us and got the curse we deserve, so that when we believe in him, we can be clothed like him, and receive the firstborn blessing of our heavenly father. Hebrews 12:23, says, "…to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven." What kind of family has nothing but firstborn heirs? God’s family! Which includes you and everyone reading this who are special and highly favored.

PRAYER:
Thank you, Father, that we are blessed to be a blessing. Help us by your Spirit to speak words of life and favor today, encouraging and empowering others to become all that you created them to be. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

UALC’S CAMPAIGN OF PRAYER - FRIDAY

FAITH - Pray for faith instead of fear, that many would come to faith in Jesus and that we would all trust God more deeply during this time.

Be a Blessing

Genesis 30:25-36

In today’s reading we see that because of the care Jacob took with Laban’s livestock, the flock increased greatly.  Laban even acknowledges that he has been blessed by Jacob.  “I have learned by divination that the Lord has blessed me because of you” (v. 27).

Jacob wants to return to his homeland, but Laban begs him to stay and they enter into an agreement that will keep Jacob there.  A few verses later we see that Laban doesn’t fulfill his end of the deal and cheats Jacob even after he praised him for his hard work.

Tomorrow’s passage will explore Jacob’s reaction and how he handles Laban’s betrayal, but today I want to focus on being a blessing and helping others increase their “flocks”, whatever form that may take.

To have someone say that you have been a blessing is powerful.  (And 99% of the time they mean it and won’t try to cheat you afterwards.)  To live as a blessing is a noble thing.  Jesus lived his entire life as a blessing to others and we are called to live by his example.

Am I always a blessing?  Certainly not, but I do strive to serve others and help them in their hour of need. It’s what community does.  Please don’t get discouraged by the “me first” world we live in.  There is a community out there looking to be a blessing and I hope you’ll be a part of it.

Father, thank you for sending your Son to take care of your flock.  Help me be a blessing to others and increase greatly Your good works.  Amen

God and GPS

Do you know what one of my favorite inventions is?  GPS.  I have no sense of direction.  I can get lost going a few blocks away from my house.  I am not exaggerating, I am hopeless to get places on my own and in my own ability. I love GPS.  It can get me exactly where I need to go and if I do make a wrong turn it will recalculate.  It is amazing.

Today’s scripture reminds me of GPS.  Romans 12 is talking about loving and serving our enemy.  It tells us not to seek revenge, to bless those who persecute us.  This is hard.  I am not naturally inclined to react with blessing when I feel persecuted.  

God is like GPS.  He can get me where I need to go.  As I read Romans 12 and see no way for me to live like that.  I can ask God for direction.  I can rely on his word to guide me along the path to my destination.  If I mess up and get off track, he will recalculate and get me back on track.

So if this scripture passage, or any other is hard for you to live out.  Rely on God to get you where you need to be.  He is so much more than GPS!

Read today's passage here Romans 12:14-21

Repentance PR

Return, O Israel, to the Lord your God. Your sins have been your downfall! Take words with you and return to the Lord. Say to him: “Forgive all our sins and receive us graciously that we may offer the fruit of our lips.” Hosea 1, 2

Word association. I’ll say a word and you say the first thing that comes to mind. Ready?

“Repent.”

What was the first thing that came to mind? Sin? Sinner? Judgment? Turn around?

If ever a word could hire a PR firm, I suspect “repent” would be among the first in line. People don’t like to hang out with repentance or meditate on its meaning; it is much more comfortable to note it, attach our connotation to it and move on. Non believers think “judgment” and brace themselves against it. Believers think “sinners” and amen in smug agreement. And we all lose out in our limited view. So let’s give repentance a fair shake.

Should it surprise us that it his own people whom God most often calls to repentance? It was true of Old Testament Israel and it was true of New Testament believers. The church in Ephesus had lost its first love, and Jesus said, “repent."  The churches in Pergamum and Thyatira had welcomed false teachings, and Jesus said, "repent.” The church in Sardis was found weak, disobedient and lacking in its deeds, and Jesus said, "repent.” The church in Laodicea had lost its fervor and Jesus said, "repent.” The call to repentance resounds throughout the earth, but perhaps first and foremost to God’s own people.

Which leads us to the other thing we need to understand about repentance. Certainly we are called to turn away from sin, but repentance is every bit as much a call to blessing. It reflects God’s judgment, yes, but it holds forth his mercy, as well. Listen to God’s heart in repentance, so beautifully spoken through his prophet, Hosea: “I will heal their waywardness and love them freely, for my anger has turned away from them. I will be like the dew to Israel; he will blossom like a lily. Like a cedar of Lebanon he will send down his roots; his young shoots will grow. His splendor will be like an olive tree, his fragrance like a cedar of Lebanon" (Hosea 14:4-6). Such hope! Such favor! Such love!

Repentance is not a beat-down, but an opportunity. It is not a desert, but an oasis. It is not confinement; it is freedom.

“Repent.” Me.

“Repent.” Blessing.

[Click here to see the daily reading in Hosea 14:1-9.]

The Lord Looks Down From Heaven



My dad passed away earlier this year. I think about him from time to time and reflect on my life and how he and my mom raised me. When I got older, our family was spread across the US. My dad enjoyed Thanksgiving, a time when the family got together. He especially liked seeing how everyone enjoyed each other’s presence.

The Eskimo Nebula
Somewhere in the Heavens

 

My family is likewise scattered about, and Thanksgiving is one of the few times we can all get together. This year my family and most of my brother’s family spent the day together. I thought to myself, “Dad would enjoy being here. Perhaps he is watching, and enjoying, what is going on right now.”

 

Today’s reading is Psalm 33:13-22. The Psalmist tells us that, “The Lord looks down from heaven on all of mankind.” Man, no matter his standing in society, can do nothing by himself. God takes care of those “whose hope is in his unfailing love.”

 

Is my dad really looking down from heaven on my family and I? Theologians have debated for years whether or not this is possible. Our capabilities in heaven after our death and before Jesus’ second coming is vague and provides debate fodder for those whose calling is to study such things.

 

It really doesn’t matter. The thought might provide some comfort for me, but I do have someone more important than my dad looking down from heaven, and that is the Lord!

 

What a blessing it is to know that I do not have to “go it alone” in this world. What a blessing to know that God is right there with me along the way. What a blessing to know that he “has my back.”

 

God sees to it that my basic needs are met. I may at times have troubles, but He guides me through the mine fields of life.

 

Most importantly, he provides a cosmic shield around my soul so that my number one enemy, Satan, cannot harm me.

 

Most certainly, God looks down from heaven and “Delivers me from death!”

 

What a blessing indeed!

Take it to The Lord

Ever had one of those times in your life when nothing went well?

My daughter moved into an apartment. She drove two hours from our house to her place, only to discover that the door would not open. After 45 minutes of panic, she was finally able to get the key in just the right position to get the door open.

Relieved, she opened a blind to look outside, only to have the blind fall down. A couple of days later, the ceiling in her bathroom caved in.

Things were not going well for her at all!!

Sometimes we are up to our neck in water
(Courtesy AP)

Today’s reading is Psalm 69:1-8. Things are not going well for King David, either. David was probably  guilty of a sin and God was punishing him, but his enemies kept piling on, giving David an even more difficult time. David was sharing his dilemna with the Lord.

Sometimes bad things do happen to us. Sometimes they are the direct consequence of our actions. Other times we are merely collateral damage in a world filled with sin.

Unfortunately, mankind sinned against God and we get to live in his sin-corrupted creation. Living in God’s creation is a blessing. Yet sometimes, when the ravages of sin become too much, it can feel like a curse. It can be very frustrating!

It is our nature to compound the problem by taking our frustration out on a fellow human being. We may yell at someone we do not know, or have sharp words with our spouse. Some may even kick their dog (okay, maybe that’s an exaggeration).

Rather than making the situation worse, like David, we should take our frustrations to the Lord.

We can do this directly through prayer or even by talking things out with a fellow Christian. Either way is beneficial to our soul.

God cares for us. Like a good friend, he wants to hear about our joys and our pains. He is our best friend.

After all, he sent his only son to cleanse our souls of sin and to perfect a fallen creation.

Take it to the Lord!

 

Saul’s Conversion

 Acts 9: 1-20

I have a few observations and questions I’d like to share:

I have  noticed that some people have to be hit up along side the head with a brick before they get it!

Many are hit up along side the head with a brick and still don’t get it!

How often do some people have to get hit up along side the head with a brick before they do get it? And finally, why is it that some people get hit up along side the head with a brick time and time again and never get it?!

Receiving a devastating blow can be the greatest blessing of our life, though at the time it is impossible to see.

Saul was known to be a mean, cold hearted opponent of the Christian faith. He “was still breathing murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples,” in Acts 9:1. While in the process of seeking letters to the synagogues in Damascus from the high priest, granting him permission to capture and imprison anyone Saul found to be Christ followers, was literally blindsided. A sudden light from heaven flashed around him. Saul fell to the ground and heard, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” The Lord directed him to get up, go into the city, and he would be told what he must do there. Upon standing and opening his eyes, Saul found he was blind. Now that’s being hit up along side the head!

Saul was guided to Damascus by the hand, and for three days he was blind. In the mean time, a disciple named Ananias was called upon by the Lord to go to Saul, place his hands on him and restore his sight. Ananias was reluctant because he knew of Saul’s history. The Lord said to Ananias in Acts 9:15, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer in my name.” This was done, and Saul was filled with the Holy Spirit. Most of us know the rest of the story of Saul, otherwise known as Paul.

The message to Saul was very clear. Today not many people have the privilege of such an obvious and undeniable communication direct from God. We must quiet ourselves, feed ourselves from His Word, and P. R. A. Y.  

P-Persevere

R-Repent

A-Act

Y-Yield

Read/Listen to Acts 9:1-20

Tuesday - Birth of John Foretold

Luke 1:19-20 (NIV)  The angel answered, "I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news.  And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their proper time." 

Just listen to the command, the strength in the words of Gabriel. "I stand in the presence of God." What a powerful and attention grabbing statement. Zechariah doubted.  He not only doubted the words Gabriel was sharing, it would seem he doubted the power of God and His ability to do anything.

This is a thrilling thought, that God can do anything.  We claim to believe, but do we truly believe?  My doubts fill page after page in my prayer journal. The comfort here is that God knows the limits of my faith, he understands my weaknesses. It is His faithfulness to me that helps me overcome my lack of faith.

I see how much He cares, how often He provides for me.  I am slowly coming to realize this and to relax and trust. It is sad to think of how many blessings I have missed because I did not believe God would handle a situation.  How many times have I gotten ahead of God?  How many times did God have such greater plans for me than my patience would wait for?

The season I am current in has taught me much about myself, but mostly about God. The next messenger God sends my way will not go unheard.  The next challenge or roadblock I encounter will be turned over to God.  He is the one who cares, the one who is able to clear the path before me. I am going to be watchful and attentive to His faithfulness.  I will not miss another blessing.

Luke 1:18-25

Miracle Child

Luke 1:6-7 (NIV)  Both of them were upright in the sight of God, observing all the Lord's commandments and regulations blamelessly.  But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren; and they were both well along in years. 

A number of years ago there was a popular book making the rounds called, "Why Bad Things Happen to Good People."  Those of us who consider ourselves to be good - wonder why and how such bad things can happen to us?  We ask, "Haven't we been good, done the right things, even sacrificed at times?  We cry out, "Why did this happen to me?

We forget that God never promised we would be exempt from pain or trouble, in fact, quite the opposite. We have been told it is through these trials we will grow in faith and in trust.  Our character will blossom as we pursue God in spite of our roadblocks, our heartaches.

It is the faithful life that will be amazing; the faith-filled life that will be rewarded. Elizabeth and Zechariah had that kind of faith.  They knew there was nothing to big for God to tackle.  They knew God was faithful and would fill the promises he made to them. Childless?  God can handle that.  Barren and elderly?  Again, not to big for God.

What is your insurmountable mountain; what is it you are facing that looms so big before you?  Elizabeth and Zechariah were blessed with a son, and not just any young boy but the one who would pave the way for his cousin, Jesus. God has great plans to bless you too.  Are you ready?

Luke 1:5-17

Numbers 6:22-27

"Later, Dude," or, "Right back at you," are words we might hear when a teen or young adult bids farewell.  There are many ways to say goodbye to our friends or family.  When good friends or loving family members part company they might hug or share a kiss as they depart, often expressing their love for one another.

The reading today is filled with familiar words overflowing with peace and love.  We hear these words said over us as we complete our worship time on Sundays.  These words link us to God, and we are blessed by them.  

The LORD bless you 

and keep you; 

 the LORD make his face shine on you 

and be gracious to you; 

 the LORD turn his face toward you 

and give you peace. (Numbers 6:24-26)

What did you feel as you read the Scripture above?  I felt warm, loved and at home.  That is what God's blessing is supposed to do for us, wrap us in a blanket of security and peace; cuddling us in warmth of His wonderful name.  This is a perfect way to end a time of worship together and a beautiful way to begin the week.

Read the Numbers 6:22-27 text here.  Listen to a reading of the Numbers 6:22-27 text here.

True Community Acts 2:40-47

Have you ever been a part of a group that totally clicked? It is a pretty cool feeling when you are effortlessly understood and accepted. Community can happen through a sports team, parenting group, or even a group of coworkers who bond together, unified under a common goal or interest. These are powerful groups, but there is nothing like being unified with a Christian community.

Our scripture passage today shows true community at work, “And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.”

This type of community can only happen through the power of the Holy Spirit. We have seen glimpses of this today, through house churches, small groups, and when churches rally together after tragedies and natural disasters. The Holy Spirit is the only one who can lead us to be sacrificially generous and blessed by the joy that type sacrifice offers.

If you have not experienced this type of community find out where you can plug in at your home church. It is exciting to be a part of group who is blessed to be a blessing.

Read today's passage at Biblegateway Acts 2:40-47

Getting A Dose Of My Own Medicine- Luke 6:27-36

Today’s passage is difficult for me to put into practice. “But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you.”

I totally appreciate the way it begins, “To you who are willing to listen…” Luke knows that the words coming next will not go down easy, so he is preparing the reader. He is asking, are we willing to listen? Luke knows that it goes against human nature to, “do good to those who hate you.” I would much rather steer clear of those who hate me. Avoid those who curse me and get even with those who hurt me.

Why is God making such a request? Isn’t it enough to reach out to the lost who, mean us no harm?

I looked up the word hate; “To show extreme hostility toward”. Think about that, every time we sin we are being hostile toward God. I don’t know about you but I sin A LOT. So I guess you could say I show extreme hostility toward God. I oppose Him with each sin. It’s as if I am saying I know better.

Next I looked to curse. One definition read, "to blaspheme which means to speak impiously or irreverently of (God or sacred things), to speak evil of; slander; abuse." I know that my words do not always bless God, most of the time my words focus on myself rather than my heavenly father. When I take credit away from God, both directly and indirectly, through my words, I am being irreverent.

Lastly is the word hurt, I didn’t need to look that one up, I can already see how the previous definitions show ways I hurt God, yet He does not hold it against me. Rather he died for me. All of my sins nailed Jesus to the cross yet he did not go to the cross reluctantly, he went lovingly. And all he asks is that we show others the same love and grace.

Read today's passage at Biblegateway Luke 6:27-36

Giving Glorifies God - 2 Corinthians 9:10-15

When I go shopping for a birthday gift or a Christmas present I love to try to find a gift that will be appreciated; one that will be used. The phrase, finding the gift that keeps on giving, comes to mind when searching for just the right item.  When I give a gift it is such fun to realize that I hit the mark.  When the recipient is pleased and tells me so, I am elated.  I don't want anything in return.  Their pleasure turns out to be my blessing.

I think that is how God feels about us.  He wants to give us so much, and He does.  When we recognize and acknowledge what He has done for us and thank Him by sharing with someone who needs help, God is pleased.  There are always four recipients or beneficiaries of our generosity:

1. You, as the giver you are blessed with a full heart and a light spirit
2. God's people - the person you gave to
3. God - as your gift is an expression of thanks to the one who gave to you in the first place
4. Everyone else when they witness your generosity

Dear Heavenly Father, reveal to us today just how wonderful it is, not only when we tithe, but when we give cheerfully.  "Thanks be too God for His indescribable gift!" (2 Corinthians 9:15)  Giving glorifies God.

To read the complete text for today click here .  To return to this posting hit the back arrow.

Giving Blesses All - 2 Corinthians 9:1-9

There is a saying: “True giving comes from a happy heart, and it also gives us a happy heart.”

How is your giving attitude? With an eye on the current economic situation, here are some questions: Is there joy in your giving? Are you thankful for what you have to give? Or is there complaining and an attitude that hesitantly and grudgingly holds on to every penny?

Paul says that giving should be an important personal decision of the heart. Giving should never be an issue of obligation.

Paul reminds us when God gives grace He does not do it reluctantly. His grace is always without limitation. He loves to give a cheerful giver a sense of blessing and happiness. There is no end to the ways He will bless a giver by His grace.

Paul tells us, further, that God gives, “so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” (v 8)

The message is: God doesn't bless us so we can hold on to things, but so that we can be a blessing to others. We can be generous with each other because of the generosity of God. Every Christian should be a giver. Some, because of having little, cannot give much. But it isn't the amount that is important. What is important is giving and doing it with the right kind of heart; a happy heart that is overflowing with God's wonderful grace and love.

Read today's text, 2 Corinthians 9:1-9, on Biblegateway.

Genesis 49 - Twelve Sons Blessed

All Jacob’s sons will enter into the land of Canaan and have an inheritance there. Knowing he will soon die, Jacob, as his final act, calls for his sons saying: "Gather around so I can tell you what will happen to you in days to come." (vs 1) Surrounded by his sons, Jacob reveals to each son their negative and positive traits and where their lives are heading.

Jacob reminds his sons that who they are is going to shape what the nation of Israel will become in future generations. If their lives turn away from God, then the nation will experience the judgment of God. If they live godly lives, they will be a blessing to coming generations. It is almost as if Jacob is scolding his sons and hoping that they see the error of their ways and turn toward God.

Some of Jacob's sons are certainly receiving a greater blessing as part of the nation of Israel than others. Judah is especially blessed by producing the line of kings of Israel. The Kings of Judah who are the ancestors of David and of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Today's message makes us think about the consequences of turning from God as well as the hope found in being faithful to God. Even when circumstances seem to be against us, keeping our faith in God and continuing to do what is right will allow God to bless us and, through us, bless others.

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Read today's text, Genesis 49, on Biblegateway, click here.

Pharaoh Dreams, Joseph Raised - Genesis 41

Pharaoh, deeply troubled by dreams, needs someone to interpret them. Hearing of Joseph’s wisdom, he sends for him. Joseph reveals to Pharaoh the coming of seven years of plenty and seven years of famine throughout the land of Egypt.

Joseph repeatedly testifies about God. "God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires…God has revealed…God has shown…the matter has been firmly decided by God, and God will do it soon."

God is always happy to work through someone whose only concern is to reveal Him. Joseph leaves no doubt, when everything happens as he states, it is by God’s power.

Pharaoh recognizes the spirit of God within Joseph. He says to Joseph, “I hereby put you in charge of the whole land of Egypt.” Joseph suddenly goes from the dungeon to entering the service of the king!

Seven years of famine happen after the seven years of abundance.

Joseph accepts his responsibilities as his mission from God. Because of Joseph’s faith and hard work there is enough food stored to save lives in Egypt and many nations.

Joseph can enjoy great wealth and power. He can have revenge against his brothers and Potiphar’s wife. But, with God’s help, he chooses to forget all his troubles.

Joseph is blessed with two sons. He acknowledges and praises God for his blessings.

As I think about Joseph, I am reminded of the importance of maintaining a relationship with God. Prayer and storing up His Words in my heart everyday is essential as He wants to bless me and use me to bless others.

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To read today's text, Genesis 41, click here.