Day 3 of 90 - Genesis 29:1-Genesis 40:23

Today we read Genesis 29:1- Genesis 40:23. The one verse that spoke to me today was Genesis 32:26. By this point Jacob is, by man’s account, abundantly blessed. He has Esau’s blessing and birthright. He has two wives, more money than he can count, children on top of children, livestock and materials from Laban’s house. He is rolling in the money. Yet, when he finally gets to himself, he asks God to bless him. And he decides not to stop wrestling until he receives it.

 

This one small request speaks volumes to me. Firstly it infers that there are some blessings that money cannot buy. some blessings are worth more than the clothes in one’s closet, the car in one’s garage and the money in one’s account. Many people have material wealth but they are still separated from their center, desiccating in a valley of dry bones, and sinking in their soul. They are blessed but they don’t feel blessed. And true blessings come from God. It’s one thing to have external wealth. It’s another thing to have internal peace. It’s one thing to have opulent decor in your fancy home. It’s another thing to be able to get a good night’s sleep.

 

On the outside, Jacob looked like he had the world. But he was on the run. He couldn’t enjoy what he worked hard for, because he was afraid his angry brother would kill him. Shame stole his smile. Deceit crippled his drive. And this is why he wrestled with God. He needed something more than money in his pocket; he needed healing for his soul.

 

But remember: he did not get this blessing quickly. He couldn’t just rush into God’s presence for a quick second, and then rush out to get on with his to do list. He wrestled all night. He persisted in his pursuit.

 

LESSONS: Some blessings don’t come automatically. Some blessings come when you pursue God diligently.

 

Most of all, God didn’t bless him until he got Jacob alone; until he removed all the trappings of success to have a one-on-one encounter with his child. What is God removing from your life, to prove to you that you don’t need it, in order to be blessed? How willing are you to get alone for a few moments, just to hear from God? True encounters bring blessings that money cannot buy.

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