 Scripture
Study for the week of January 1st, 2007
Jacob’s life is a display of grace. His name means ‘supplanter’. A swindler by trade, a deceiver at heart, when his brother was faint with hunger Jacob coerced Esau out of his birthright for a bowl of pottage. Later Jacob would gain Esau’s blessing by deceiving their father Isaac in a scheme of disguise. What a scoundrel. Beyond grace? No! More . . .
Fleeing from Esau for his very life Jacob sleeps with stones for a pillow and the Lord appears unto him and says “I am with thee, and will keep thee . . .” (Gen 28:15). Years later Jacob returns to his home land in fear of his life as he must face Esau. The Lord wrestles with Jacob all night and Jacob summarizes “I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved” (Gen 32:30). He did not merit favor. God was not obligated to bless. Grace is not earned, it is bestowed upon entirely unworthy recipients “As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated” (Gen 9:13).
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