TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL PASSAGE

DEVOTIONAL

by Sandra Chua

After taking Esau’s birthright and then deceiving their father to get the blessings, Esau was so enraged. Jacob was then sent to Haran because his mother got wind of Esau’s plan to kill him. Jacob’s going to Haran was, in a way, a punishment for not waiting for God’s time but seizing the blessings, which were his in a deceptive manner. Now, he is separated from his family, especially his mother, and now he is being taken advantage of by his uncle Laban. 

Through all these, God showed His favor. God promised to be with him through his journey. God did not let Laban bless Jacob directly, but through Laban, God taught Jacob a lesson about the pain of being deceived. He was now on the other end. 

As God’s favored one, even through his chastisement, God was there with him and felt compassion for him. Genesis 31:42b, “God has seen my affliction and the toil of my hands.” God showed his presence by making the sheep produce offspring with the same color or pattern as stated by their wage agreement.

As God’s children, His treasured possession,  we can rest assured that He will never leave us nor forsake us. Even when we go through difficult times, whether it is our own doing or not, He is still compassionate. He is able to work for good the mess we get ourselves into. In all our distress, He, too, is distressed, and the angel of His presence is able to help us. Even through chastisement,  God is able to extend grace.

REFLECTION

Who can we turn to when we deserve the trouble we are entangled in? Do we complain about the gravity of our punishment, or do we meekly accept discipline and seek the Lord for mercy?

PRAYER