Genesis 27

The saga of Jacob and Esau continues with yet another deceit.

“Your brother came deceitfully, and he has taken away your blessing.” Esau said, “Is he not rightly named Jacob? For he has cheated me these two times” (Genesis 27:35-36). Jacob continues to use deceit to elevate himself above his brother Esau, living up to his name which means to cheat. 

I can’t imagine being Jacob and feeling particularly worthy of continuing the lineage in which God promises to use for his redemption for the whole world. It’s easy to look at Jacob and see his mistakes and think, “how could God use you?” Isn’t that a question we also ask ourselves.

We don’t see Jacob beating himself up, but humans are predictable and no person is strong enough to escape the weight of shame that goes hand in hand with sin. 

How quick are we to forget the character of God in the midst of our sin? 

God loves to use broken people in his story of redemption, restoration and salvation. Why? Because broken people emphasize the power and holiness of our mighty God. God overcomes the deceit of Jacob to continue to fulfill his covenant he made with Abraham in Genesis 15. If God is one who upholds his end of the deal in Genesis, why are we a people who still doubt his character when we have seen the complete fulfillment of such a covenant through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus?

Church, let us be a people who leave shame where it belongs, in the grave where Jesus brought it to stay. Today, repent of the sin you let cling to you. Surrender the shame of your past and ask God to remind you that you are a new life in Christ (Romans 6:4). Sit in who you are; a beloved child of God (Romans 8:16), no longer called sinners, but saints (1 Corinthians 1:2).