GENESIS 35: 1-14

After being reconciled to his brother Esau, Jacob settled down in Canaan. God instructed him to settle in Bethel, where God has first revealed himself to him during his flight from Esau, and to set up an altar to worship God. 13/09/11

GOD BLESSES GRACIOUSLY

After he had set up the altar at Bathel, God appeared to him.

“GOD APPEARED TO JACOB AGAIN WHEN HE CAME FROM
PADDAN-ARAM, AND HE BLESSED HIM. GOD SAID TO HIM, YOU NAME IS JACOB; NO LONGER SHALL YOU BE CALLED JACOB, BUT ISRAEL SHALL BE YOUR NAME. SO HE WAS CALLED ISRAEL. GOD SAID TO HIM, ‘I AM GOD ALMIGHTY, BE FRUITFUL AND MULTIPLY, A NATION AND A COMPANY OF NATIONS SHALL COME FROM YOU, AND KINGS SHALL SPRING FROM YOU” [VERSES 9 – 11]

A careful reading of the story of Jacob clearly shows that God did not bless him because of any worthiness or special qualities in him. When God first reveal himself to Jacob, he had done nothing to deserve the promise of God’s protection he was given. In today’s reading God reveals himself again to Jacob and blessed him, promising to make him into a nation.

The story of Jacob is one of grace, not of merit. No one is ever worthy or deserving to receive God’s mercy. God can choose to use anyone to fulfill his purpose, for ‘I WILL HAVE MERCY ON WHOM I WILL HAVE COMPASSION’ [Exodus 33:19]. Our response? Humility, always and in all things and thankfulness to our God who so graciously blesses us.

PRAYER

HEAVENLY FATHER, WE ARE NOT WORTHY TO RECEIVE YOUR MERCY. GRANT US THE GRACE TO BE HUMBLE AND THANKFUL TO YOU ALWAYS.

AMEN.