Scripture to Read: Matthew 1:1-2
The devotions over the next four weeks are all about people in the Bible who are part of Christ’s earthly lineage. We will see that none of these individuals are perfect in any way. The first individual we’ll examine this week is Jacob. We find that Jacob is mentioned in Matthew 1:2, as God led Matthew to share Christ's lineage. As we know, Jacob is the son of Isaac, the grandson of Abraham, and the twin brother to Esau. We also know that Jacob was far from perfect, for God makes this clear in Romans 3:23, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” God also says again in James 2:10, “For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all.” We find Jacob’s life starting in Genesis 25:21 when Rebekah became pregnant with Esau and Jacob. There was a struggle between the two boys, even in the womb. But God made a promise in Genesis 25:23 “Two nations are in your womb; And two peoples will be separated from your body; And one people shall be stronger than the other; And the older shall serve the younger.” So, we know God told Rebekah that the older son would serve the younger son. God made it clear that this would happen. God wants us to trust Him, even when the circumstances don’t make sense to us. Our trust in God is the only way we overcome this world (1 John 5:4).
Challenge & Application
1. What did God teach you today about trusting Him?
2. How are you learning to trust God even when your circumstances do not make sense?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!