Devotion:
Jacob, whose name meant “deceiver,” spent much of his life as a calculating, crafty, and even wicked man. He was driven by a passion to get what he wanted for himself, even deceiving his father to get the birthright. Afterward, he was forced to leave home and start a new life. After years of struggling with God and men, Jacob’s life was a mess. His struggle eventually led him to a wrestling match with a mysterious man in whom Jacob saw God face to face. Out of his weakness, Jacob called out in faith for God’s blessing and was transformed by grace. God renamed Jacob, calling him "Israel" meaning "one who has struggled with God." And an entire nation is named after this patriarch, the nation of Israel. By the end of his life, his relationship with God became a priority. As he lay dying, Jacob gave clear orders concerning his burial in Canaan. He was to be taken up to Canaan to the field of Machpelah, and buried in the cave along with his grandfather Abraham, and his father Isaac, as well as his mother Rebekah, and wife Leah. Jacob remembered that the burial ground was special, because it was the land that God promised. Knowing that he had fulfilled all of his obligations, our passage tells us Jacob drew up his feet into the bed and died. His twelve sons, perhaps for the only time in their lives, united in obedience to their father and followed his burial instructions. Through the example of Jacob we see how God can sometimes change families and impact entire cultures through those who live faithful to God.
Personal Worship Option:
God can use your strengths, your weaknesses, your quirks, your insecurities, your experience, and your past for a purpose. Ask God today to use you to encourage someone in their faith journey this week.
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