Tag Archives: Genesis

Tucked away is a little comment “These are the kings who reigned in the land of Edom, before any king reigned over the Israelites”. Such a contrast between Jacob/Israel, and Esau/Edom. Jacob’s leader was God, Esau’s leader was mankind.Different values. All too easy for us to serve mankind, rather than God, show by our actions that we trust in our own strength.

David is a helpful example of someone consistently trusting and relying on God.”Do not forsake me, O Lord! O my God, be not far from me! make haste to help me, O Lord, my salvation”. David realised that he had made a mistake “for my iniquities have gone over my head; like a heavy burden, they are too heavy for me”, but relies on God rather than his own strength. That is a lesson we all need to learn

Jesus teaches his disciples about the importance of serving others. Jesus came “not to be served but to serve”. Difficult and unnatural concept, that service of others demonstrates greatness. Indicates a selfless attitude, one that Jesus demonstrated perfectly.

We see the result of serving only self in Gen 31, story of Jacob and Laban. Laban cheats and tricks Jacob for his own profit, yet by this point, Laban’s sons say “Jacob has taken all that was our father’s, and from what was our father’s he has gained all the wealth”.

So let’s follow Jesus’ example, looking for chances to serve others and so demonstrate Godly love.

These chapters share a common theme about God answering prayer. God heard Rachel’s prayer, and eventually Joseph was born. God heard David’s prayer “I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears…The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them”

I find that to be a greatly encouraging thought. “When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles”

We need to rely on God to help us through life, we’re not saved by our own strength, but by our ability to trust in God and serve Him. It may take years, like Rachel’s prayer, or it may happen instantly, like David’s prayer in Psa 34. But we can be assured that God hears our prayer and will do what is best for us.