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January 17, 2023
Daily Reading – Genesis 33 – 34 / Matthew 11:20-30

GOD’S WORD:

Genesis 33:11 Take, I pray thee, my blessing that is brought to thee; because God hath dealt graciously with me, and because I have enough. And he urged him, and he took it.

GETTING INTO GOD’S WORD:

In most eastern cultures at the time of the writing of Genesis 33, and in many ways even still today, gift giving, and acceptance held much symbolism. For a superior person or power to accept generous gifts, it symbolized friendship. When an enemy would accept such a gesture of kindness in a gift, it gave proof of reconciliation. It in no way was a sign of need for the items given on the part of the recipient. Jacob wanted Esau to receive his gifts as a sign of friendship and proof of reconciliation. Esau made it clear in verse 9 that he also had enough and did not have a need for such things. The symbolism of his acceptance spoke volumes. However, I believe we see more from this exchange than just customs of culture.

Jacob’s time with God had changed him. The name Jacob means “supplanter,” someone who takes someone’s place, usually on purpose. Jacob lived up to his name. He had taken Esau’s birthright for a bowl of soup, and his blessing by trickery. However, Jacob has spent much time with God, and that had changed everything about him. God even changed his name from Jacob the “supplanter,” to Israel which means “Prince with God.” Time with God changed how he walked, where he was to live, and his attitude about taking and giving. He realized all he had belonged to God. He even said; “God hath dealt graciously with me, and because I have enough.”

GETTING GOD’S WORD INTO ME:

Time with God changes you. It changes how you think and what you do. Time with God is never wasted, it’s an investment in who you become. It even gives you a new name written in glory.