For a description of the (Y2) reading plan, see the “About” page.
Luke 18
Do you identify more with the Pharisee or the tax collector in Jesus’ parable? The Pharisee and the rich ruler in this chapter both had the same problem. They both obeyed the law, but they both lacked a heart for God. You see, it does not matter to God if we obey the law. He wants us to obey Him. It seems a fine distinction, but it’s a matter of where you place your trust and to whom or to what you give your heart. The Pharisee trusted in his own efforts. The rich ruler trusted in his money. But when we give our whole heart to God and put our trust in Him alone, then we will naturally desire to carry out His work of loving and caring for those around us with whatever resources He gives us.
Gen. 35-36
What has happened to Jacob between his first encounter with God at Bethel (Gen. 28) and now? What has he learned about God and himself? The first time Jacob stopped at Bethel, the God of his fathers appeared to him there to designate him as the one through whom God would carry out His covenant promise to Abraham. Though Jacob did not call God his own, he made a vow concerning Him. Jacob said, “’If God will be with me and will watch over me on this journey I am taking and will give me food to eat and clothes to wear so that I return safely to my father’s household, then the LORD will be my God” (Gen. 28:20-21).
Thus, when God told Jacob to return to Bethel, Jacob must have remembered his vow. He purified himself and his family, acknowledging that God had indeed been with him and committing himself to his end of the vow. When Jacob returned to Bethel the second time, he finally committed himself to God. The God of Abraham and Isaac was finally the God of Jacob, too.
It is easy for me to look at Jacob’s life and wonder why it took him so long to come around. God’s hand was so obviously all over his life, whether he wanted it there or not. And God was good to him in abundant measure. Why the reluctance to fully commit to such a God? But I must guard against being like that Pharisee in Luke. Truth is, I am no different than Jacob. Far too often I overlook God’s grace and blessing in my life. Like Jacob, I try to take things into my own hands or pursue my own desires. And sometimes I am more stubborn and hard-headed than I am humble and pliable in God’s hand. God help me to do as you tell me in Psalm 46:10. “Cease striving and know that I am God.”