Redemption: Becoming a Giver

Jacob's covenant with the Lord God began the process of his redemption, changing him into a person with a godly conscience. It started him on a journey in life where he would learn what it means to be a giver rather than a taker. His redemption was a crucial first step in preparing him for significant future relationships.  

          Being a grabber is a big obstacle to overcome. The grabber is driven by a selfish need to possess, without regard for the rights and feelings of others. A grabber extracts from his victims with charm and what appears to be concern for others. You might initially feel OK that this deceiver has taken your prized possession. 

          If this appears to be an extreme characterization, remember - a deceiver’s life is basically empty and in need of redemption. For Jacob, redemption meant building a conscience centered around God's love and acceptance. God’s gift of Rachel, who became the love of his life, helped Jacob to transform into a giver. God’s love is the source for needed change.  

Resilience: Recipe for Success

One of the most difficult obstacles to contend with is our own character weaknesses. Every day we’re inundated with allurements to test our commitment to higher standards of conduct portrayed in God’s word. The challenge goes beyond succumbing to obstacles and on to moving forward to reach the potential God designed for us.

John Kennedy’s Profiles in Courage teaches, “A man does what he must despite personal consequences, obstacles, pressures and dangers. This is the basis of all human morality.”  Humankind possesses two conflicting natures. One strives to grab what we can regardless of the cost to self and others. The other seeks a higher calling in Christ Jesus. 

          In Jacob’s struggle for redemption, he permits God to change him so he can see beyond his own self-seeking ambitions, not that they ever go away, but rather a new force arises to offer different choices. God does not give us new options without extending to us the power to achieve what He has purposed for us. 

Rethinking Your Plans vs. God's Plan

Have you ever awakened from a dream that was so vivid you could never forget it? Jacob awakened from such a dream and realized God had spoken to him directly. Listen to his response. “Surely the Lord is in this place and I was not aware of it. How awesome is this place! This is the house of God, the gateway to heaven.”

 

This dream made him rethink his life. At some level Jacob knew what he deserved, but God’s mercy and patience gave him hope for a new identity that he could never obtain on his own. God offered redemption rather than punishment, hope rather than despair. This is certainly what Jacob needed to replace his grabbing, greedy attitude.

Jacob’s dream was from God. The message was profound, never to be forgotten. He took the stone where he had slept and placed it as a marker, poured oil on it and named it Bethel, “House of God”. Jacob’s redemption took a significant step, never to be reversed. He at last was becoming God’s man.