Humility Before God!

As Jacob had tended Laban’s flocks for twenty years, he was faithful to the charge given him. When one of the flock was lost or taken by wild animals, Jacob replaced it with that which was of his own. He had served with integrity even though Laban had continually changed Jacob’s wages. (note Genesis 31:38-41) Jacob had served with all his strength. (Genesis
31:6) He had been completely trustworthy. He had been a good man. It would seem he deserved better treatment than he had received from the kinsman of his mother in Paddan-aram. However, as Jacob was returning to meet Esau, we find humble words lifted from his lips to God.

We read…
“(9) And Jacob said, “O God of my father Abraham and God of my father Isaac, O Lord who said to me, ‘Return to your country and to your kindred, that I may do you good,’ (10) I AM NOT WORTHY OF THE LEAST OF ALL THE DEEDS OF STEADFAST LOVE AND ALL THE FAITHFULNESS THAT YOU HAVE SHOWN TO YOUR SERVANT, for with only my staff I crossed this Jordan, and now I have become two camps.” ( Genesis 32:9-10 ESV)

Jacob went on to ask for God’s protection as he headed back to meet his brother Esau. A lesser man might have boasted of his integrity, but Jacob’s words indicated a view that he himself merited nothing. He did not see his own goodness or uprightness in a sense that God owed him anything Nor did he state the injustice he had suffered from Laban as reason for deserving better now. Jacob humbly acknowledged the GRACIOUSNESS OF GOD and his own unworthiness of even the least of all God’s loving actions toward him.

As we diligently seek to do the Will of God, we should guard against developing an attitude that God owes us because we have tried to be so good. There is no amount of goodness we can do to merit the GRACIOUS GIFTS OF GOD. We should seek to faithfully serve Him simply because we love Him and know His Ways are righteous. It is because God is altogether righteous and loves that He blesses us as He does. May we strive to live to please Him while we very humbly accept and thank Him for all HIS GRACIOUS blessings.

Have a great day LIVING HUMBLY BEFORE GOD!
Carl

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