Control

Jacob was destined to rule over Esau. This was pre-determined by God. For God indicates “Jacob I loved Esau I hated”. Jacob grabbing Esau’s heel in the womb, and coming out at the same time as Jacob when the twins were born was indicative of this divine destiny. Further Jacob had bargained with Esau in Genesis Chapter 27 to have Esau’s birthright, indicating he would receive the first part of their father’s estate.

Though Jacob’s destiny was already known there was a divine order for it to be achieved. God would have worked things out in his own time. Just like Jacob you might have a dream, a destiny, a burden or a plan that you feel comes from God. Are you letting God work it out in his own time, or would you take matters into your own hand like Jacob did?

Jacob had to have control of his destiny. True to his name which meant deceiver, he pretended he was his brother, and received the blessing intended by his dad for Esau. Though this blessing was divinely his, it was received in a sinful fashion. Upon receiving this blessing Jacob’s rulership over Esau was finally confirmed and would happen imminently.

Taking matters into our own hands, while might be successful in the short term yields much sorrow in the long term. Jacob’s deceit would cost him much as we will discover in the proceeding chapters.

Who’s in control of your life, your dreams and your hopes? Are you letting God do what he wants in your life, or are you playing God in your life? Are you making things happen in your own life, or is God the one initiating them? Are you spirit led, or self led? Learn from Jacob’s story, God promises that in due time we will reap a harvest if we wait for him. (Gal 6) Let’s submit even a little more today than we ever have to God, and give him control over our lives.