"I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen." (Luther's Morning Prayer)
Thursday, January 11, 2024 - Day 11 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Genesis 27,28; Matt. 9:18-38)
GOD WORKS THROUGH OUR MISTAKES
“So Jacob went near to Isaac his father, who felt him and said, “The voice is Jacob’s voice, but the hands are the hands of Esau.” And he did not recognize him, because his hands were hairy like his brother Esau’s hands. So he blessed him. He said, “Are you really my son Esau?” He answered, “I am.” Then he said, “Bring it near to me, that I may eat of my son’s game and bless you.” So he brought it near to him, and he ate; and he brought him wine, and he drank. Then his father Isaac said to him, “Come near and kiss me, my son.” So he came near and kissed him. And Isaac smelled the smell of his garments and blessed him and said, “See, the smell of my son is as the smell of a field that the LORD has blessed!” (Genesis 27:22-27 ESV)
“So he blessed him.” What else could Isaac do? He had told Esau to harvest some game and prepare it for him. Even though the voice was not right, the game, the ruddiness and the clothing were right. Based on the best information he had, Isaac blessed Jacob instead of his first-born, Esau.
Was this a mistake? Not really, God never makes mistakes. He had chosen Jacob’s line to produce the Messiah. Yes, Esau is cheated out of his birthright, but God’s plan is fulfilled.
How do you look at the mistakes in your life? Can God work through your mistakes? Can He use a sinner like you for His divine purposes?
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28 ESV)
1. What God ordains is always good:
His will is just and holy.
As He directs my life for me,
I follow meek and lowly.
My God indeed
In ev'ry need
Knows well how He will shield me;
To Him, then, I will yield
2. What God ordains is always good:
He never will deceive me;
He leads me in His righteous way,
And never will He leave me.
I take content
What He has sent;
His hand that sends me sadness
Will turn my tears to gladness.
4. What God ordains is always good:
He is my friend and Father;
He suffers naught to do me harm
Though many storms may gather.
Now I may know
Both joy and woe;
Some day I shall see clearly
That He has loved me dearly.
6. What God ordains is always good:
This truth remains unshaken.
Though sorrow, need, or death be mine,
I shall not be forsaken.
I fear no harm,
For with His arm
He shall embrace and shield me;
So to my God I yield me.
(“What God Ordains Is Always Good,” LSB 760)
Heavenly Father, impress upon me the example of Isaac’s deception. Grant me the peace of knowing that You are working in my life, even though at times I may be deceived. Above all, I thank You for dealing mercifully with my sin by means of the cross of Your Son, my Savior, Jesus. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year.
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