January 9
Genesis 25:27-28:5
Conflict is everywhere. We can see it in nature, cities, arguments, politics, and in our homes. The household of Isaac and Rebekah was a model of disunity. Jacob and Esau were caught in an endless game of one-upmanship. Jacob was willing to do anything including withholding a meal from his potentially dying brother and lying to his father. As if that sibling rivalry was not bad enough, mom was the mastermind of deceiving Isaac in prioritizing her favorite son. It is not hard to imagine a family meal under a tent with Jacob and Esau glaring at each other and Rebekah giving all her leftovers to Jacob. It was seemingly a loveless family. Everyone, especially Jacob and Rebekah, chose their own self-interest over that of others.
Whether in our family, or in general, it is easy and natural to live putting ourselves first, but this is not the path of Jesus. He gave up his eternal place in heaven, came as a servant, and was willing to be beaten and die—all for us. Since we have received his love, we are called to love and serve others in the same way. This means loving those under our roofs, at work, in our neighborhoods, and at church in a way that reflects not the way of Jacob, but the way of Jesus.
Father God, I confess that I struggle with putting myself first. I put myself before others and honestly before you. Please forgive my selfishness and, through your Spirit, help me to live in a way that reflects the humility and service of Jesus. Amen.
What is one step you can take today to put others before yourself?
Conflict is everywhere. We can see it in nature, cities, arguments, politics, and in our homes. The household of Isaac and Rebekah was a model of disunity. Jacob and Esau were caught in an endless game of one-upmanship. Jacob was willing to do anything including withholding a meal from his potentially dying brother and lying to his father. As if that sibling rivalry was not bad enough, mom was the mastermind of deceiving Isaac in prioritizing her favorite son. It is not hard to imagine a family meal under a tent with Jacob and Esau glaring at each other and Rebekah giving all her leftovers to Jacob. It was seemingly a loveless family. Everyone, especially Jacob and Rebekah, chose their own self-interest over that of others.
Whether in our family, or in general, it is easy and natural to live putting ourselves first, but this is not the path of Jesus. He gave up his eternal place in heaven, came as a servant, and was willing to be beaten and die—all for us. Since we have received his love, we are called to love and serve others in the same way. This means loving those under our roofs, at work, in our neighborhoods, and at church in a way that reflects not the way of Jacob, but the way of Jesus.
Father God, I confess that I struggle with putting myself first. I put myself before others and honestly before you. Please forgive my selfishness and, through your Spirit, help me to live in a way that reflects the humility and service of Jesus. Amen.
What is one step you can take today to put others before yourself?
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