E100- Reading:    Genesis 27:1 – 28:22

 Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it.”
Genesis 28:16

The story of Jacob and Esau can sound so very much like reality TV, with all its co-dependent drama.  But in reality, this story shines the light on the dysfunction that is a result of our sinful nature and how it impacts our daily lives.

Sin’s nature brings with it, a skewed perception of what is true.  Instead of being ruled by the God kind of love, one is ruled by their fears; fear of being rejected, fear of being misunderstood and the list goes on.  In this story we see that fear is the doorkeeper of a home filled with pride, distrust and manipulation as each member vies for a place of significance.

But the story does not end there!  When sin has a way of driving a family apart, God has a way of bringing restoration and reconciliation within, when we place our trust in His Word.

Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have spoken to you.”
Genesis 28:15

Jacob flees for his life, only to begin a journey that will help him discover a new life.  This journey is very much like the journey you and I must embark on as we discover that we are a part of the dysfunction in our dysfunctional family.

God’s answer to the brokenness and dysfunction in our lives begins with us understanding that God loves us where we are, but too much to leave us the same. So, unbeknownst to Jacob, God who leads Jacob on a journey that begins with a God encounter.  In this encounter, God reveals to Jacob two things; 1) Jacob’s destiny 2) God’ integrity to watch over His Word in his life.  

Until we realize that God loves us as we are, we will never gain a new perspective of who we are, so we can face where we are and make the needed changes that break the dysfunctional cycle of our lives.

So, as you go about life’ journey, do not be afraid.  God truly has a plan for you and if you will allow His love to guide you instead of your fears, you will discover your significance to Him and His amazing plan for your life.  A plan that will make all things new, a plan that will bring restoration and healing in your life.  A plan that will impact you and those you relate to.

This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him.
2 Corinthians 5:17-18