Things to restore
Genesis 32:24~32 Then the man said, “Let me go, for it is daybreak.” But Jacob replied, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” (26)
Hymn for scheduled worship: Korean/English Hymnal #366 Open My Eyes, That I May See (#485 in previous version)
Jacob knew the Gospel, but worrying about the matters at hand, he did not believe in God 100%. In particular, not knowing the covenant, Jacob’s older brother despised his father and tormented Jacob. Even Jacob’s uncle, Laban, used Jacob’s love for Rachel to deceive him for 21 years. By chance, if there is a family member who bothers you and your family, you must discard your unbelief and pray. What are the three things Jacob restored due to his family and others who distressed him?
1. He prayed to the extent of having a spiritual experience
God chose Jacob and his family, promising the fulfillment of His promise (Genesis 25:23). However, Jacob stole his brother’s blessing and fled in hiding. God then promised to bless his offspring (Genesis 27:1~46) and comforted the trembling Jacob. Upon hearing the voice of God, Jacob began praying in faith and gained spiritual strength enough to undergo the intense spiritual experience of meeting an angel of the Lord.
2. He restored his faith
Although Jacob deceived his father into blessing him rather than his older brother, you need not do this because you have the Gospel. Jacob lived in pain, unable to fully believe God, but a child of God needs only to follow the Word of God. Jacob struggled to live the life that God desires, but his own thoughts overpowered him, resulting in constant struggles and worries (Genesis 28:10~24). God’s blessings begin once you restore your faith.
3. He looked forward to the method of God
With all of his possessions, Jacob leaves his uncle Laban to return home. Jacob trusted his older brother’s anger to have simmered down after all those years. Unfortunately, Jacob’s brother did not greet him happily. As his brother’s confrontations continued, Jacob finally abandoned his own thoughts and looked toward the commission God had given him (Genesis 32: 24~32). The methods of God transcend our own thoughts and levels.
-The reality set before you and the unimaginably alarming incidents that arise in your life deceive you from believing in the work of God. Go before your problems and meditate on what the method of God may be. Immanuel Church Sunday Worship 1st Service / 2012.2.12