This week we find the events surrounding Jacob nearing the end of his life here on earth ….
- God’s ways are not our ways. Jacob blesses Joseph’s two sons, repeating the same “mistake” made with Jacob and Esau. God’s ways are FAR beyond anything we can imagine. But when His Word is sent out, it always produces, always accomplishes, and always prospers in the way He intends. May we rest in His sovereignty over our lives today.
- We must deal with our sin. In blessing Simeon and Levi, Jacob identifies their problem with anger. In Proverbs 29:22, we are told that “a hot-tempered person commits all kinds of sin.” Here we see one very good reason to deal with anger issues >>> It will not stay contained.
- We must place our hope in Him. “I trust in you for salvation, O Lord!” (Genesis 49:18, NLT) We bind ourselves to Him when we trust Him in hope. One commentary put it this way…”We press into Him for soul-healing – – healing for ourselves, our kids, our marriages, our churches, our cities, our nations.” We wait expectantly. This brought to mind Isaiah 40:30-31 >“But those who trust the Lord will find NEW STRENGTH.” (NLT). A strength we never had before. When we bind ourselves to God, we BELIEVE He will sufficiently meet our needs. We recognize that the Lord alone is our hope.
- Our words contain power. Jacob spoke an appropriate blessing over his sons. He did not bless them without seeing them for who they each were – the good, the bad and the ugly. May we not throw our words around without giving careful thought. May even our giving of compliments always be truthful and not to flatter.
- We all leave a legacy. I found myself sad when it came time to bury Jacob. There were many who mourned Jacob, having grown in admiration for his son, Joseph. Here’s the thing …. the question isn’t whether or not we will leave a legacy. We will ALL leave one. The question is … what kind of legacy are we leaving? Notice I wrote that present tense. Why? Because we are leaving our legacy while we are yet living. We tend to think we leave it once we pass away. We are working on our legacy each and every day. Psalm 78:4 tells us, “We will not hide these truths from our children; we will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the Lord, about his power and his mighty wonders.” (NLT) Are we telling them? Maybe that is the question for us to think about. Based on what I am telling them, today and each day, what are my children (and others) learning about my God?
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May we speak words of life and power as we each remember,
“My legacy will outlive me”
(Lara Williams, “Fruitful Affliction”)
Today I am joining … #Small Wonder and Sharing His Beauty and Inspire Me Monday .
“We are working on our legacy each and every day.”
Profound.
The small things and the big things (only God truly knows which is which, right?) all become part of who we are and how we are remembered.
Blessings from Inspire Me Mondays!
Michele, it’s true – both the small & big things play a part of the legacy we will leave. And I am beginning to realize … the small things may truly be the bigger 🙂 Blessings to you this Monday!
The question of legacy is interesting, and in my current situation, of urgent interest.
I find that legacy really depends on the recipient, and what they experience. My wife does not read my writings, and for her, my legacy is one of frustration; I won’t slow down because I am trying to get the harvest in, so to speak, before the fatal storm. She sees me push to the point of collapse and beyond, and, frankly, when I die…a part of her will feel relief.
The other side of the legacy is the writing itself, and its importance to others. I get feedback, that it IS important, and so the wide world, which does not see me killing myself a bit early to do the job, can see the writing as what’s been left.
Andrew – I prayed for God to show you the legacy He is building through your life. May each of your days be used to bring Him glory. Blessings to you today.
The prayers are very, very appreciated.
His Word is always effective. Always. Even when (maybe especially when?) we can’t see it. Thanks for this encouraging reminder today, Joanne.
Lisa, it is so encouraging to know we do not always need to SEE in order to know His Word is effective.
Thank you so much for sharing your insights surrounding the life of Jacob.
I found much encouragement when you shared, “We bind ourselves to Him when we trust Him in hope. One commentary put it this way…â€We press into Him for soul-healing – – healing for ourselves, our kids, our marriages, our churches, our cities, our nations.†We wait expectantly. This brought to mind Isaiah 40:30-31 >“But those who trust the Lord will find NEW STRENGTH.†(NLT). A strength we never had before. When we bind ourselves to God, we BELIEVE He will sufficiently meet our needs. We recognize that the Lord alone is our hope.”
Yes, I agree our legacies are being forged now. I often think about my legacy, taking steps to ensure it is marked by Jesus.
So glad I visited!
Karen, thank you for encouraging me! The steps we take today will leave our legacy for years to come. Love that you shared to mark each step by Jesus. Thank you!
A good lesson, Joanne. Words are powerful, as you say, and when we speak blessing, God’s work and will are done. Have a blessed week!
Praying for His work & will to be done!
Oh! I have a hard time dealing with anger issues! It’s taken a long time to realize that ‘stuffing’ them like a nice little Christian girl isn’t what God intended :). I’m also working on being more encouraging in my speech to others (and not just flattering for flattery’s sake). Thank you for being such a consistent linker-upper at #InspireMeMonday :).
Anita, it is amazing the steps we can take today to effect change for years to come. Grateful to join you each week!