 The
Surprising Choice of Jacob
Read
Genesis 25:19-34
Did you dread those times in gym class when the teacher chose
two kids to be team captains? One by one, each kid was chosen
for a team. If chosen early, life was good. But if not, there
you stood in front of God and everybody feeling exposed and
vulnerable. I was never one of the early picks.
As the smallest girl in my class, I was usually chosen late in
the pick.
Another reason had to do my response when a ball flew
towards me. I can still see it in my mind. Hands flying upward
towards the heavens, strange shrieking noises coming out of my
mouth, and worst of all, the jumping dance where my knees were
practically touching my nose. Silently I prayed begging God to
not let the ball hit me when I should have prayed just the
opposite. “Please God let the ball knock me out. Just put me out
of my misery.” Unconsciousness was preferable to humiliation.
Trust me it was not a pretty sight.
A few years ago while on a church staff retreat, I had a similar
experience. It was announced that we would be playing a game
requiring a partner. The guys were thrilled because the game
allowed them to demonstrate their athletic prowess, but I did
not share their same excitement. A vision of the jumping dance
was quickly followed by the assumption that no one would ask me
to be on their team. When one of the guys asked me to be his
partner, I was shocked and relieved. Surprisingly, I was his
first choice not his second or third.
Our team played round after round, and we found ourselves in the
final game. My male co-workers and friends were cheering me on
because I was the last girl standing. The irony of the story is
that I am not a great athlete. Other people in the room should
have played that final round, but I was there because someone
chose me not based on my ability but on our friendship.
The patriarch Jacob was not chosen because he was godly or even
because he was good. He was chosen because God was sovereign and
gracious. Though undeserving, Jacob was a recipient of God’s
transforming grace. Let me paint a scene of what it might have
been like when God chose Jacob. Imagine being in the throne room
of heaven. God stands to pick his team. Off to one side we see
Jacob hiding behind a tall guy named Goliath. God also sees him.
He sees his deceptive, controlling, and manipulative nature. We
think to ourselves, “He will never be picked.” Then to our
surprise, we hear God say, “I choose Jacob.” Shock and disbelief
are replaced with amazement as Jacob goes forward. He was the
most unlikely choice.
Now imagine that God stands again, but this time his eyes are
focused on you. His penetrating gaze looks into your very soul.
He sees everything you have ever done. He sees your sinfulness
and all the junk that make you the least likely choice. To your
surprise, he lovingly looks into your eyes and says, “I choose
you.” In God’s presence, aware of his holiness and your
unworthiness, you rise and go forward. Like Jacob, you have been
created for his glory. Chosen not based on godliness or even
goodness, but by God’s sovereign and gracious will. You are a
trophy of God’s grace.
Reflections:
If the God of heaven and earth chose you personally to be his
child, what does this truth reveal about your value?
In what ways is this truth making a difference in your life
today? |
