My Will vs God’s Will
BRD REFLECTIONS
Genesis 27 & 28:1-9; Psalm 22 (NIV)
(Ng Bee Kuan, Chairperson, Lay Personnel Committee)
READ:
Genesis 27 & 28:1-9 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
In Gen 25:23, God revealed to Rebekah that two nations were in her womb, that they would be divided and the older would serve the younger. When the two boys grew up, Esau, the firstborn, was a skilful hunter favoured by Isaac, and Jacob, the younger son, was a quiet man loved by Rebekah (Gen 25:27).
Favouritism can cloud our judgement and lead us to sin. Isaac favoured Esau and had wanted to give him the blessings that were rightfully his as the elder son, although it was contrary to what God intended. Moreover, Esau had earlier despised his birthright by selling it to Jacob for a bowl of stew (Gen 25:29).
Rebekah favoured Jacob, which led her to devise and execute a plan of deception to the extent of being willing to bear the curse on behalf of Jacob (Gen 27:13). This led to years of pain and suffering, estrangement and animosity within the family. Acting according to God’s will is never an excuse for deception and sin. God does not need our personal intervention to work out His purposes. God’s plans will never be thwarted by man because He is sovereign and He is God Almighty.
APPLY:
Do we walk the talk by being obedient to the Word of God even if it is contrary to our culture and personal preference? Do we disguise our intent and justify our actions by citing alignment with God’s will? Do we stumble others, especially those under our charge, by absolving them from responsibility and taking the fall if anything goes wrong (Rebekah told Jacob, “let the curse fall on me”)?
In this year of Intentional Discipleship with a focus on the family, we are reminded of the damage favouritism can do in family relationships. Do you favour a child or a family member because of his/her talents, personality or just because he/she is so much like you, and as a result, causing rifts with your other children, spouse or other family members?
There is wisdom in checking our motives even when we act in the name of love. God desires our obedience rather than sacrifice. Difficult as it may be, waiting upon the Lord and trusting Him to work out His purposes rather than taking things into our hands is part of our discipleship journey.
DO:
I will keep the discipline of reading His Word daily
I will intentionally do as the psalmist says in Psalm 139:23-24:
Search me, O God, and know my heart!
Try me and know my thoughts!
And see if there be any grievous way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting!
PRAY:
Dear Lord Jesus, your Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. Illumine my mind to see your truth, stir my heart & desire to be transformed. Holy Spirit, give me the discipline to obey. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
