Trust And Obey
BRD REFLECTION 2026
Genesis 35:1-15 and Psalm 100 (NIV)
(Alvin Tay from Local Church Executive Committee)
READ:
Genesis 35:1-15 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
God reaffirmed the name change of Jacob to Israel and gave him the same covenant that Abraham and Isaac had received (vv. 10–12). Earlier in Genesis 32:22–32, we read that Jacob wrestled with God at Peniel. Following a long struggle, the Lord gave Jacob a new name: Israel. The reason was: “Because you have struggled with God and with men and have overcome”.
Thus Jacob, the “deceiver of Esau’s birthright and blessing,” became Israel, the “one who struggles with God and has overcome.” Before leaving for Bethel, Jacob told his household and all who were with him to get rid of the foreign gods and purify themselves (v2). Jacob was truly transformed as he walked the journey with God.
APPLY:
I wrestled with God several times. In giving up my career before retirement age, allowing my elder son to be a missionary, and assuming the LCEC chairmanship. It was a struggle because I did not know the final destination; God showed me just enough for me to follow Him step by step. Looking back, I now realised that God was using the journey to sanctify me. I have had a blissful eight years in retirement; all my worries were unfounded. I also saw the transformation in my elder son while he was in the Mission field. At LCEC, I witnessed how God brought people, many of whom I do not even know, to work alongside me in several major initiatives. My faith grew as a result.
Proverbs 3:5–6 (NIV) spoke to me when I did DISCIPLE 1 in 2011. These two verses came back again as I meditated on Genesis 35.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
DO:
I will not rely on my own human wisdom but will submit my ways and worries to God. Whenever God calls, He will also equip and empower. I just need to obey, trusting that He will go before me and His sanctification grace will shape me along the journey, just as He had done many times before.
PRAY:
Heavenly Father, give me eyes to see as You see. And a humble heart to trust and obey. For You are good, Lord, and Your love endures forever; Your faithfulness continues through all generations. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen!
