GO ON AND TRY
The fact that we fail is undeniable. The fact that we sometimes think selfishly and even evil is also true. Yet, God, in mercy, works with sinful men. We are but dust, and the Lord knows this. Before I get to the lesson, let me say that no one gets close to the Lord without the love for right and the passion for holiness. (Hebrews 1:8-9, 1 Peter 1:15-16) I believe that a life of casual living with compromise toward the things of the world will cost us on earth and limit our usefulness to Christ. James teaches that even friendship with the world is enmity with God, and as such, keeps us from ever having the intimacy with the Father that could be ours. Yet, God has only sinners with whom to work, and, in mercy, He does so.
Jacob left home; and in route, he vowed to tithe and serve God if God would preserve him.
Genesis 28:20 “And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on,”
vs. 21 “So that I come again to my father's house in peace; then shall the LORD be my God:”
vs. 22 “And this stone, which I have set for a pillar, shall be God's house: and of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee.”
God preserved Jacob and more by making him rich and by greatly rewarding his hard work and love for God. Jacob also gained four wives along the way. When God led him to return home after being away for twenty years (31:41), he presented the idea to Rachel and Leah. Here is their response:
Genesis 31:14 “And Rachel and Leah answered and said unto him, Is there yet any portion or inheritance for us in our father's house?”
vs. 15 “Are we not counted of him strangers? for he hath sold us, and hath quite devoured also our money.”
vs. 16 “For all the riches which God hath taken from our father, that is ours, and our children's: now then, whatsoever God hath said unto thee, do.”
No family thoughts or concern about their father arose. Neither lady spoke of missing her mom or siblings — it was all about money. As long as these girls had lots of money, they were happy. Since their father had little, why not leave? What reason did they have to stay?
Now, if those women are not examples of totally selfish girls, I have never seen any. Of course, prior to this event, both of their selfish, bickering spirits manifested themselves several times. These gals fought over Jacob, and they fought over who had children and who did not. The favorite wife, Rachel (the idolatrous thief), even stole her father's gods.
Genesis 31:19 “And Laban went to shear his sheep: and Rachel had stolen the images that were her father’s."
Suffice it to say, these women were not the godly examples we might hope for in the lives of our sons.
Yet, God greatly used Jacob. Jacob, whose name means supplanter or trickster, had his name changed to Israel meaning a prince. It was said that he had power with God. (Genesis 32:28)
We may live in a difficult situation or struggle with ties to shame or wrongdoing, but never forget that God can bless whomever He chooses to bless. Our pastor, Dr. Hyles, came from a family with a dad who was a drunk, beat his mom, and abandoned his responsibilities as a father and husband. David, the man after God's own heart, grew up in a home in which he was treated as a bother; he was mocked and ridiculed when he wanted to stand for God. Godly Solomon was the second child born to Bathsheba and David, and Solomon’s mother began her relationship to David in adultery.
The stories of men and women in difficulty being used of God are endless. The famous missionary, Jim Elliot, arrived at his desired mission spot only to be killed by those he came to help. Some time later, his wife and others returned to this same group of people, and a great harvest of souls took place. (Read the book, Through Gates of Splendor, written by Mrs. Elliot.) Many of our finest young people who went out to serve the Lord came from homes without Christ, and some came from a family with parents who claimed Christ but lived little or none of the things they claimed to believe. I have two friends, who are wonderful preachers, whose father sits in a jail cell due to sinful acts while in the ministry.
If someone near you is living selfishly, you decide to go on and live for God as best as you can. If those around you are evil, love God and follow Him as you are able. If those near you are contentious, live as best as you can in that situation. God is not blind to your world, and He loves you and knows your heart. God says, “If it be possible...live peaceably…” What liberty and comfort that brings to those who also live in very difficult situations.
Romans 12:18 “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.”
Just go on and live for God as best as you are able.
Pastor