This is Where We Begin

"I am not worthy of the least of all the deeds of steadfast love and all the faithfulness that you have shown to your servant. (Gen 32:10)

I am torn between commenting exhaustively on these words of Jacob (soon to become Israel) and simply letting them hang there for the Spirit work them into our hearts and minds.

(built in pause)

To be honest, my mind is on prayer, since that was where Jacob was at. What we see demonstrated for us is the humble approach of a servant to a King. Or and beggar to a generous rich Man, Or a child who has squandered everything to a Father who still posses everything. In other words, it is a worked out example of the true dynamic between us and God.We have nothing and in ourselves, we don't have the grounds to plead with Him for anything.

Yet, God call us to pray. Jesus encourages, models and assumes we will pray. And the Holy Spirit is praying and enabling our praying.

So, how do we take the true self assessment of Jacob and allow it to drive us not into some spiritual black hole, but to our knees before God? I think, perhaps, the true heart behind Jacob's words is that we have nothing of our own. Everything we have and everything we are is a gift. And the sustaining of everything we have and everything we are is a gift. Anything we desire to do whether it is super spiritual or ordinary and trivial is done by God's gracious permission and enabling.

As I think about this, it leaves me with a closer understanding of Paul's admonition to pray without ceasing. Obviously not a "close your eyes, bow your heads" prayer at all times. but a conscious (and sometimes sub conscious) realization that I need God's favor to drive to work, to do my work, run an errand, to write a blog, preach a sermon, to hold my tongue, wash the dishes, to study for a test, to fall in love, to stay in love, to say good by, to hope for Christ. (and we could all add a thousand more)

Father, we really are unworthy servants. We really are prodigal children. We are really sheep who are prone to wander. Thank you for your grace. Thank you for your mercy. Thank you for the 10,000 (is that too small?) things you give us each day without us even asking, simply because that is the kind of Father you are. You deserve more praise and glory than this feeble man via this feeble blog can ascribe to you. But what I have, I offer to you in the name of Jesus.  Amen.

I now send forth this post with a deep sense of its many defects; but with an earnest prayer that it may do some good. (JC Ryle)

To God Alone be the Glory