The grace of God

I was just reading this passage this morning, and these were the thoughts that came to mind as I did so.

I am unworthy of all the kindness and faithfulness you have shown your servant…You have said, ‘I will cause you to prosper. (32:10-12)

Jacob said this as an heir of God’s promise to Abraham. But how much more can we say this of ourselves as Abraham’s spiritual heirs by faith?

None of us are worthy of God’s kindness and faithfulness to us. And yet by his grace God is determined to do good to us. (Romans 8:28-32)

For he thought, “I want to appease Esau with the gift that is going ahead of me. After that, I can face him, and perhaps he will forgive me.” (32:20)

Despite God’s grace, how often do we think of God as Jacob thought of Esau? How often do we feel we need to do something to appease him?

And even after attempting to do so, we still harbor some doubt on whether he will forgive us?

As with Esau, however, God needs no appeasing. Because of Jesus’ work on the cross, he is already appeased. And he already thinks favorably toward us.

But Jacob said, “No, please! If I have found favor with you, take this gift from me. For indeed, I have seen your face, and it is like seeing God’s face, since you have accepted me.

Please take my present that was brought to you, because God has been gracious to me and I have everything I need.” So Jacob urged him until he accepted. (33:10-11)

At this point, Jacob realized that Esau had already forgiven him. And so now his attempt at a bribe turns into a gift arising from a grateful heart.

And so with us.

All we give to God is no longer to win his favor but comes from a heart of gratitude for his grace and the fact that in Jesus, we have everything we need.

Each day, let us rest in this incredible, indescribable grace of God. And worship.