150 Days – DAY 5 – Love Came Through The Unloved One

Genesis 28 – 35

It reads like a reality TV show script. Two brothers start trouble that will last for generations as the Edomites and Amalekites will attack the Israelites when they return to Canaan from captivity in Egypt – even though the brothers, themselves, eventually make peace. Jacob searches for a wife from among his people and his own uncle deceives him forcing him to take the homely Leah as his wife before he can take the beautiful Rachel. Later that same uncle turns against him and he is on the run again, before pleading his case and making peace. Finally, in the brutal frankness of human frailty, a neighboring prince rapes the daughter of Jacob – and then falls in love with her. After deceiving the Hivite men to be circumcised (I can’t imagine the prince proposing that to his countrymen), two of Jacob’s sons, Simeon and Levi, slaughter the men to avenge their sister.

It seems rather surreal. The curious ask why this is even in the Bible, wanting to understand the message. The skeptical point to things like these as proof that the Bible is a lie or is evidence that the God of the Bible is twisted, cruel and perhaps psychotic. In reality, this is further proof of the patient forbearance of Yahweh Elohim. When we look through the fog of humans being humans, we see a righteous God working his plan to save mankind from themselves while preserving their free choice and liberty to follow Him or reject Him.

As Yahweh made a covenant with Abraham to prosper him and make him many nations and bless the world through him, He renewed His promises with Isaac. In our reading today, we see Yahweh continue His faithfulness to the next generation at Bethel (the scene of “Jacob’s Ladder”), again when Jacob wrestles with God at Peniel, and his name is changed to Israel, and a second time at Bethel. This time, Yahweh reveals more of Himself and His nature in His name, “El-Shaddai”. Notice the blending of the names of God we have already seen, giving us “I AM El-Sahddai” … Yahweh El Shaddai. “The Self-Existent, Supreme and Almighty God Who Is Bound by His Word”.

People will fail God and act faithlessly. We all do. God never fails people and is always faithful in every generation. Clearly He is a Mighty God on display here and throughout the pages of the Bible. The question we must ask is, can it be said of us, “What a Mighty God we serve”?

In all of this Yahweh subtly gives us an amazing insight into how He works MIGHTILY. In the midst of the cruelty of a loveless marriage and an unloved wife, a particular son is born, and they named him Judah. This boy would become a man and his offspring would be the Hebrew tribe that bore his name. From his line would come the kings of Israel / Judah. Great men like David, Solomon, Hezekiah and Josiah. Evil men like Jehoram, Ahaziah and Manasseh. Even one who never sat on David’s throne, but IS the King of Kings, the Lion of Judah … Jesus.

Isn’t it amazing how the ultimate expression of the love of God came from Leah, the unloved wife of Jacob. Even when love grows cold in people, the love of God radiates throughout.

Consider His nature. Consider His ways. Strive to love Him more!