The Fragile Nature of the Blessing

Jacob is yet to be known by his new name, Israel. It will be centuries before Israel will be known as the Land God promised to Jacob and his descendants.

It seems like God is in no rush to introduce him and his son’s as we begin to read of their episodes. Sometimes it will make us cringe that these guys are supposed be the emissaries of the blessing, when they can barely get along.

We must realize that civilization was not civilized to understand God’s process of releasing them into the world as His representatives.

Before long God will use Israel using three objects symbolically.

Compass—Plumbline—Time piece. Later we will see how these connect as the path of righteousness hosts its first sojourners.

Meanwhile continue your journey with our assistance on comfortmypeople.com. Follow us on social media and YouTube and leave comments.

Shalom and Blessings

For those who have followed our podcast, this episode is partially a recap. Our focus moving forward will be centered on the promise that God made with Abraham. He adds something into Abraham’s life into that was previously missing from his identity. Unlike Jacob, there was no wrestling match. God made Abraham a “blessing” and told him His intention was for the benefit of the world. He believed God and began to follow Him as God lead him on this new journey. Abraham (whose name was then Abram), simply obeyed God and began following Him as a lifestyle.

God told Abraham that his son Isaac would also receive this blessing as would his grandson Jacob, and Jacob’s 12 sons. God added no conditions. He plotted a portion of land on which Abram and his descendants would grow into a nation and possess it forever. The conditional part of this covenant would fall upon those they encountered throughout time. The blessing would always cause an effect. Either it was received or rejected. The decision to bless or curse Abraham’s descendants would have universal consequences, which are still in effect today.

Purim, Parallels and Purpose

The Feast of Purim begins at sundown tonight. It is not a well known feast outside of the Jewish world, even though the Bible devotes one book to what was intended to take place on that day but didnt.

Haman, who was second to the KIng wrote an edict to kill all the Jews and plunder their goods in one day all over the world.

If not for the courage of one man and his adopted daughter who courageously acted upon the covenant of God, the world would never be the same…but God.

Even though He is never mentioned, nor is Satan, there is no other place in the Bible where the confrontation of good and evil in the invisible world is so evident in the affairs of man.

Esther and her uncle Mordecai are the heroes for us to model. When they acted, God responded and the devil was defeated. This took place in the land that is today called Iran, ruled by an evil regime that has attempted to destroy Israel and the Jews since its inception.

The war that has just begun is fought on two levels, just as in Esther’s day. The Haman’s of her day were eliminated as are the ones of ours. We rejoice, not because of the death of the wicked, but the triumph of good over evil.

Pray for the Jewish people worldwide, especially in Israel. Let them know you care.

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Today we are finishing our first season emphasizing the importance of our identity. As followers of Jesus we have a shared identity. When Jacob crossed the Jabbok River, he was no longer to see himself as Jacob, but by the name God gave him, Israel.

From that point on his journey was away from Jacob and into the Land God promised his father and grandfather, the Land of Israel. His journey will reflect upon all followers of Jesus.

However we are left wondering. Does that mean that Jacob no longer exists? Why then does his name appear throughout the Bible?

Remember, this is a journey, not a college course. As we travel away from our former identity, we embrace our new one. We don’t have all the answers. Jesus does. It is the path of righteousness, though difficult at times.

But, as we walk we are changed into His image. As our understanding increases so does our ability to be a blessing to others.

See you next Season!

In this last Q and A session with Paul and Mikayla, the discussion leads to the outcome of our faith.

Is it an endless struggle, or is it determined by how much we believe God has invested in us by means of His New Covenant?

Is it just a name change, or is our entire being transformed into His likeness?

Is salvation and discipleship all about making a better "me" ? Or am I here to radiate what God can do for others?

Unlike many new Christians, Mikayla continues to unpack what it means to follow Jesus wholeheartedly. Are questions permissible? Is it ok to struggle? Is struggle all that we do? Is faith just a confession? Is an experience a requirement?

I fear that her questions are far too common, but rarely asked, The effect is many people are left wondering if their sins are actually forgiven.

Maybe you find yourself in a similar condition. We don't pretend to know all the answers, but hopefully we can simplify the process of understanding,

God became accessible to Jacob prior to His match. That is why Jesus brought him to the mat. He showed Jacob how closely he could connect to Him and the benefit that would result from his perseverance, not his performance.

The conversation between Paul and Mikayla continues. Mikayla poses the struggle she and other Gen Z’s have faced when it comes to growing up in an experience centered theology. Paul responds with describing the story of struggle that is often overlooked in the mentality of once saved, “you’re good to go now”. Discover a deeper look into the significance of God starting a wrestling match with Jacob.

In this episode Paul and Mikayla address Jacob’s dilemma of realizing he has gained more than he could have dreamed of, but still lacking what he needs the most.