What do we deserve? Jacob, having lived in Haran, in the land of his uncle Laban for 20 years, was directed by the Lord to return to the land of his fathers. He followed the Lord’s direction, encouraged by his wives who said, whatever God has said to you, do (Genesis 31.16). Without hesitation, he went. Recognizing the Lord had blessed him greatly, he was humbled knowing he was undeserving. Uncertain of how he would be received by his brother Esau, he prayed. 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, for with only my staff I crossed this Jordan, and now I have become two camps” (32.10). Jacob knew he was not worthy; he knew his blessings did not come because of his righteousness or the keenness of his ability. He knew all he had was graciously given by His heavenly Father.
At times we think we should be blessed in certain ways; we think we should be rewarded for our good deeds; we think we should be able to live without difficulties and troubles. But what do we actually deserve? It is good for us to stop and consider the good the Lord has done for us; to rest from our busyness and recall the blessings we have received from the Lord. As was Jacob, we are not worthy. All we have is not the result of our great work or anything we deserve. Rather, all we have is the gift of God’s gracious hand. We realize that once we had nothing and were spiritually dead; once we were sinners destined for an eternity in the fires of hell; once we were lost, having no hope. But now, by God’s grace, we are richly blessed. We have been redeemed by the blood of Christ and have been made the children of God; we have been indwelt by His Holy Spirit and given all we need to live in a manner pleasing to our Lord; we have been blessed in this life and provided for in all our needs. And beyond this, we have been given great hope as we have coming a certain promised eternal inheritance.
Undeserving, yet richly blessed – we have much to be thankful for –
Terry
My Morning Desk 