Daily Devotions
The Blessing of Consequences
Reading for January 16th: Genesis 46-47
And Pharaoh said to Jacob, "How many are the days of the years of your life?" And Jacob said to Pharaoh, "The days of the years of my sojourning are 130 years. Few and evil have been the days of the years of my life..."
Genesis 47:8-9
This picture of Jacob at the end of his life is a pathetic one. The man who stood before Pharaoh at 130 years of age had lived a hard life. He was hated by his brother, deceived by his father-in-law, and lied to by his sons. He had to deal with unimaginable strife in his marriages (to two competitive sisters). He lived for years with the belief that Joseph had died.
But it is hard to feel too sorry for Jacob because most (if not all) of this suffering he brought on himself. His story illustrates the spiritual truth that you reap what you sow. His life was filled with the consequences of his own foolishness and sin.
Sometimes we suffer in spite of our righteous life (see Job). Sometimes bad things happen to good people. But sometimes we get exactly what we deserve. We reap what we sow.
Consequences are a blessing. If you're suffering for some sin right now, that represents the blessing of God in your life. It is intended to serve as a wakeup call. God is trying to get your attention. He loves you too much to allow you to continue in your rebellion against him. He wants you to repent. He wants you to submit to his authority over your life.
Father, forgive us for our stubbornness and pride. Help us to see the foolishness of trying to live as if we don't need your help in our lives. Give us the courage to repent and submit to your will.
