YEARS
Press In To Press On #17
Mark Geppert
So, who is it going to be, Jacob or Israel? We have this treasure in earthen vessels that the glory may go to God. God is glorified when we “Yield to Him.” There is a way that seems right to man, but the ends thereof are the ways of death. He who seeks his own way separates familiar friends. This is exactly what happened between Jacob and his brother, Esau. Even after yielding to God, having his name changed to Israel in God’s sight, Jacob could not reconcile with his brother.
Esau came with gifts and open arms to restore the unity of the heirs of the promise to Abraham; and Jacob responded with a very large gift, but could not give himself to a healed relationship. Instead, he made excuse and moved his family to a different location. (Gen.33:17-20)
You know how devastating it can be when the heirs of the promise to Abraham decide they can no longer press in to God together and decide to worship on a different mountain top. You know the pain, the loss, the questions; but, have you considered the consequences?
The next generation pays the price.
The sons of Jacob carried on his deceptive, untruthful practices to the extent of selling their brother into slavery. How many Jacob’s sons are in slavery today, sold out by jealous brothers? (James 4:1) How many have turned and walked away? How many have no trust in the truth that there is a God, He has a Son, and His name is Jesus?
I rejoice with you in the current restoration of truth in this emerging generation and in the faithfulness of God; but, that joy does not remove the sting of the truth that my generation did a very poor job of unity among the heirs. I share it you my friend as a caution. Let us commit ourselves to love one another, to work through offense and, especially, to speak the truth in love.
The truth is that the Word Incarnate, Jesus Christ is at work in each of us. We are not a finished product, so He has sent the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth to guide us into all truth that we might not sin against Him and against each other. Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another. Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary communication, that it may impart grace to the hearers. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God.” (Eph. 4:25,29,30)
The truth in love is not our perception of others, it is the fact of God’s love for them.
So, Abraham blessed Isaac, and Isaac bless Jacob and Esau and by faith Jacob blessed each of the sons of Joseph and Joseph made mention of the departure of the children of Israel. (Heb. 11:22)
Yes, the Lord watches over His word to perform it. Yes, the Rhema given to the preceding generations does pass to the subsequent generations of those who seek Him; but, Israel lived in bondage in Egypt for 400 years.
The price for division is too great. Press In to God and find the love, acceptance, and forgiveness necessary to Press On. Make it a diligent search. Come to God with competition and comparison. Find love for your brother as it by this love that all men will know you are His disciple.
Mark
