TOPIC: Obtaining ‘Blessing’ by Manipulation is Ungodly

Opening Prayer: I open my heart to meditate on your word, teach me your ways oh Lord.

Scripture: Genesis 27:1‐17

Question(s) for Reflection
• Is there any example for me to follow or not to follow?
• Is there any warning for me to heed?

MESSAGE 

Aging and death are inevitable in human existence. Isaac was faced with this bitter reality. He became old, partially blind and confined in bed, awaiting death. He was determined to handover the baton to his first son Esau by transferring the divine blessing he inherited to him. Notice his instruction to Esau in his preparation to bless him (vs.2‐4).

Having overheard this conversation between Isaac and Esau, Rebekah calls Jacob, her favourite son and planned with him to deceive his father to receive the promised blessing. Even though reluctant for fear of the consequences if the plot fails, Jacob consented and swings into action as directed by his mother (vs.11‐14). See how their plot was perfected (vs.15‐16).

What do you think inspires such confidence and courage in Rebekah? See Genesis 25:23, 32‐34. God chose Jacob before he was born to be the leader, so trying to obtain his father’s blessing by manipulation was uncalled for and sinful. God is able to accomplish his plans for each of us, thus we do not need to engage in scheming. God does not need “our help” to make us what he wants us to be. You only have to obey his instructions as you follow him closely.

Practice/Word Application
So what? Claim God’s promises in prayer and trust Him to fulfil His plan for your life and ministry.

• Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?

Scripture Union Daily Guide 22nd June 2022 Closing Prayer
• Father, please don’t let my destiny be manipulated or exchanged for evil rather help me to fulfil your plan and purpose for my life.

Offer a prayer of faith in line with Jeremiah 33:6

One Year Bible Reading Plan
2 Chronicles 29, 30; Ecclesiastes 5.

DOWN BUT NOT OUT
We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed… 2 Corinthians 4:9

THANK GOD FOR:
› The Provision of Grace and Strength despite all we are currently passing through.
› Warning us ahead of time that persecution is part and parcel of our salvation bundle.

PRAY FOR:
› Grace to let God shine even in our sufferings and pains knowing He is still in control.
› Deliberate determination to let God be glorified as we remind ourselves “it’s all about Jesus and no longer I”.
› Brethren to pray, visit and share with such brethren as are down today in their groups, zones, Areas, Regions and even National.

PRAY AGAINST:
∷ Carrying along long faces expecting and looking around for pity parties that will not glorify the name of our God. ∷ Letting people make mockery of our God due to what we are suffering instead of letting it bring eternal life to others.

Scripture Union Daily Guide 22nd June 2022. Scripture Union is an international, interdenominational, evangelical Christian organization. It was founded in 1867, and works in partnership with individuals and churches across the world. The organization’s stated aim is to use the Bible to inspire children, young people and adults to know God.