“If you are looking for a star in a Hallmark movie, Jacob is not your guy. If, on the other hand . . . you wonder if God could use a person whose halo has slipped . . . Then the story of Jacob is what you need. When God wanted to identify himself to his people, he declared himself to be the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. . . . God used Jacob in spite of Jacob. Period.”- Max Lucado
“I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.”- Acts 7:32 (NIV)
Max Lucado concludes Chapter 1 of God Never Gives Up on You as he notes that we find Jacob’s story hard to read. Because he misbehaved so often. Then again, Max also views Jacob’s story as a relief to read. Because we misbehave so often.
Certainly, Jacob had his faith moments. Just not many. And, Pastor Lucado states, Jacob occasionally inspires us. Yet, he bewilders us even more. Above all, when God declared Himself to His people, He declared that He was the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Therefore, this word exists to describe God’s devotion to Jacob: Grace. Most significantly, Pastor Lucado underscores, grace:
- came after Jacob.
- found him in the desert.
- protected him when he lived in exile.
- wrestled him to the ground in Jabbok and blessed him.
- let him home to Canaan.
In conclusion, Pastor Lucado offers these words of hope:
“God’s grace isn’t available just on Sundays. It claims every tick of the clock. God’s grace isn’t only as good as you are. God’s grace is as good as it gets. God’s grace isn’t a lucky charm crucifix on a necklace. God’s grace is a tiger in your heart.”
Finally, although Jacob lived 147 years, the heart of his narrative covers only twenty years of his life. And though we know little of Jacob’s life outside of those twenty years, it’s worth pondering those two decades.
Today’s question: What person from the Bible would you like to see in a Hallmark move? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Quick and easy route = shortcut?