Focal Passage: Genesis 35:1-15
At the end of Genesis 34, the patriarch Jacob faces a tough situation. His sons, Simeon and Levi have just avenged the rape of their sister Dinah by Shechem, son of Hamor. They have sinned and thus have brought reproach upon the name of Jacob who fears retribution at the hands of his enemies. In chapter 35, God brings assurance.
Have you ever worked on a home project with your spouse? This, of course, means the husband has decided it can’t be too difficult, and he can figure it out without instructions. At some point the wife has noticed, and much to his chagrin, she decides to help.
In the end, what usually happens? More often than not, assurance doesn’t come until someone wises up and looks to the creator who has given clear instructions for construction (she told you so).
Jacob finds assurance in the God who appeared to him following his own sinful actions toward his brother, Esau. This assurance produces faithful action on Jacob’s part.
He takes God at His Word and takes action as a demonstration of his faith. He purifies himself and his family and he joyfully obeys God’s instruction to return to the land He had promised him.
Second Peter 1:2-3 says, “Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.”
We, too, face difficult situations, some of which are the consequences of others’ sins.
God offers us assurance that though we are often fearful, He is always faithful.
He’s given us all we need for life and godliness. Knowing this, we can walk by faith. We can flee sinful distractions and pursue holiness. We can obey God’s commands joyfully as we cherish the eternal promises of scripture offered to us in Christ.