Since we last blogged, we have begun a new series called Comebacks. This week, through discussing the life of Jacob, we talked about coming back from family dysfunction. I've got to admit that this week's "Comeback" was less dramatic than the one from the week before. In preparing to lead small group discussion, I really struggled with how to connect with this one. I mean, the week before a 90 year old lady had a baby. That's ... wow, that's really something! That's a MIRACLE!
At the end of this week's sermon, Will referenced a verse in Psalms that says, "Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek the face of the God of Jacob."
Herein lies the miracle. That God redeemed a life like Jacob's - one that could've been detrimentally marred by his upbringing - to the degree that the generations that followed him took notice. And while there was no "big miracle" in Jacob's life like there were in the lives of his father and his grandfather, the Israelites identified with their God as the God of Jacob. The God of the cheater and the deceiver. The God of the screw-up. The God of the ordinary. The God who makes great things from small things. The God who redeems messed up childhoods and brings about His glory through His owns methods. (Jacob was the father of 12 sons, who became the heads of the 12 Tribes of Israel - a lineage through which Jesus came into the world.)
Now I can identify with this. While other more "miraculous" stories are more fun to study and it's easier to see God's hand when He moves in dynamic ways, life's not always that way. I, for one, don't WANT to identify with Sarah's story. I don't want to have a baby when I'm 90 years old. (Though my parents are probably thinking it'll take me that long to give them a grandbaby!) I'd rather be able to see God's hand in my life like Jacob did. He can use a person with a messed-up past and still bring about His plan in His ways.
That's what I want to be able to say at the end of my life. That the God of Jacob is the God of Rita -- and He is faithful to redeem the broken and create something beautiful.
- Rita Polk
