Not Forgotten

Daily Reading: Genesis 36

Scripture Focus: These are the generations of Esau (Genesis 36.1)

Devotional Thought: I have a friend who has two daughters. The older one has 'stayed faithful' to her upbringing and values while the younger has 'strayed far' from them. The younger feels she has grown up in the shadow of the older. We all have known people who have grown up in the shadow of others. It often causes resentment and problems.

Esau lived his life like that. Jacob was the one chosen for God's purpose of raising up a people to bring the message of redemption to the world. Esau felt resentment most of his life. At the end, the brothers patched things up, but Esau was always in the shadow of Jacob. That legacy even lasted to the New Testament. Yet, God did not forget Esau. He loved him just the same as Jacob. (The comment in Malachi 1 and Romans 9 - "Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated" - employed hyperbole and was never intended to be taken literally.) Even though Esau forsook his birthright and lost his blessing, God still cared about him. God still blessed him with a family and with a future: "These are the generations of Esau." The shadow of his younger brother did not veil Esau from God.

Today perhaps you feel hidden from God's sight. Maybe you feel that God has forgotten you. You may even feel that you deserve it, that you are very forgettable, having blown opportunity after opportunity to make your Father proud. Be encouraged my friend! God has plans for you, big plans, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" (Jeremiah 29.11).

Prayer: Thank you, Father, that no matter how far I have strayed, you have kept your eyes on me. I believe in your love, O Lord. I walk in assurance through Jesus Christ. Amen.

Psalm of the Day: 1 In you, O LORD, do I take refuge; let me never be put to shame; in your righteousness deliver me! 2 Incline your ear to me; rescue me speedily! Be a rock of refuge for me, a strong fortress to save me! 3 For you are my rock and my fortress; and for your name's sake you lead me and guide me; 4 you take me out of the net they have hidden for me, for you are my refuge. 5 Into your hand I commit my spirit; you have redeemed me, O LORD, faithful God. 6 I hate those who pay regard to worthless idols, but I trust in the LORD. 7 I will rejoice and be glad in your steadfast love, because you have seen my affliction; you have known the distress of my soul. (Psalms 31:1-7)