The LORD is gracious and compassionate
Jacob returned to his homeland in “great fear and distress” (Gen 32:7) at the prospect of meeting his brother Esau[1]. Jacob, overcome with fear, prayed – “I am not worthy of the least of all the steadfast love and all the faithfulness that you have shown to your servant” (32:10).
Our “Wrestling with God” series has shown how deceptive, disloyal and unkind the human family can be. But we also learn that God, in contrast, is a God of steadfast love and faithfulness. God’s self-revelation to Moses made known the same truth: “The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness (Ex 34:6)”.
Life often involves “wrestling” and struggle. But we cling to the truth made clearest in the cross of Christ, who “wrestled” for us:
“The LORD is gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger and rich in love.
The LORD is good to all;
he has compassion on all he has made (Ps. 145:8-9)”.
God Bless,
Sean
[1] Through manipulation and deception Jacob had taken Esau’s inheritance and blessing