24 And Jacob was left alone. And a man wrestled with him until the breaking of the day.
(Genesis 32:24 ESV)
26 Then he said, “Let me go, for the day has broken.” But Jacob said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” (Genesis 32:26 ESV)
One lesson my first five months of retirement has taught me is that activity does not equal accomplishment. Since my retirement on June 30 I have stayed busy and become involved in several activities. However, there has been a lack of intensity and focus that has resulted in only surface accomplishment.
Three days ago when I was walking Piper and considering our small group lessons which revolved around Jacob, Esau, Rachel, etc. God brought Jacob's all-night wrestling match to my mind.
As Jacob was returning to Canaan after 20 years away, he chose to spend the last night before arriving alone. It was during this solitary evening he was visited by a "man" and spent the entire night locked in a wrestling match. As dawn approached there was still no victor in the struggle.
Even after having his hip dislocated, Jacob still refused to tap-out and release the stranger until he had received a blessing. As a result Jacob's named was changed to Israel, the first time in scripture we see the name which will many centuries later still be used in association with the Middle Eastern nation.
It was Jacob's intensity and focus that kept him in the battle throughout the evening. His tenacity was what saved the day for him. He was unwilling to ask quarter until he had received a blessing.
Whether the wrestling match was physical or spiritual, the lesson remains the same. To achieve and accomplish a level of intensity and focus is required. We should enter into our daily time with God expecting a word, a blessing, or an insight. When we engage in projects we should bring to the table our best.
This will require a change in mindset and time allotment. Perhaps a daily schedule will need to be established for each day. Or timers set to keep from driving from activity to activity. Whatever device or trick is used the end result should be a more focused, results-oriented existence.
Jacob wrestled all night for his blessing. What are we willing to do to receive the blessings God has for us each day?
Monday, December 31, 2018
Thursday, December 13, 2018
December 13, 2018 Pride Goeth. . .
Last week I was changed with teaching a small group lesson from the 28th chapter of Genesis. It was the account where Jacob heads to Haran to escape his brother's wrath. Early in the journey, Jacob has a dream of a ladder, angels, and God's affirmation of God's promise to establish a nation through his lineage. The subject of the lesson is of no consequence. The quality of lesson I delivered is.
I had spend time preparing for the lesson. Google searches. A PowerPoint presentation. Several neat insights at the ready. But the lesson was a resounding failure. Transitions were awkward. Class feedback absent. Delivery hesitant. Fifteen minutes into a 45 minute lesson, I had run out of material.
Rather than try to wing it and continue to painful experience, I simply told the class I had run out of material, apologized for the poor lesson, and closed in prayer. (That too was a mess.) There were the offers of encouraging words and well-meaning "it wasn't that bad", but I think everyone in the room knew it was awful.
As I slunk out of the room, I began to reflect on to the reason(s) for the catastrophe. It didn't take long to figure it out. Arrogance.
For the days leading up the the lesson, I had used the scripture from the provided material, but did not follow the outline for the lesson. I could prepare a better presentation with more insight and relevancy than the creators of the series. . . Or so I thought.
Look at me! I am a retired educator. I don't need to follow any lead from any curriculum publisher. (Insert sound of Wiley Coyote falling off a tall cliff with the resiquite long whistling sound and thud at the bottom.)
Arrogance can manifest itself in many ways. Having ones name on buildings all over the city. Facebook posts of great things accomplished. Not seeking advice before starting a project. Always walking about your own accomplishments. Or thinking you don't need to follow a curriculum outline.
Regardless of our background, experience, or expertise. we all need input, advice, and direction from others. Seek God first, but don't neglect to appreciate the other resources He provides.
I had spend time preparing for the lesson. Google searches. A PowerPoint presentation. Several neat insights at the ready. But the lesson was a resounding failure. Transitions were awkward. Class feedback absent. Delivery hesitant. Fifteen minutes into a 45 minute lesson, I had run out of material.
Rather than try to wing it and continue to painful experience, I simply told the class I had run out of material, apologized for the poor lesson, and closed in prayer. (That too was a mess.) There were the offers of encouraging words and well-meaning "it wasn't that bad", but I think everyone in the room knew it was awful.
As I slunk out of the room, I began to reflect on to the reason(s) for the catastrophe. It didn't take long to figure it out. Arrogance.
For the days leading up the the lesson, I had used the scripture from the provided material, but did not follow the outline for the lesson. I could prepare a better presentation with more insight and relevancy than the creators of the series. . . Or so I thought.
Look at me! I am a retired educator. I don't need to follow any lead from any curriculum publisher. (Insert sound of Wiley Coyote falling off a tall cliff with the resiquite long whistling sound and thud at the bottom.)
Arrogance can manifest itself in many ways. Having ones name on buildings all over the city. Facebook posts of great things accomplished. Not seeking advice before starting a project. Always walking about your own accomplishments. Or thinking you don't need to follow a curriculum outline.
Regardless of our background, experience, or expertise. we all need input, advice, and direction from others. Seek God first, but don't neglect to appreciate the other resources He provides.
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