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Last week, I mentioned how we have seen the “character development” of Jacob. We have followed the life of Jacob throughout the Genesis narrative and have observed his change from a man who wanted little—if any—involvement with the God of his fathers (the One True God), to becoming a man who identifies himself with God. As I reflected on the events of Genesis 32-33 last week, I found myself thinking of Jacob, “He has made such great growth in his life before the LORD; surely, it could only get better from here!”

But then we turn to Genesis 34... Amidst a genuinely horrible incident, the defilement of his daughter Dinah, Jacob remains silent (I imagine for those of you fathers who have a daughter, you are screaming at Jacob, “What are you thinking Jacob? Do something about this!”). In fact, we hear no comment from Jacob until the very end of the chapter, after his sons enter Shechem’s city, kill every man, rescue Dinah (whom Shechem or his father Hamor probably kidnapped), and take the city’s possessions. And what are the words that come from Jacob’s mouth when he does finally speak? In brief: “Why have you made me look bad in front of the inhabitants of the land?”

In the end, Jacob seems only to care about his self-interests, a common “leitmotif” of his life; it appears that nothing has really changed for him. We as the reader might think, “Jacob seemed to be doing so well in Genesis 32-33, but boy did he blow it in Chapter 34!”

And yet, if we are honest with ourselves, how frequently do we see a similar pattern in our own Christian lives? How often do we “get it right” one day, but then “blow it” the next? I can identify many times in my life where one day I am trusting that God will give me what I need to complete my assignments for Seminary, but then the very next day I think, “God, why have you given me this large assignment?  I can’t do this one, it’s impossible!”

Praise God that His faithfulness and love towards His children is not dependent upon our obedience (I highly encourage you to study through Ephesians 2:1-10 to get a sense of this idea)! When we inevitably “blow it,” we can find comfort in knowing that “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9).

This is how I am seeking to apply Sunday’s message this week (and beyond):

  • When I sin against God, I will turn to Him with humility and repentance, trusting in His lovingkindness and forgiveness rather than wallowing in self-pity over my sinfulness.
  • I will look at days where I do not “get it right” as another opportunity to renew my faithfulness to God, asking Him to help me walk faithfully and obediently, for He alone can help me live rightly!