Jacob and Esau: A Look into God’s Election and Human Folly

16 Mar Jacob and Esau: A Look into God’s Election and Human Folly

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Preacher Huijun - 10 December 2015

Jesus Calms The Storm

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"A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?" - (Mark 4:35-41) Often, we find ourselves asking God the same question - God, don't you care if I am upset, if I have enough money, if others bully me, if my loved ones leave me? If you do care, why are you not helping me? " Like the disciples, after seeing the miracles Jesus had performed, it is easy for us to forget that God still loves us and He is in control when storms attack (unrest/ unexpected turbulence) us in life. When the storm becomes so overwhelming yet God does not release us from the circumstances, we may feel that God really does not care and He is harsh to us! Indeed, God does not remove us from our discomfort, inconvenience, and problems at times. But the greater truth is, like this story, Jesus is in the same boat as us! He is omnipotent and most importantly, He cares! Satan is always giving us a lopsided perspective about God and ourselves in storms, so that we will be seeing things from Satan's side instead of looking to Jesus and trusting in His unfailing love and sovereignty, Satan wants to weaken our faith so that we will no longer desire God in our lives. Storm in inevitable, for Satan exists. But the greater truth is, God is with us even during the storms, and it is by trusting in the whole character of Jesus (instead of the byproducts of storms - our feelings and analysis) that we can be soar above the storm. Lets muster our faith and pray to God to have mercy in us during the storm, and trust not our fear and feelings which only make us dwell on the problems, not Jesus.

Related Topics: Knowing Jesus, Power & Authority, Prayer | More Messages from Preacher Huijun

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Which comes first in salvation? Did we first believe in Jesus thus we are saved? Or were we first elected by God thus we could be saved in the end? From the example of Jacob and Esau, it is clear that salvation first came from God rather than any human factor. But while God offers grace, let us not be foolish to miss out on His grace. Often, when we exaggerate our needs and feelings and pursue instant gratification, we fall into folly. But the word of God can make us wise for salvation. Thus, may we treasure the word of God and take it seriously, so that we can stay on the course of wisdom.

Verses to Read: <Genesis 25:21-34>

1. God’s election not dependent on human works.

1) Esau and Jacob both undeserving sinners.

  • Esau’s folly and sin did not make Jacob less sinful.
  • Though God does not approve of Jacob’s method, God can still use it to fulfill His plan.

2) Salvation is by God’s sovereign grace alone.

  • Divine grace not based on any human factor.
  • Receive assurance of salvation from “God-factor”.
  • Salvation starts from God, not us <Ep 1:4; Ro 10:14-15>.
  • God’s saving plan cannot be frustrated by human sin.

3) Yet, we cannot judge who is “Esau” or “Jacob”.

2. The folly of despising spiritual blessings.

* Birthright: Special status of firstborn >>> symbolizes the father’s strength >>> double share of inheritance

1) It was not merely a moment of folly for Esau, but he had always been foolish.

  • <Heb 12:16>: Esau was godless to sell his birthright.
  • <Gen 26:34-35> Esau married pagan women, bringing grief to his parents.

2) How can we avoid falling into folly?

(a) Beware of “exaggerated needs or feelings”.

(b) Beware of “instant gratification”.

  • Impatience = Folly

(c) Restore wisdom from the word of God.

  • Always choose to recall, believe and act by God’s truth first.
  • The word of God makes us wise for salvation <2 Ti 3:15>.

3. The struggle between people of God and those who are not.

  • <v23> “Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you shall be divided.” [ESV]
  • Spiritual VS Carnal; Holy Spirit VS Flesh
  • We need to live differently from the world.
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Preacher Hui Jun
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Huijun serves as Secretary of The Blessed RUN Ministries. She is also the Preacher at The Life Church and Missions (Singapore). She graduated from Singapore Bible College and currently lives in Singapore with her husband, Chengji.

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