Yesterday's sermon was on the unconditional love of God, and the imperfect lives of men. How many of our greatest Biblical heroes like Job, Abraham, and Peter even had their less than perfect moments. To err is human. We are by nature messy and fallible. I found this sermon very enlightening because I've often felt a pressure to be perfect in my faith. What a relief to hear Pastor say that none of us are perfect in our faith. Not even himself.
Job, Abraham, and Peter are often praised for their golden moments, when their faith and service to God was extraordinary. However none of them were perfect in their faith. Job questioned God and demands an answer to why the good are made to suffer. Peter is warned a test is coming, but still denied Christ. Abraham was untrusting of God’s plan and lied. When we look at their stories we often elevate the righteous narratives and not the times they were imperfect in their humanity.
Genesis 32:27-28 – And he said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob. And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.
Jacob is best known as a story of Christ's power to change and renew even the worst of us. Jacob was deceptive. The translation of his name literally means “supplanter.” He conned his twin brother Esau out of his birthright. He failed to give tithes to God but made offerings to Esau. His service to God was only for his own benefits. He deceived his father-in-law Laban. He even used one of his wives as a human shield when Esau came for vengeance. Jacob's actions were far from Christian.
However God never gave up on Jacob, even if he did a lot of really uncool things. Every human is worthy of redemption. In Genesis 32, God visits Jacob and gives him a new name, “Your name isn’t Jacob anymore. It’s Israel.” Proving that God doesn’t demand our perfection. He created us, continues to work on us even when we are at our worst. God accepted Jacob– he accepted him despite his sinful ways. The Lord never gave up on Jacob. Even when he reverted to his deceitful ways post name change.
There's plenty of sermons I've heard that guilt people unduly. That demand perfect behavior. “God won’t bless you if you’re sinful.” In the Bible we see instances of God's blessing following only the righteous. He seeks out pure vessels for His work: In 2 Timothy 2:20-21- "But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work."
However Jacob was an imperfect vessel but God still used him and blessed him. God is merciful. We are all sinners, but God forgives. He doesn't motivate with guilt. It's more about our intentions. As we all make mistakes. In Romans 2:4- "Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?" Which means "don't you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you?"
Embrace your imperfections. As long as your heart is open to God’s Word, and you attempt to do what is right, guilt and shame will not defeat you. God will give you strength and He will never give up on you, as long as you don't give up on him.