-Eleven- Grace to the Deceivers

Grace to the Deceivers

Today’s Reading: Genesis 34 and Genesis 35:5

Focal Verse: Genesis 35:5

And they journeyed and the terror of God was upon the cities that were all around them, and they did not pursue the sons of Jacob.

I have some bad habits that I know I have passed on to my children. As much as I would like to go back and change some things, I can’t.

Jacob was a deceiver. He stole his own brother’s birthright through deception. We now see his sons becoming the deceivers, and putting the family in danger once more.

The revenge that Simeon and Levi exacted from the people of the land, for the rape of their sister Dinah by one man, was excessive (see Deuteronomy 22:28-29). Jacob was troubled for he knew they deserved retaliation, just as he had deserved retaliation from Esau.

But God had grace. God was not showing approval for what they had done, and Jacob did not forget what they had done when he gave blessings on his deathbed (Genesis 49:5-7); however, God once again affected the hearts of those who could have retaliated. He has mercy on those who are His. Death was deserved, but grace was given.





Consider any bad habits you may be passing on to others. With God’s grace begin to change them. Thank God for the times He has not allowed the full penalty for your sins.