November 5, 2014 Less Than The Least David H. Roper Genesis 32:3-12 I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies and of all the truth which You have shown Your servant. -Genesis 32:10 Unlike those who think highly of themselves, Jacob knew that he had been ruined by sin (Gen. 32:10). He thought himself a man unworthy of Gods grace. He had cheated his brother Esau out of his birthright (ch.27), and his brother hated him for it. Now, years later, Jacob was going to face Esau again. I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, Jacob prayed, using a word for least that suggests the tiniest object. Deliver me, I pray (32:10-11). How odd to see those phrases side by side: I am unworthy of Your mercies . . . . Deliver me! Yet Jacob could pray for mercy because his hope lay not in his own worth, but in Gods promise to look with favor on those who throw themselves at His feet. Humility and contrition are the keys that open the heart of God. Someone has said that the best disposition for praying is being stripped of everything. It is crying out of the depths. It comes from the soul that knows its deep depravity. Such prayers are offered by those who are thoroughly convicted of their sin and shame, but, at the same time, are convinced of Gods grace that goes out to undeserving sinners. God hears best those who cry out: God, be merciful to me a sinner! (Luke 18:13). Lord, I am like Jacob, in need of Your mercy. I have failed You, and I bow at Your feet today. Thank You for being a merciful God, ready and able to forgive and restore me. It is fitting for a great God to forgive great sinners. Jeremiah 34-36; Hebrews 2 © 2014 by RBC Ministries. All rights reserved.
Posted on: Wed, 05 Nov 2014 12:23:51 +0000