Genesis 32:9-10 Then Jacob prayed, “O God of my grandfather Abraham, and God of my father, Isaac—O Lord, you told me, ‘Return to your own land and to your relatives.’ And you promised me, ‘I will treat you kindly.’ I am not worthy of all the unfailing love and faithfulness you have shown to me, your servant. When I left home and crossed the Jordan River, I owned nothing except a walking stick. Now my household fills two large camps! O Lord, please rescue me from the hand of my brother, Esau. I am afraid that he is coming to attack me, along with my wives and children.
When I was a Sociology professor, a student complained to my department chair because I would not allow her to take the final exam. The student had missed the exam without informing me of an emergency. Ordinarily, I would have allowed her to take the exam, but I had caught her cheating on an exam earlier, so I was reluctant to give her another chance.
Feeling entitled, or thinking herself worthy of a second chance, she went over my head, claiming that I didn’t like her. When I explained to my department chair why she couldn’t take the exam, as it was unfair to other students who did not have extra time to study, he asked me to just give her a low F, without her actually taking the exam. I asked what a low F was. Was I to give her a grade lower than the lowest grade earned on the exam, and was that fair to other students? I held my ground. I believed that the student would benefit more from an earned 0 than from being given a grade. Had she shown some humility, such as understanding that second chances are blessings and being willing to apologize for the cheating and missing the final exam, I might have reconsidered my decision.
Jacob had spent many years in Haran working for his uncle Laban for the privilege of marrying Laban’s two daughters. He was now on his way home to Canaan, where he had escaped after cheating his twin brother, Esau, out of his birthright and blessing. He feared Esau’s reaction to his return, believing that in vengeance, Esau might hurt his family or seize his wealth. So, he prayed to God for protection, acknowledging that he was unworthy of all the blessings that the Lord God had bestowed on him. After all, he was returning wealthy, after leaving with only a walking stick and a few clothes.
Jacob demonstrated the humility that God requires. Proverbs 18:12 states, “Before destruction a man’s heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor.” Jacob knew that his success was part of God’s covenant with his grandfather and father, not because he deserved anything. He knew that only because God kept His promises was he still alive after deceiving Laban and his sons in ways that increased his flocks, compared to the losses they suffered.
We must show the same humility, realizing that all we have and all that we have become comes from the Lord God. Yes, we may work at some job or occupation, but it is God who opens doors for us and keeps us safe. We are not any more special than God’s other people. Although we don’t deserve His blessings, we are blessed, often to overflowing, like Jacob. Be thankful for the goodness of God in the land of the living.
Amen.
Help from Heaven 
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