The gods he thought would bring comfort and peace to his heart, Jacob buried them all in the ground. Now Jacob has only God left.
God guides all Christians in this way. I hope you also bury what you expected and what you enjoyed, and only look to God to gain the peace.
We have this treasure in an earthen vessel. Although we are weak, we shines because we have the precious Jesus, and we are a person who can confidently preach the gospel even in front of the king.
Just as Paul met Agrippa and boldly preached the gospel even in front of the king, if we have Jesus, we are people who do great things like Paul. Even if I look lacking in my eyes, let's reveal Jesus. God wants to do great things and appear through us.
Do not think that you are simply living your life today, but believe that you are in God's plan, that God is working through you, and that He has made you perfect to testify of God.
Acts 24:10 “Then Paul, after the governor had nodded to him to speak, answered: "Inasmuch as I know that you have been for many years a judge of this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself,”
Many people have higher expectations for their actions than Jesus. When you do good, you feel good; when you do not do good, you feel uncomfortable. What is the reason? It is because they do not rely on the blood of Jesus Christ, but rely on their works.
No matter what we do, when we come to God, we must carry only the blood of Jesus Christ. God promises in several places in the Bible that 'he saved us without works'. I hope that we do not rely on our works, but go boldly before God with faith in Jesus Christ.
No matter what offering we bring, there is no offering that can replace the blood of Jesus Christ who died on the cross for us. God accepts only the blood of Jesus Christ.
The image of Jacob coming to Esau shows us how we come before God. It is much easier for people's hearts to go before God if they have good deeds. but it is always the human heart, and God's heart is not like that either.
Genesis 33:9 "But Esau said, "I have enough, my brother; keep what you have for yourself."
Jacob was afraid to go to meet Esau, so he sent an offering to Esau ahead of him. However, Esau did not show much interest in the gift.
We’ve always seen God help and ended it beautifully when Paul was in trouble. God is pleased that the gospel is preached so He opened the way in Paul's life.
Acts 23:11 "But the following night the Lord stood by him and said, "Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome."
Acts 22:15 "For you will be His witness to all men of what you have seen and heard."
Paul did not defend himself but preached the gospel whenever he had the opportunity. He was not asking to release him. Because He had focused on the Gospel and God was great in his heart.
Acts 21:13 "Then Paul answered, "What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus."
It is not that tribulation, fear, and anxiety do not come upon us. But from Mahanaim to Peniel, until the day we meet God's face, God's camp is always with us. We must believe this.
Genesis 32:2,30 "When Jacob saw them, he said, "This is God's camp." And he called the name of that place Mahanaim. So Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: "For I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved."