I’ve heard comments from a number of people about the fact that I don’t answer my own questions. I usually start a conversation and then let you guys discuss it. I always enjoy reading your comments. But today I thought I’d participate as well. For those of you who haven’t chimed in yet, the question was, “What person in the Bible do you identify with the most? And why?”
So my answer is probably Jacob. I have always been favored and most of the time undeservedly. I have learned to trust deceit and control rather than finding peace in God’s sovereignty. But God has kept me on His path. A crazy path a lot of the time, but still His blessings are undeniable. Like Jacob, I found a wife in an unlikely place. Fortunately I didn’t find two. I’m glad I missed that part of the story. And God has been gracious enough to continue to wound me to bring me to the right place. A fairly constant pain in a hip has been a long term reminder that I have been touched by God. And His touch is a blessing, but it also often hurts. Holiness cannot meet unholiness without causing something dramatic. Pure flame cannot encounter the flammable without combusting. But it leaves us in a better place. Well, it’s leaving me in a better place. Every day, a better place.
Todd
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Awesome insight!
I was speaker at our church today and the topic was obedience. I could have used your insight. Thank you Todd. I am listening to your Christmas CD right now. It brings peace to my spirit.
Great question, and I’d love to expound on an answer. Alas, it must wait until this semester is over. Happiest of Christmas Seasons to you and yours!!
Tess
I think I am most like Mary, the sister of Lazarus, because instead of being busy doing many things I would rather sit, read my Bible and talk to my Lord. And I may be wrong about this but I feel that many that I know think that I should be busy doing more things, especially in the church. So I always keep in mind what Jesus told Martha “…But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:42
Also, Todd, the last time I read Genesis, I wrote down a verse that was very encouraging to me. It was within the last words Jacob spoke to his sons. “I have waited for thy salvation, O Lord.” Gen 49:18
Cece
Unfortunately it probably would be Jonah
From Jonah we learn not to get caught up in our own righteousness and fail to see the lost and dying world around us
It is so easy to condemn
But is more needful to rescue ….
Life Lessons:
While it may appear that we can run or hide from God, we’re only fooling ourselves. Our role may not be as dramatic as Jonah’s, but we have a duty to God to carry it out to the best of our ability.
God is in control of things, not us. When we choose to disobey him, we should expect bad consequences. From the moment Jonah went his own way, things started to go wrong.
It is inappropriate to judge other people based on our incomplete knowledge. God is the only righteous judge, favoring whom he pleases. God sets the agenda and timetable. Our job is to follow his instructions.
Matthew 12:39-40
But Jesus replied, “Only an evil, adulterous generation would demand a miraculous sign; but the only sign I will give them is the sign of the prophet Jonah. For as Jonah was in the belly of the great fish for three days and three nights, so will the Son of Man be in the heart of the earth for three days and three nights.
First to mind was Deborah, not because I rule a nation as a political and religious leader, but because she was a woman working in a man’s world. Although there are people in my world who think I should aspire to become a more literal Deborah, I have some very strong Mary inclinations. So we’ll see what God has planned.
Merry Christmas Todd!!!! Travel safe and blessings to you and your family.
Tess