Why did God love Jacob?  It is because, though lacking natural beauty, he was not afraid to go after what he wanted.  Just as he pursued the blessing of Esau, just as he pursued the marriage of Rachel, it is thus that he pursued the blessing of God and God blessed him and changed him and humbled him calling him Israel.  As I reflect on my own life I can remember reading the gospels, though not yet born again, and being jealous of Jesus.  I wanted what he had and wanted to do what he did.  It was with that mentality coupled with a fear of going to hell that I gave my will to God and decided to follow this Christ who told us that unless you love him more than anybody or anything else, you can not be his disciple.  Not only that, he told us that if you say to this mountain, be though removed and cast into the sea, if you don't doubt in your heart, you shall have whatsoever you say.  Scripture is very clear.  Whatsoever is not of faith is sin.  To believe that God wants anything less than the best for any of his children is to doubt the integrity of God.  To think that God would deny any of his children the sincere desire of their hearts is a false understanding of God.  When and if you have the boldness of Jacob, you will ask what you will and it will be done for you. 

            Why did God love Jacob?  Because Jacob was real.  No false humility there.  No pretending not to want something that Jesus had, did, or said.  Not making excuses for lack of money, lack of intelligence, or lack of health.  Jacob simply went after whatsoever he wanted without doubt and without wavering.  He wasn't bound by rules, tradition, or fate.  That is what pleased God about Jacob and, if you let the Spirit lead you, that is what will please God about you.  Get to the core of who you are, recognize what you truly desire, and tell God what it is.  Don't hide behind your religion.  Don't hide behind public opinion.  Don't hide behind your present situation, married or single, young or old, sick or healthy, stupid or wise.  Get real and if you get real, God will change you, God will mold you, and God will bless you just like Jacob.

            After thirty six years in Christ I am finally taking charge over my life and as Star Trekkers would say, “boldly going where no man has gone before”.  I live in Christ.  I move in Christ.  And I have my being in Christ and I expect nothing less than the best from God and am willing to pursue what I truly want believing God is pleased with my desire.  Nothing ventured, nothing gained is the slogan and with Jacob, he lived it to the full.  Be at it for God and God will be at it for you!

amen