The favour of the Lord
Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory,
For the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness. Psalm 115:1
Read Genesis 33:5—16
All Israel is travelling in this little caravan, the children of Jacob, the children of Israel. Look, Joseph, the pet, is singled out among them.[1] Mothers, maids and children. And so vulnerable! They are at the mercy of Esau, the father of the Edomites, the sorely offended brother of Jacob, the estranged elder sibling who had every right to exact vengeance upon them. I can see that God has chosen to fix his name to people who bring his name no glory. They are rather shameful, really. Yet God asks the nations to bless his people.[2] He himself will deal with the nations on that basis, presenting himself among them hungry, thirsty, sick, in prison.[3] I need discernment daily to recognise the presence of the Lord in his people.
Lord God of all heaven and earth, it is in condescension, in profound humility, that you have put your name upon your people. You are known as the God of Abraham, of Isaac and Jacob. When you sent Jesus, and dwelt in him as the fullness of God, you therefore made yourself known as the friend of sinners.[4] I thank you that I am known by your name, I who am so frail. I deserve the indignation of those I have wronged. It is all of your great mercy that your hand is on me both to save and to protect me.
[1] Verse 2
[2] Genesis 12:3
[3] Matthew 25:31—46
[4] Matthew 11:19