Today’s reading: Genesis 33-35; Matthew 11

Selected verses

So Jacob said to his household and to all who were with him, “Put away the foreign gods that are among you and purify yourselves and change your garments. Then let us arise and go up to Bethel, so that I may make there an altar to the God who answers me in the day of my distress and has been with me wherever I have gone.” Genesis 35:2-3

At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.” Matthew 11:25-27

Reflections

God is sovereign over all things, including His call and election of people to Himself by grace through faith for salvation. He hides truth from those who are wise and understanding in this world but reveals it to little children. The Son has authority to reveal the Father to whom He chooses.

But this does not mean that there exist some who desperately want to be saved but cannot be because God turns them away. Jesus makes this offer,

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

God’s sovereignty in calling people to Himself is seen in the life of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The lives of all three show serious flaws. Jacob, for example, tolerated his family members serving idols. None deserved God’s grace. God chose them freely, not based on their merits. Likewise, God did not choose people from cities like Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum, even though Jesus had performed “most of his mighty works” there. They refused to repent in spite of the compelling evidence that Jesus was the Christ. So they bore their own responsibility for their condition.

Think about it

Pride in one’s own wisdom is an insurmountable obstacle to faith and, thus, to salvation. Pray for a childlike spirit, for grace to believe and repent. Come to the One who will give your soul rest and your life a purpose, yoked with Him in His redemptive work. You may discover His election of you to salvation.

© 2017 John A Carroll Used by permission