Genesis 35:9 & 12
Then God appeared to Jacob…and blessed him…”I will give it to you (the land) and to your descendants after you.”
God is repeating the promise to Jacob. This is significant, as his sons committed the brutal act of vengence inwhich they had to flee the land. Jacob probably had doubts as to whether God was still interested in blessing him and his family. Would God bless a man and his kids who were deceitful murderers? Dread and paranoia has overtaken him. It’s in this state that God visits him and repeats the promise.
This is just like us. We need forgiveness. We also sin and become doubtful. That’s why He gave us His word which contains numberous examples of fallen people who were forgiven. Peter is an easy one. He denied The Lord in His hour of need. After the resurrection, Jesus reconciles with him. He isn’t given a demotion, either. Jesus tells him, “Feed my sheep.”
This is so comforting. God comes to us whenever we need to be encouraged. He’ll speak to our spirit, through His Word, circumstances and through others. Just as a wilted plant revives with water, so we come to life with His encouragement. Jacob is still God’s man.
Thank You, Lord for Your forgiveness and encouragement.