Day 9

         Yesterday we were introduced to someone before they were born, namely, a boy who was wrestling within his mother’s womb (25:22).  The boy was born grasping the heel of his older twin brother.
         He was given the name, Jacob.  The meaning of the name had somewhat to do with his “heel catching” event, but it also has to do with “tricking” or “deceiving.”  Did Jacob do anything in his life to earn the title “deceiver”?  Well, yes, there was the time he carried out an underhanded plan for acquiring his brother’s birthright.  Then, he deceptively received his father’s blessing, generally reserved for the oldest.  Later, there was the reason he would leave Esau’s presence, which was not presented as pure truth.
            Jacob’s life of deceit is beginning to catch up with him.  A life of deceit will catch up with us as well if our actions are deceptive and our choices are self-seeking.

General Questions for each day:
Summarize the day’s Bible passage in your own words.
What thoughts, actions, attitudes or beliefs are addressed in the passage?
How is the Holy Spirit leading you to apply this passage to your life today?