Genesis: 27-34

Jacob and Esau were twins. They were far from identical. They were the opposite ends of imperfection. Esau cared nothing for the future and lived only for the moment. Jacob was always planning and looking for ways to get ahead. One despised his birthright; the other schemed and took advantage to gain that birthright.

God had a plan to bless all of mankind. He intended to offer redemption to everyone. His plan required that he rise up a nation and from that nation would be born a savior. When you look at Jacob and Esau it looks almost hopeless. God chose Jacob. He did not choose Jacob because he was good enough. Jacob was not good at all. He chose Jacob knowing that it was going to be a long hard journey to lead him into righteousness. The writer of Genesis does not hide this from the reader. As we read further we will see Jacob’s struggles. He schemes, he sins, he deceives, he is deceived, he falls, he fails, he runs, and through it all God is with him.

God has chosen each of us to help build his kingdom. He has not chosen us because we’re good enough or because we’re perfect. He has chosen us because he loves us, and he knows that as we respond to his love with obedience we will become better. We will make mistakes. Sometimes we will fall, and sometimes we will fail. Through it all God will be with us and he will be perfecting us. I have said, “If you think I am messed up now, you should have seen me before God begin to work in my life.”

Righteousness is not just about a point in time. Righteousness is about the relationship we develop with God while walking with him. No matter where we started from, when we walk with God the focus is on where we’re headed. No matter our past, walking with God shifts the focus to our future. The world cares about who we were. God cares about who we are becoming. Walking with God changes us, and as we change we change the world.