Jacob the Cheater

By Dr. Ron Jones

Jacob was cracked pot. He cheated his brother out of his birthright, conspired with his mother, and tricked his blind father into giving him the firstborn’s blessing. If Jacob could sell you swampland in Florida, he would. So, how did a con man become a hero of the faith?

 

After an all-night wrestling match with God on the banks of the Jabbok River, Jacob lost but lived. God gave him a new name, Israel, and a new limp in his get-a-long as a constant reminder of his new identity (Genesis 32:22-32).

 

Like Jacob, we all possess deep personal flaws, make mistakes, and struggle to do what is right in God’s eyes. We are jars of clay and sinners saved by God’s amazing grace (2 Corinthians 4:7, Ephesians 2:8-9). 

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