For those who have followed our podcast, this episode is partially a recap. Our focus moving forward will be centered on the promise that God made with Abraham. He adds something into Abraham’s life into that was previously missing from his identity. Unlike Jacob, there was no wrestling match. God made Abraham a “blessing” and told him His intention was for the benefit of the world. He believed God and began to follow Him as God lead him on this new journey. Abraham (whose name was then Abram), simply obeyed God and began following Him as a lifestyle.

God told Abraham that his son Isaac would also receive this blessing as would his grandson Jacob, and Jacob’s 12 sons. God added no conditions. He plotted a portion of land on which Abram and his descendants would grow into a nation and possess it forever. The conditional part of this covenant would fall upon those they encountered throughout time. The blessing would always cause an effect. Either it was received or rejected. The decision to bless or curse Abraham’s descendants would have universal consequences, which are still in effect today.

Purim, Parallels and Purpose

The Feast of Purim begins at sundown tonight. It is not a well known feast outside of the Jewish world, even though the Bible devotes one book to what was intended to take place on that day but didnt.

Haman, who was second to the KIng wrote an edict to kill all the Jews and plunder their goods in one day all over the world.

If not for the courage of one man and his adopted daughter who courageously acted upon the covenant of God, the world would never be the same…but God.

Even though He is never mentioned, nor is Satan, there is no other place in the Bible where the confrontation of good and evil in the invisible world is so evident in the affairs of man.

Esther and her uncle Mordecai are the heroes for us to model. When they acted, God responded and the devil was defeated. This took place in the land that is today called Iran, ruled by an evil regime that has attempted to destroy Israel and the Jews since its inception.

The war that has just begun is fought on two levels, just as in Esther’s day. The Haman’s of her day were eliminated as are the ones of ours. We rejoice, not because of the death of the wicked, but the triumph of good over evil.

Pray for the Jewish people worldwide, especially in Israel. Let them know you care.

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Today we are finishing our first season emphasizing the importance of our identity. As followers of Jesus we have a shared identity. When Jacob crossed the Jabbok River, he was no longer to see himself as Jacob, but by the name God gave him, Israel.

From that point on his journey was away from Jacob and into the Land God promised his father and grandfather, the Land of Israel. His journey will reflect upon all followers of Jesus.

However we are left wondering. Does that mean that Jacob no longer exists? Why then does his name appear throughout the Bible?

Remember, this is a journey, not a college course. As we travel away from our former identity, we embrace our new one. We don’t have all the answers. Jesus does. It is the path of righteousness, though difficult at times.

But, as we walk we are changed into His image. As our understanding increases so does our ability to be a blessing to others.

See you next Season!