Pass on the Promises of the Patriarchs
Last Sunday, the seventh and final message of the “Jacob series” titled “Acceptable 2019: Jacob who Passes on the Promise” was preached. Thank God! The life of Jacob is just like the lives of many of us. It’s only by the mercy and election of God that he was able to enter into blessings and inherit the promises.
Declaring in the first message of 2019 (6th Jan) that “God accepts us,” I have been walking in faith and beholding the Works of God! Especially in the beginning of this year, He led us to purchase a field of over 160,000 square feet. Afterward, we were led to start on the “Jacob series”. Every single message was full of the Grace of Acceptance, because each speaker was a perfect match of the message preached. The Jacob sermons preached by Pastor Anna, MG leader Jason, Pastor Deborah, Pastor Ho Kit and Pastor Ruby reflected their lives. At times, speakers were changed at the last minute, yet the message was a good fit of their lives. I simply divided chapter 25 -36 of Genesis into seven parts and gave them to different speakers, to work out themselves. How marveled I am at the Wonderful Work of God, as His grace and confirmation are obvious.
The last message of the “Jacob series” delivered last Sunday (February 24) was befitting for me – realizing that I am just like Jacob, who by the Grace and Mercy of God set his heart to arise and go southward and back to Hebron where his father’s household was, in order to receive the promised blessings of Father God. Years ago, C-Mo and I left Vancouver for Agape International Leadership Institute in the States, which was a journey of faith for us as I likewise received Father God’s promises and blessings there. After returning to Hong Kong, I also received my earthly father’s blessings. All speakers agree that they have gone through what Jacob once experienced. It is God who without us knowing, accepts us and chooses us to be His vessels in delivering His messages.
In “Acceptable 2019”, we are to behold God’s work. The life of Jacob reminds us of this, even when we are extremely lowly in every aspect, especially husbands and fathers. We are eager to grasp, quick to complain, prone to be passive and even evade responsibilities. Nonetheless, out of His Mercy, God changes us as He changed “Jacob” to “Israel”. He has chosen us when we were totally oblivious, and for this I am deeply thankful.
Often, C-Mo and I encourage one other with Psalm 113:7-9. Weak and lowly we are, but “He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap;” and “He settles the childless woman in her home as a happy mother of children” – how can we stop praising the Lord?
Dear brothers and sisters, God is still speaking into our lives with His words. The “Jacob series” is of great help to every one of us. Understanding the life of Jacob from a wider perspective, we may better comprehend the promises and blessings of God (please refer to the attached diagram: “Passing on the Promises to the Patriarchs”). Not only are God’s election and mercy on C-Mo and I, but also on the whole of 611 and all churches. As long as we follow El Shaddai our God in faith, set our hearts to go “Southward,” and inherit and pass on the Promises of the Patriarchs – then the blessings from above shall surely be ours. • [2019.03.03]