not a crumb

A crumb is just a very small piece broken from a baked item, such as a cookie, cake, or bread. The crumbs in that plate are all that is left from some chocolate chip cookies,  But I would rather have them in the plate than a trail across the carpet.  Though a little crumb is not very nourishing or satisfying, still crumbs can make a big mess.  LOL.

 

I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies…. -Genesis 32:10

Unlike those who think they are OK, Jacob knew he had blown it and that he had really messed up his life by sinning (Gen. 32:10).  He thought himself unworthy of God's grace.  He’d lied to his father,  He had tricked his brother Esau out of his birthright and then had stolen his blessing as well & his brother hated him for it.  Now, years later, Jacob was going to face Esau again.  And Jacob was scared.

"I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies," Jacob cried out in despair to GOD.  He used a Hebrew word for "least" that suggests the tiniest object.  Jacob was saying I don’t deserve a crumb of mercy… but then went on to cry out…"Deliver me!" (32:10,11).

How odd to see those phrases side by side:  I am unworthy of Your mercies . . then. . Deliver me!  Yet Jacob could pray for mercy because his hope lay not in his own worth, but in GOD.   HE trusted in the way GOD is to determine how GOD would act toward him.

Jacob, though a sinner, knew HIS GOD and understood HE always treated people according to HIS own nature. Jacob knew his GOD was LORD of over all and in control and the only ONE who could help protect him from his brother; he knew GOD was merciful and forgiving and was willing to give him another chance; he knew GOD was kind and faithful so he trusted GOD to act according to HIS own nature and in faithfulness deal with him with forgiveness and mercy. Jacob knew he didn’t deserve a crumb of mercy but also knew the GOD of all mercy would give it freely, if only Jacob asked.

GOD still tells us to run to the throne of grace to obtain mercy (undeserved favor) and grace to help in times of need.  Hebrews 4:16

Those who know their only hope is in the faithful goodness of GOD, those who know the shame that they are undeserving sinners  can come to HIM through JESUS CHRIST.  For GOD listens to those who cry out:  "GOD, be merciful to me a sinner!"  GOD answers them.  (Luke 18:13).  

No one is worthy of GOD’s mercy and grace- no one --- for all have sinned and come short of the glory of GOD.  Romans 3:23

Yet, GOD made a way for us…For GOD so loved the world that HE gave HIS only begotten SON that whosoever believes in JESUS shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16    

GOD invites us to come to HIM through JESUS.  Isaiah 1:18 “Come now , let us reason together,” says the LORD. “ Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow…”   Call unto HIM and HE will answer you and deliver you!

Hugs

Sharon