What Matters Most

In every season and at every level, and in fact, every day, how good are we at choosing the best rather than just what is good?

With his eye clearly on the prize, Jacob cheated his brother Esau out of his birthright and ultimately gained the blessing which was inextricably linked to it. He now sought to escape from his brother’s anger, and on his parents’ advice he set out for Paddan Aram to be with his mother’s relatives (Genesis 28:2). Jacob recognised and valued the things of God. He wanted God’s best and nothing less would do, and as he pursued it, it opened the door to the most extraordinary privilege and divine favour not only for himself, but also succeeding generations. Esau, on the other hand, despised his birthright and his cavalier attitude cost him everything – and most importantly, God’s favour!

As Jacob set out on his journey, little did he realise what amazingly abundant blessings lay ahead of him. Choosing a stone for a pillow, Jacob slept and dreamt of a ladder between heaven and earth with angels ascending and descending. The Lord Himself drew near to Jacob and confirmed His Covenant promise concerning his descendants and the land (Genesis 28:13-15).

Centuries later, it was Jesus Himself who revealed, through His conversation with Nathaniel (John 1:50-51) that He Himself was that ladder, the link between heaven and earth. Indeed heaven and earth meet in Jesus Christ. For Jacob, God had visited him during the night, bringing the revelation of the Son of God and an open heaven, while strengthening and inspiring him, as he was privy to God’s wonderful plans for his descendants, and ultimately mankind.

The question is are we astute enough to recognise divine things and their value, and to choose them, no matter the cost, or are we spiritually short-sighted, thus compromising the eternal for the temporal?

Often in the melee and detail of living, particularly with the pressures of the 21st Century and when the going gets tough, the temptation is to be lured into settling for what we would prefer, rather than choosing what God has revealed to be His best for us. However, the long term benefits of that which God has in store for us far outweigh any temporal comforts and considerations. Indeed, ‘Eye hath not seen, neither ear heard the things that God has prepared for them that love Him’ (1 Corinthians 2:9).

God’s divine favour is positioned unreservedly for all who choose Him above all else.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Please forgive us for pleasing ourselves instead of pleasing You. Help us to value and choose Your will for our lives, for in choosing Your will, we choose You. Thy will be done. In Jesus’ name. Amen.