This devotion pairs with this weekend’s Lutheran Hour sermon, which can be found at www.lhm.org.
The name Jacob means “heel-grabber,” trickster, deceiver, usurper. Wouldn’t it be great if all of our siblings’ names were so transparent? “This is my brother, ‘Stinky.’ And my other brother, ‘Lego Thief.’ And my sister, ‘She-Who-Camps-Out-in-the-Bathroom.'” You could just introduce them and everybody would know what to expect.
That’s what Esau got in Jacob. And the net result was a fracture in the family of God that would not be repaired until Esau got a better Brother in Jesus. “Jesus” means “Savior.” You can just say His Name and know what to expect.
Isaac warned his son Esau: a brother like Jacob will make you restless. You won’t be able to tolerate his lordship. With him in charge, nothing will go quite right. And one day you’ll break off his yoke from your neck. But Jesus is better, a Brother you can truly look up to. He says, “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart” (Matthew 11:28-29a).
Jesus, crucified and risen, ruling and returning, sends us back into the thick of it, to deal with substandard siblings, to love them for Christ’s sake. Are they still a piece of work? Is he still trying to trip you up? Does she still hog the bathroom? Probably. But look up and see the Brother who died to save them. Look past their faults. Take up His yoke. Learn from Him. Find rest for your soul.
WE PRAY: Dear Jesus, You came to be my Lord and my Brother. Thank You for a yoke that is easy and a burden that is light. Amen.
This Daily Devotion was written by Rev. Dr. Michael Zeigler, Speaker of The Lutheran Hour.
Reflection Questions:
1. What comes to mind when you think of “sibling rivalry”? Any personal stories?
2. There’s lots of ways to say the Gospel, including, “Jesus came to be your Brother.” How might that sound like “bad news” to someone?
3. Why is it meant to be good news? Does it strike you as such?