Topic: Subduing the “EGO”
Bible Reading: Genesis 32
Memory Verse: Genesis 32:4
He instructed them: “This is what you are to say to my lord Esau: “Your servant Jacob says, I have been staying with Laban and have remained there till now.
Good morning ladies and gentlemen! How are you all doing? It is another wonderful week; are you ready to experience a new journey? Well, I am! I hope you are too! The message we are going to be feed with, is very interesting. I pray that you enjoy it and that everyone would pick up a few things from the message.
From the verse under review, we see that Jacob sent his servant to deliver a message to his brother, Esau, about his arrival back to their home town. In the message, we see that Jacob refers to himself as; “Your servant Jacob…” This is very interesting! Don’t you think so? With the wealth Jacob had amassed (and the fact that He was technically the first born); do you think it is right for him to respectfully subdue himself to his brother?
We would be looking at two possible reasons for Jacob’s choice of words in his message to his brother, Esau. Amongst these two, the first reason is important for everyone who is in a situation similar to that of Jacob. The second is situational. It is dependent on the issues at hand. This is specific to every person.
Jacob wanted to subdue his ego because it was the right thing to do. If not done, the rifts between the two brothers would have worsen. This is because each party would feel like they did nothing wrong. Human beings generally have very large egos. The ability to subdue your ego and be the bigger person takes a lot of strength and sacrifice. Now, let’s take a closer look at these two reasons.
Well, Jacob had to take this step (of subduing himself to his brother) because first of all, he realized that how events had panned out many years back was not the best. Jacob understands that he should not have stolen his brother’s blessing. The first step for a person to show humility and respect to another person (in such a case) is; the recognition of short-comings. When someone is at fault or recognizes how s/he hurt another, that person is moved to respect the other party to win his/her approval and acceptance.
Do you think Esau would have come out to meet Jacob, if Jacob had not acknowledged himself as his (Esau’s) servant? That is a very interesting question. I believe that it played a role in Esau’s acceptance of his brother. (Though we can say that God soften his heart).
Just like Jacob, to be able to show respect and subdue (your ego) to someone, you would have to recognize your faults. That would be the most compelling reason that would drive your heart and your mind to act differently. If you do not recognize this, you would not do anything about the situation. Instead, you will grow more ignorant and cause more trouble with the other party.
The second reason was that, though Jacob had the taken the “right of the first born” from Esau; Esau is still his older brother. He had to treat like one. As you a younger brother/ sibling, it is right to subdue and submit to your older siblings. Why? Well, they have more experience that you and they are older than you. Would you treat your parents or aunts or even older cousins without respect? No! why? Well, by virtue of their age.
This second reason is different and specific to the happenings of the situation you find yourself in. This second reason is somewhat of a support to the first reason (which has been explored above). This reason helps to reduce your ego to the bare minimum. This must happen before you gather your strength to take the first steps.
For everyone going through the same situation as Jacob or similar, God has equipped us with the knowledge of going through it. Many unbelievers do not have this information as you do now. Learning how to subdue your ego is very important in a Christians’ life. It will help in every aspect of your life; even your relationship with God. Hallelujah!
The art of not subduing you ego can cause a lot more damage than good. Look at Jacob's case, if this was not done, how would things have turned out? Some doors would be shut to him. He might miss some blessings that his brother would have given him. Amongst many others! Do not be such a situation! God has given us the tools to subdue our egos. If you can not do this on your own, ask for help from The Holy Spirit. He is always there to meet us at our point of need! Hallelujah! God bless! Do not be at the losing end, but at the winning end.
The prayer below is for anyone who has lived their life with a large ego. For people who have lost relationships and opportunities because of their large egos. God is waiting to restore you and help you. Just make the decision to join His family and say this short prayer.
Dear Lord,
I come to you today as a sinner. I admit that I am a sinner. I believe that Jesus is your Son and He came on to this earth to die for my sins. Dear Lord, let your Son come and fill me. Lord, I ask that He cleanses me off my sins. I am ready to stand for you and profess your Name. Thank you, Lord. Amen.
If you repeated this prayer with all the sincerity of your heart, congratulations!! You are now a part of God’s family. Welcome to the greatest family ever. Heaven is jubilating on your arrival. Your fellow brothers and sisters are also excited to have you on board. You can now be exempted from the wrath of the enemy and of God. Not only do you experience this, but your whole family as well. Wow! Isn’t the God you serve so cool? He is. Not only do you enjoy this, but you enjoy other blessings God has in store for His children.
Being a child of God is a wonderful thing. The road might not always be easy, but God is with you each and every step of the way. Guiding you, helping you and encouraging up. You will never regret this decision; I can assure you of that. Two things I would recommend for you to do are;
Get yourself a Bible (in a version you understand) and meditate on it day and night. In Joshua 1:8, we are told that when you meditate on the Word day and night, you will be prosperous and successful.
Find a Bible- believing church to attend and fellowship with other Christians. This would help you grow spiritually.
I am excited that you made this decision. Welcome! If you would like some help or more understanding into anything, you can leave a message (adding your email address) and I would be willing and happy to help you out. Hallelujah!
Have a wonderful day and let God inspire you!
This is the end of the hundred and ninth Part of the Genesis Story. How did you find it? Please give us feedback on how this message (and previous messages) have spoken to you. Don’t forget to subscribe to get notifications once we post.
Always remember to show love to everyone, as this is one of the most important commandments God left for us – “Love your neighbor as yourself.” In every situation, before you take a decision, remember WWJD (What Would Jesus Do). Shalom.
Please spend some time praying for Sammie’s Daily Dose to continue to be the platform for the sharing of The Gospel. Amen.