More Gritty Grace

Date: Thursday, January 15, 2026

Readings: Genesis 27 | Psalm 15

Genesis 27 is a mess of reality TV proportion. It’s a family dynamic of epic deception, favoritism, and stolen legacy. Rebekah and Jacob play the system to snatch the blessing from a blind Isaac and a hairy Esau. If you’re looking for perfect biblical heroes, keep walking. But if you’re looking for a God who works through the absolute wreckage of human failure, you’ve come to the right place.

This isn’t just about a bowl of stew and some goat skins. It’s the continuing story of God’s covenant faithfulness. The irony is that God had already told Rebekah that the older would serve the younger. They didn’t need to lie; they just didn’t trust God to handle the logistics. Yet, even in their manipulation, God’s sovereign plan moves forward. This is the gritty side of grace: God doesn’t wait for us to have our act together to include us in His grand narrative. He uses the schemers because, frankly, that’s all He has to work with!

When we look at Psalm 15, we see the standard: ‘Who may dwell in your sacred tent?’ The answer is the one whose walk is blameless. Contrast that with Jacob! It creates a theological tension that only finds its resolution in Jesus. We aren’t blameless like the Psalm demands, but because the Greater Jacob (Jesus) lived perfectly and took our curse, we get the blessing we didn’t earn. Stop trying to hustle God’s favor or help God with His plan. The blessing is already secured through the One who actually is blameless.

Devotional Prompts:

• In what areas of your life are you tempted to help God out through your own manipulation or control?
• How does the messiness of Isaac’s family give you hope for your own family dynamics or personal failures?
• Psalm 15 describes a person of integrity; how does Jesus’ perfection fill the gap where your own integrity falls short?

Prayer: Lord, thank You that Your plans aren’t derailed by my dysfunction. Teach me to trust Your timing rather than my own schemes. May I rest in the blessing of Jesus today, and always. Amen.