How to be Seasoned by Grace

The Burden of A Performance-Driven Identity

In a previous article, I touched upon the profound impact of God’s grace, emphasizing how the disciplines rooted in grace facilitate our journey toward Christ-likeness. In this piece, I aim to reinforce this truth by recounting a poignant narrative that vividly illustrates the transformative potency of grace and its resulting fruit. Ultimately, I seek to culminate with a compelling call to action, urging us all to embrace this transformative power in our lives.

The initial twenty verses of Genesis 25 lay out the lineage of Abraham’s male descendants. A discerning observer may note that the women in this account are solely acknowledged for their role as child-bearers, with no further recognition. It can be argued that in that society, women were esteemed primarily for their capacity to bear offspring, particularly male heirs.

I think there is a significant reason why this aspect is highlighted in the scriptures. A woman’s worth within her family and tribe was often contingent upon her ability to bear children. Among those who could, those who bore sons held a higher status. This highlights a stratified social system, wherein individuals’ worth was determined by their position within this hierarchy.

These women lived in a socially stratified system. Within it men occupied the highest echelon, followed by their sons. Sons, in turn, were stratified based on their birth order, with the eldest son holding the highest rank among siblings. At the bottom of this hierarchy were females, with those who bore sons enjoying a relatively elevated status.

Given this cultural context, it’s conceivable that young girls in that society aspired primarily to bear male offspring. A woman’s sense of worth was intricately tied to her ability to fulfill this role. Rachel found herself nearly overwhelmed by the pressure of defining her identity solely through her performance in childbearing. This burden strained her relationships with both her sister and her husband, leading her to a state of despair so deep that she contemplated suicide (Genesis 30:1).

Similarly, Hannah grappled with years of depression, tormented by ceaseless comparisons with others. The accomplishments of her peers served as painful reminders of her perceived inadequacy. Conversely, Peninnah’s success in bearing children fueled her arrogance, fostering a sense of superiority over those who had not achieved the same (see 1 Samuel 1:2,7). This hierarchical structure of society fueled a culture of comparison, wherein individuals found themselves constantly measuring their worth against others. Failures bred jealousy and misery while outperforming others provided a fleeting sense of validation.

In light of these historical narratives, it’s intriguing to consider the scientific knowledge we now possess regarding the genetic determination of gender. The revelation that the father’s contribution determines the sex of a child underscores the fallacy of anchoring one’s identity solely on personal performance. While these stories primarily center on the experiences of women, their broader message resonates universally. Indeed, fixating on performance and achievements as the basis of one’s worth inevitably leads to disillusionment and dissatisfaction.

Moreover, our societal structures persistently categorize individuals based on various criteria such as race, class, and wealth, perpetuating a cycle of stratification. However, it’s crucial to recognize that the root cause of this division lies not in external systems, but rather in the sinful inclinations of the human heart. Thus, these stories serve as reminders of the dangers of placing undue emphasis on performance and the inherent flaws in societal categorization.

Seasoned by Grace

“The babies jostled each other within her, and she said, “Why is this happening to me?” So she went to inquire of the Lord.” - Genesis 25:22 NIV

In Rebekah’s era, advanced technologies like MRI scans, which can vividly capture fetal movements, were nonexistent. Even predicting the gender or number of babies in the womb was beyond their capabilities. While fetal movements were typical, they lacked the means to discern such details. Rebekah’s meditation illuminated three fundamental aspects of her faith:

• She held a steadfast belief in God’s omniscience¹.
• She had developed a functioning relationship with God.
• She believed God to be in complete control of her life and she trusted Him.

Rebekah didn’t succumb to a cycle of worry. Instead, she approached even the most mundane aspects of life with prayerful reliance on God. The God of Abraham and Isaac was also her God. She did not run to the man of God, Isaac, for prayer (although there is a place for the prayer of the presbytery, see James 5:14-16). She had developed a personal relationship with God.

Her meditation, prayer, and trust resulted in a remarkable revelation of God’s love and grace that I believe radically transformed her.

"The Lord said to her, “Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger.” " - Genesis 25:23 ESV

Rebekah received a revelation of the Lord’s abundant grace and His unconditional love, displayed in the person of Jesus Christ. This truth is reaffirmed in the New Testament by Paul’s reference to Genesis 25:23 and Malachi 1:2-3 (see Romans 9:10-13), where he expounds on God’s grace. Paul makes clear that grace is a gift freely given, not something earned through merit. He illustrates this through the example of the twins in Rebekah’s womb, who had yet to perform any deeds, good or bad, yet God bestowed His grace upon the younger son. Contrary to societal norms where elder sons held higher status, God’s grace is extended to the younger son; the last becomes the first.

In many professional settings, career progression often hinges on demonstrating one’s worth through performance evaluations and achievements. This prevailing mindset suggests that individuals receive what they merit based on their actions. God’s grace defies conventional thinking. Rebekah came to grasp that God’s choice of one twin over the other was not based on their performance but on His undeserved favor. God loved Jacob before any of his actions could merit His love—a display of unconditional love mirrored in Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross. It’s a love we receive freely, beyond anything we could earn.

While this grace is freely given, it comes at a great cost. Though offered to us without charge, it required everything from Christ. A grace devoid of the fruit of the Spirit is cheap² and it is no grace at all. Such “grace” imposes no obligations on the recipient, portraying Jesus as Savior but not as Lord. Yet, this wasn’t the grace announced to Rebekah. Witnessing this unconditional love profoundly transformed her. How can we be sure? The unfolding narrative of Rebekah’s story offers compelling evidence.

God loved Jacob before any of his actions could merit His love—a display of unconditional love demonstrated by Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross. It’s a love we receive freely, beyond anything we could earn.

The Fruit of the Spirit is Love

“The boys grew up, and Esau became a skillful hunter, a man of the open country, while Jacob was content to stay at home among the tents.” - Genesis 25:27

Esau matured into a skilled hunter, a prestigious occupation in their era, while Jacob was content with a domestic lifestyle. The distinction seems trivial until we consider the significance in the following verse.

“Isaac loved Esau because he ate of his game, but Rebekah loved Jacob.” - Genesis 25:28

Isaac’s love for Esau was tainted by self-interest. His love was contingent on his son’s offer, revealing a conditional affection. Such love fosters insecurity, as its recipient knows that any failure in performance could jeopardize the love they receive. This breeds a constant pressure to maintain performance. If Esau were to lose his hunting prowess, would his father’s love endure? Conditional love, like Isaac’s, is suffocating and draining to its recipient and hardens and isolates the giver.

In contrast, Rebekah’s love for Jacob was genuine and selfless. It was untainted by ulterior motives or personal interests. She loved him not for his actions or capabilities but simply for who he was. Her love was unconditional, devoid of any “because.” While Isaac’s affection operated on a transactional basis, Rebekah’s did not. This serves as an illustration of the transformative power of God’s grace within the heart. It purifies the heart from selfish inclinations, allowing God’s unconditional love to flow freely.

Years later, as Isaac aged and his vision failed, he summoned Esau to bestow upon him the blessing passed down from Abraham. Recognizing the error in Isaac’s intentions, Rebekah devised a plan. When she presented it to Jacob, he voiced his concern, pointing out the physical differences between himself and Esau. He feared his father would detect the deception, bringing a curse instead of a blessing. Rebekah, undeterred, selflessly declared, “Let the curse be on me” (see Genesis 27:1-13).

Rebekah’s understanding of God’s grace had so profoundly shaped her character that she was willing to bear a curse for the sake of her son. Her actions were driven not by self-interest but by a desire to ensure that the blessing, given to Abraham, would be bestowed upon Jacob, just as God intended. While Isaac’s approach was transactional—offering blessings in exchange for physical provisions—Rebekah’s sacrificial willingness exemplified her commitment to God’s divine plan.

This narrative underscores the peril of a self-centered existence, which inevitably leads to a misalignment with God’s will and fosters transactional relationships, both with God and people. Ultimately, Rebekah’s sacrificial love points us to Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice. He was not just willing to bear a curse upon himself, but He became accursed “that the blessing of Abraham might come” to all believers (see Galatians 3:13-14). In this sense, Rebekah had been transformed to resemble Jesus.

Grace Calls Us to Action

The gospel of God’s Grace has transformative power. Paul eloquently captures this truth in Colossians 1:3-8, where he emphasizes the profound impact of understanding God’s grace. He marvels at how the gospel when truly comprehended, bears fruit and flourishes. He presents as evidence the transformation witnessed among the Colossian believers. A firm understanding of God’s grace must continually produce fruit.

But why do some fail to experience this fruitfulness? Paul hints at the answer within these verses. Firstly, it may be due to a lack of genuine understanding of God’s grace. If true comprehension leads to fruitfulness, then a misconstrued understanding will inevitably hinder it. Additionally, Paul suggests that the comprehension of the gospel of grace can be cultivated, as demonstrated by the believers who learned it from Epaphras (Colossians 1:7). Could it be that their teachers and preachers showed them an incorrect gospel?

A firm understanding of God’s grace must continually produce fruit.

This underscores the influence of preachers, teachers, and spiritual guides on our journey of faith. It’s crucial to receive accurate and impactful teaching akin to that provided by Epaphras. Could a misinterpretation of the message of Christ be the root of your lack of fruit?

This realization prompts two vital actions. Firstly, we must fervently pray for God to raise more individuals like Epaphras in ministry (see Colossians 1:7-8; 4:12-13). In an era marked by abundant preaching but scarce fruit, the faithful proclamation of the gospel will usher in a revival, birthing communities characterized by selfless love and service. Secondly, we must pray earnestly for a clear understanding of God’s grace. Like Paul, let us seek the Spirit’s enlightenment (Colossians 1:9-10), knowing that this prayer will produce a people seasoned by the magnificent Grace of God.

1. Having complete or unlimited knowledge, awareness, or understanding; perceiving all things. ↩︎
2. Bonhoeffer, D. (2016). The cost of discipleship. Originally published in 1937. ↩︎