Daily Devotional
Does God Hate Anyone?
As it is written, “Jacob I have loved, but Esau I have hated.”
Romans 9:13
October 28, 2021
Ponder This
In Luke 14:26, Jesus was talking about those who would follow Him, and He said this, “‘If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple.’” Do you think that Jesus was teaching us to despise our fathers and mothers, our brothers and sisters? Do you think that Jesus was telling us to despise our little children in order to be His disciples? No! Listen. I love my wife more than I could ever love her naturally because I love Jesus. I love my wife with a love I could not love her with if I did not love Jesus. The word hate, as it is used in the Bible, simply means preference. God had a preference—a sovereign choice—for this man Jacob, and He did not have a preference for Esau.
- How does today’s devotion help you understand this difficult-to-understand verse?
- How does the image of a husband’s love for his wife compared with his love for others help you understand God’s preference toward His people?
Practice This
Take time today to reflect on the truth that God has a sovereign preference and affection for you, greater than even a husband or wife has for a spouse.
FOR YOUR GIFT TO THE MINISTRY
Front Porch Moments by Gayle Foster
WITH KEY INSIGHTS FROM HER FATHER, ADRIAN ROGERS
I try to unplug each morning with Jesus with just my rocking chair, my Bible, and a pen.
Having a secret place is very important because I know that Jesus is always there waiting for me. I know where I can find Him! His presence is everywhere, but there are places where it is so thick you can cut it with a knife. You may not even have a front porch, but there is a secret place for you as well. God’s invitations are for anyone who will respond. There is no more important request than the one found in Psalm 27:8: “My heart has heard You say, ‘Come and talk with Me.’ And my heart responds, ‘Lord, I am coming.’”
