LESS THAN THE LEAST - All Our Daily Bread Daily Devotionals for 2026

Our Daily Bread - Friday, November 5, 2016
by RBC Ministries

Details

LESS THAN THE LEAST

READ:

I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth, which thou hast showed unto thy servant; for with my staff I passed over this Jordan; and now I am become two bands.
-Genesis 32:10

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Jeremiah 34-36
Hebrews 2

Unlike those who think highly of themselves, Jacob knew that he had been ruined by sin (Genesis 32:10). He thought himself a man unworthy of God's grace. He had cheated his brother Esau out of his birthright (ch.27), and his brother hated him for it. Now, years later, Jacob was going to face Esau again.
"I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies," Jacob prayed, using a word for "least" that suggests the tiniest object. "Deliver me, I pray" (32:10-11).
How odd to see those phrases side by side: I am unworthy of Your merciesDeliver me! Yet Jacob could pray for mercy because his hope lay not in his own worth, but in God's promise to look with favour on those who throw themselves at His feet. Humility and contrition are the keys that open the heart of God. Someone has said that the best disposition for praying is being stripped of everything. It is crying out of the depths. It comes from the soul that knows its deep depravity.
Such prayers are offered by those who are thoroughly convicted of their sin and shame, but, at the same time, are convinced of God's grace that goes out to undeserving sinners. God hears those who cry out: "God, be merciful to me a sinner!" (Luke 18:13). - David Roper
Lord, I am like Jacob, in need of Your mercy.
I have failed You, and I bow at Your feet today. Thank You for being a merciful God, ready and able to forgive and restore me.

It is fitting for a great God to forgive great sinners.

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