Day 14

Genesis 27–28 | Mark 6:1–13

“Then Isaac said to Jacob, ‘Please come near, that I may feel you, my son, to know whether you are really my son Esau or not.’” (Genesis 27:21)

Some sins feel small in the moment—just one lie, one compromise, one shortcut to get what we want. But sin never stays contained. It pulls us deeper, requiring more deception, more justifications, more damage control.

That’s what we see in Jacob’s story. He doesn’t just lie to his father—he disguises himself, wears Esau’s clothes, and even invokes God’s name in his deception. One falsehood demands another, and before long, the cost is far greater than he could have imagined. His actions fracture his family, send him into exile, and set in motion years of heartache. Sin always leaves collateral damage.

In Mark 6, Jesus sends His disciples out to preach repentance. That call is the only way to stop sin’s downward spiral. Repentance doesn’t just acknowledge wrongdoing—it turns us around, redirects us toward grace, and breaks the cycle of destruction. Where sin entangles, Jesus frees. His voice cuts through the noise, calling us back to truth and life.

I know too well how sin feeds on itself. Fear fuels more fear. Anger gives way to more anger. Attempts to cover failure or insecurity often lead to deeper messes. But Jesus offers something better—freedom. His mercy halts the spiral, His grace rewrites the story, and His truth sets us free.

Lord, thank You for the gift of repentance and the freedom You bring. Forgive me for the ways I try to manage my sin instead of confessing it. Help me hear Your voice, trust Your grace, and walk in the truth that sets me free. Amen.