Friday, November 18, 2005
Genesis 31
“Jacob Flees from Laban”
Vs. 1-13
It seems that there was much jealousy surrounding the life of Jacob, as is often the case when God blesses people. It is even more frequently the case when dishonest people are blessed, people wonder why them.
Jacob is a follower of God, but is obviously living a compromised life, and people must wonder why God is blessing him. The answer is that God has a plan for his life, despite himself! So, Laban and family want to see him gone. So, Jacob sends for his wives.
Vs. 14-18
We see a shift in Jacob, Rachel, and Leah. They begin to start following God more seriously in this chapter. They begin to realize that God is there only way in life.
Like many of us, it is through trials and hard times that they turn to God. I know that in times that are tough, I press in to God. If only we could learn to do this without the trials!
Vs. 19-21
Well, they were starting to listen to God, and then they do this. Just as many often do, they revert back to the sinful lifestyle of their youth.
Vs. 22-30
God protects Jacob from Laban even when Jacob and his family are in sin. God is good to us always, not just when we deserve it. If this were not true, none of us would be capable of ever being blessed by God. So, God tells Laban not to hurt Jacob.
Vs. 31-32
Laban asked Jacob why he did things the way he did them. He answers with the truth that he is afraid.
Fear is a direct result of not trusting God. Had Jacob trusted God, he would have done things differently, and not the way he did them
Vs. 33-36
Laban searches Jacob’s tents and does not find the idols. He doesn’t make Rachel get up, and therefore doesn’t find the idols that are under her.
Vs. 36-42
Jacob berates Laban. It is funny that Jacob doesn’t often see his guilt in things, until God confronts him with it. Jacob is ready to point out the others guilt quickly though!
Vs. 43-55
Pillars are set up as a covenant and a witness. This is to ensure that the two men do not go back on their deals.
Summary:
The two men, Jacob and Laban, are both guilty of robbing each other, and conning each other at length. Neither is innocent, and neither is without blame. There is only one difference: God’s hand is on Jacob. Amazingly God continues time and again to bless Jacob, even though Jacob is undeserving.
God blesses when He chooses to, for His glory alone. It is up to us to begin to be people who see the blessings, and start living lives worthy of them.
So why change?
Some might think that if Jacob is still living life “his way” and not honoring God, yet God blesses him, why can’t I live life my way and expect God to bless me. Jacob’s pain is in his constant running. God has promised to give him the land he is on, yet He hasn’t because Jacob still has lessons to learn, and character to forge.
We will not get God’s blessings and promises, or at least all that we could get, until we have become who God requires us to be. God is still protecting Jacob, but the real blessing are still waiting for Jacob to become “Israel”, one who is governed by God. That comes with obedience.
Vs. 1-13
It seems that there was much jealousy surrounding the life of Jacob, as is often the case when God blesses people. It is even more frequently the case when dishonest people are blessed, people wonder why them.
Jacob is a follower of God, but is obviously living a compromised life, and people must wonder why God is blessing him. The answer is that God has a plan for his life, despite himself! So, Laban and family want to see him gone. So, Jacob sends for his wives.
Vs. 14-18
We see a shift in Jacob, Rachel, and Leah. They begin to start following God more seriously in this chapter. They begin to realize that God is there only way in life.
Like many of us, it is through trials and hard times that they turn to God. I know that in times that are tough, I press in to God. If only we could learn to do this without the trials!
Vs. 19-21
Well, they were starting to listen to God, and then they do this. Just as many often do, they revert back to the sinful lifestyle of their youth.
Vs. 22-30
God protects Jacob from Laban even when Jacob and his family are in sin. God is good to us always, not just when we deserve it. If this were not true, none of us would be capable of ever being blessed by God. So, God tells Laban not to hurt Jacob.
Vs. 31-32
Laban asked Jacob why he did things the way he did them. He answers with the truth that he is afraid.
Fear is a direct result of not trusting God. Had Jacob trusted God, he would have done things differently, and not the way he did them
Vs. 33-36
Laban searches Jacob’s tents and does not find the idols. He doesn’t make Rachel get up, and therefore doesn’t find the idols that are under her.
Vs. 36-42
Jacob berates Laban. It is funny that Jacob doesn’t often see his guilt in things, until God confronts him with it. Jacob is ready to point out the others guilt quickly though!
Vs. 43-55
Pillars are set up as a covenant and a witness. This is to ensure that the two men do not go back on their deals.
Summary:
The two men, Jacob and Laban, are both guilty of robbing each other, and conning each other at length. Neither is innocent, and neither is without blame. There is only one difference: God’s hand is on Jacob. Amazingly God continues time and again to bless Jacob, even though Jacob is undeserving.
God blesses when He chooses to, for His glory alone. It is up to us to begin to be people who see the blessings, and start living lives worthy of them.
So why change?
Some might think that if Jacob is still living life “his way” and not honoring God, yet God blesses him, why can’t I live life my way and expect God to bless me. Jacob’s pain is in his constant running. God has promised to give him the land he is on, yet He hasn’t because Jacob still has lessons to learn, and character to forge.
We will not get God’s blessings and promises, or at least all that we could get, until we have become who God requires us to be. God is still protecting Jacob, but the real blessing are still waiting for Jacob to become “Israel”, one who is governed by God. That comes with obedience.
