GENESIS 28-31: DAY 51 JOURNEY THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
February 17, 2020
GENESIS 28-31
DAY 51 JOURNEY THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
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Focus Verses For Today: Genesis 28:15
Today, we continue our journey through the book of Genesis. We pick up where we left off last week with the story of Jacob and Esau. Today’s reading shows what can happen in a family where God is not placed at the center, when promises are not upheld, and where deceit is practiced.
Take some time to pray. Ask God to give you His understanding of our journey through Genesis 28-31. While you are praying, share whatever is on your mind: God’s interested. Very interested. Have a friend that needs prayer? Share that need with God right now – He is listening. Read Genesis 28-31. Ready? Let’s get on our journey!
Genesis 28-31: Our journey today begins with Issac giving Jacob his blessing before Jacob leaves. Jacob was leaving to seek a proper, Jewish wife, from Laban, Rebekah’s brother. Esau realized that his parents did not approve of his Canaanite wives, so he marries one of Ishmael’s daughters. On his way to Laban, Jacob dreams of a ladder ascending to heaven. Angels were ascending and descending the ladder. God announces Himself to Jacob and confirms His covenant with Issac passes to Jacob, provided Jacob follows the Lord’s ways. Upon Jacob arriving at Paddan Aram and meeting with Laban, Jacob promises to work for Laban for seven years to marry Laban’s daughter, Rachel. Laban deceives Jacob, giving Leah as his bride. Jacob works another seven years to acquire Rachel as his wife. Family discontent shows itself through the two sisters, and through Jacob and Laban. Jacob sees the wealth that Laban has accumulated through Jacob’s efforts without just compensation. Jacob brokers a deal with Laban regarding the sheep which results in Jacob becoming wealthier than Laban, again resulting in family discontent. Jacob is instructed by the Lord to return home, however, Jacob worries about his reception by his brother. Jacob followed the Lord, packing his belongings and leaving Laban in the middle of the night. Family discontent remains as Rachel steals her father’s household goals, in an attempt to secure the family inheritance. The person who possessed them was the person entitled to the family inheritance. Laban discovers his household idols are missing and pursues Jacob. God warns Laban not to harm Jacob. Laban catches Jacob. Sadly, this encounter ends with no real love shown for his family. The loss of his daughters or his grandchildren: it appears Laban’s true intention was to recover his flocks, claiming them to be his. A pack is made to never cross onto each other’s territory again. Laban returns home. (Genesis 28:1-31:55)
Today’s focus verse:
I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.”
(Genesis 28:15, NIV)
It is reassuring to know that God is with us and is watching over us wherever we go. God’s promise to Jacob is still an active promise for us today. Serving God in daily life is our mission and ministry today. One part of Jacob’s mission was to go to Laban, marry, and prepare to return to the land of his father, Issac. Jacob prepared himself, in a very dysfunctional family environment, while waiting on God’s direction to return. This is an incredible story. Do you approach every day of your life seeing it as a mission for God? Is your daily life a mission for and from God? Remember God has no blank spots in His calendar of your life, every minute is accounted for. If you haven’t, this moment is a good moment to start. Have you ever asked God for your purpose in serving Him? Now is a good time. He will show you.
Godspeace!
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