Genesis 32

Jacob's fearful reunion Esau

Jacob had to take courage that on his journey away from Laban, he met up with angels sent by God. I'm sure many of us wouldn't mind encountering something similar, but we have to remember, we have the Holy Ghost and the wonderful Gospel message which is something Jacob could only pray and hope for. 

When Jacob left his home, Esau had vowed to take his life. Now after all these years later, Jacob has more than just himself to worry about. Jacob has the safety and security of all the children God has blessed him with . He decides to make a peace offering and send it ahead to Esau to appease him and that he might know his intentions. 

In one of those moments where the good news is overshadowed by the bad news, the servants return and Esau has heard them. Esau is also coming with 400 men, and that is rightfully upsetting to Jacob. Jacob then does what we should all do in times of need and uncertainty; he cries out to God. First though, he prepares to separate his party into groups so that in a worst case scenario, he might save some. Then, Jacob cries out to God and reminds God of his covenant with his offspring. Does God need reminded? Of course God does not need reminded, but I believe God does want to hear from us and know that we remember His promises. 

So as Jacob cries out to God for deliverance (don't we all need deliverance from death, hell and the grave) he wrestles with a man or angel or Christ himself, the Bible does not say specifically. We can learn from Jacob here, that when something needs and answer, when nothing but God's deliverance will do, we should stay in prayer until we have an answer. 

For our edification, thank God that Jacob kept trying till God blessed him. Oh to go through live with the assurance of God's deliverance!

Genesis 31

Jacob goes through another trial while leaving Laban

Laban's sons were talking and they were saying things that were not true and hurtful. Jealousy is part of human nature and many times jealousy will make accusations that are the exact opposite of the truth. Laban was increased by God blessing Jacob. Laban was far better off now because of the blessing that God allowed Jacob to enjoy. God is going to show everyone that God is in charge and tells Jacob to return to his homeland. 

Jacob goes out to his wives and explains to them that If Laban is missing anything, it is because of the hand of God and not because Jacob has dealt suspiciously with Laban. It was God's hand that allowed Jacob's part to increase over Laban's. Laban has in fact tried to do Jacob much harm, but God protected Jacob.

Rachael and Leah side with Jacob and see what God has done, so they all set out. Unfortunately, Rachael took the idols that belonged to Laban so he knew something was wrong. Jacob had a three day lead, but Laban was able to overcome that lead in seven days. Laban may have done something rash or evil to Jacob but God appeared to Laban in a dream. Many times in our lives bad things might happen, but if we obey God and seek his face he can turn an awful situation into a good one. God told Laban not only to do Jacob no harm, but to not even speak evil to him. Unfortunately, Laban can't help but show theatrics and lie to and about Jacob. Fortunately, God is in charge and not Laban. 

After Laban finishes lying and venting, because of the words of God, they decide to make a vow and covenant between themselves. Jacob then offers a sacrifice to the Lord for delivering Jacob yet again. How many times does God deliver us and we are not even aware of his goodness?

Genesis 30

More children and some troubles for Jacob

God does wonders in spite of our sins, and not because of them. From the beginning God did not intend for man to have more than one living wife and he did not intend for us to have offspring through hand maids. We see here the trouble caused by people not being patient and obeying the will of God. Did God bless Jacob even though he sinned and made mistakes? Yes, but God blessed him for his righteousness, not for his sins. To say otherwise would make the commandments and laws of God to no effect. 

Rachael is heart broken that her sister is having sons and he is having none. He cries to Jacob in her frustration and he rebukes her. Finally, out of desperation and not divine making, she gives her hand maid to Jacob to bear children. This didn't turn out the best for Abraham, and it won't be the best situation her either. Leah becomes jealous because even though she has given birth to sons, she seems to no longer be able to be pregnant. She she gives her handmaiden to Jacob so that she can 'provide' him with more children. 

Evidently Jacob no longer 'visited' Leah, so when Rachael desires mandrakes from one of Leah's sons, she works out of deal for Jacob to 'visit' her. God smiles on the her and she has another son. Imagine the hard feelings that go around in this family. After Rachael later has Joseph, Jacob decides it is time to leave and tells Laban as much. 

Jacob had used a method to differentiate the cattle and sheep by making some spotted and the others natural color. Laban agrees that the livestock will be separated according this this method. Jacob takes what is his and goes out three days journey. Trouble and Laban are going to follow him, but the Lord is on Jacob's side.