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. 

Genesis 29

Jacob marries Rachael, eventually.

Jacob comes to a well after his long journey and with the help of God's guiding hand we comes to meet the servants of his mother's people. They are eager to see him and there are great tidings all around, especially after he meets Rachael. Did Jacob assume too much from the start? Considering that Leah, Rachael's sister would bare the for eldest sons of the Tribe of Israel, obviously the Lord had plans that he wasn't yet aware of. 

After Jacob meets Laban there is celebration and terms. Jacob says that he'll work seven years for the hand of Rachael. Laban agrees, but has other plans that he won't reveal to Jacob. Do I think God was in on this deceitful plan? God knows all things, but even through men's sins and mistakes, God can show his strength, which he does here. 

After seven years fly by because of Jacob's deep love for Rachael, the day of marriage comes and Laban slips in Leah instead of Rachael. Laban wants his eldest daughter married first and this was a custom that ran through different cultures all the way up past the middle ages. Jacob is upset, but agrees to work seven more years because he wants to marry Rachael. 

The Bible says that Leah was hated. This is an awful instance because Leah probably had no choice in the matter with her father Laban or Jacob. A lot like we treat so called unwanted pregnancies, we choose to hate one of God's creation through no fault of their own. Seeing this, God blessed Leah to have many male heirs while Rachael was barren. In our Christian lives, lets make sure we are holding to God's plans and not our own. 

Genesis 28

Isaac blesses Jacob and sends him away for a wife

Isaac gives Jacob a proper blessing before he dies. He tells Jacob that he does not want him to take a wife from the people nearby but to go and get a wife from the children of his uncle, Rebekah's brother. This is still part of the same people that were a part of Abraham's family. As we know from the book of Judges, mingling with those that have other God's has a heavy price to pay. 

Upon hearing the news that his brother Jacob has been sent away for a wife, Esau decides to make his lot with the descendants of Ishmael.He takes a wife from those people and seems to delight in the doing what is contrary to his parents will and sound advice. Sin will make people do seemingly senseless things. 

As Jacob heads off on his journey, let us not forget that he has to leave anyway because his brother Esau vows to kill him after their father's death.He knows he may never see his parents or brother again. He is lonely, but just as we are without hope, that is when God shows up. Jacob dreams of a ladder ascending up to Heaven and God reaffirms his covenant with him and his forefather Abraham. We have the same promise that if we serve God faithfully, he will never leave us nor forsake us and will give us eternal rest. 

After Jacob wakes up, we takes his stone pillow and makes an alter to God for his covenant. The place is name Bethel, meaning God is in this place, or house of God. From this we have the phrase that Jacob will use later in Genesis saying 'let us go back to Bethel'. We use it now to mean let us return to where we got our first blessing and promise of God. 

Genesis 24

Abraham finds a wife for Isaac

As a matter of personal opinion, I believe that the person we marry (if you are going to marry) is the second most important decision we will ever make behind Salvation. There was a reason God ordered the Hebrews not to intermarry with other countries. It wasn't about racism, but was that they were to love and marry those that thought of, and served God the way the Israelites were commanded to. To be unequally yoked is a real and confining issue. 

Abraham wanted someone for his son that believed the same way they did. He knew it would help him in his service to God. I know this may shock some people, but we are here to serve God, not please a spouse. I believe two people that love one another will have a beautiful marriage if they put God first. Most probably the marriage will last ONLY if they put God before each other. 

Abraham orders his servant to go find a wife from his brothers family. The servant knows this is an important task and not and easy one. He asks Abraham how he will be sure of his journey and Abraham informs him that God has already prepared the way. Make sure that if God sends you on a mission for his purpose, he has already prepared the way. 

The servant goes off to find the bride and is met with success just as God had assured Abraham it would be. He finds Rebekah and she is an honest and eager helper of the servant. The servant assures and convinces Laban, Rebekah's brother, that this is truly from God and meant to be. 

The servant brings Rebekah back to Abraham and Isaac and she becomes Isaac's wife and the mother of Jacob and Esau.