Old Testament Genesis 31:17-32:12
New Testament Matthew 10:26-11:6
Psalm 13:1-6
Proverbs 3:16-18
It’s Time to Leave
The story of Jacob’s life is filled with deceit, revenge, and oscillating hostility. In fact his name matches much of his life. The name Jacob actually means deceiver or supplanter. It begins with his birth where his hand has hold of his twin brother Esau’s foot. Then he swindles Esau’s out of his birthright and blessing. Esau’s anger causes Jacob to flee to his uncle Laban’s city and possibly find a wife. Jacob does find a wife, but he has been deceived in the process by his uncle. The principle of “reaping and sowing” is true in both positive and negative ways. Jacob spends fourteen years earning the hand of Leah and Rachel in marriage. Leah and Rachel are now Jacob’s wives and there are 11 children between them and two female servants.
Jacob then serves Laban for six years as his primary herdsman and has accumulated for himself a healthy flock. Beginning in chapter 31 Jacob recognizes that Laban’s attitude toward Jacob has changed. Laban’s sons are now envious about the wealth Jacob has. This is when the Lord speaks to Jacob and tells him, it’s time to leave. Jacob takes time to counsel with his wives about what he believes he must do. So much for “I am the man of the house and you going to do what I say.” Leah and Rachel are treated with respect and dignity and they are in full support.
He has God’s direction. He has his family’s support. Jacob then gather’s all his family and belongings and heads out.
Laban has cheated Jacob numerous times and Laban’s attitude was becoming increasingly oppressive.
Genesis 31:31 31
Jacob answered and said to Laban, “Because I was afraid, for I thought that you would take your daughters from me by force.
When we are met with difficult times of oppression and victimization we must seek and trust God. Take time to seek godly counsel from others. Continue to depend on the Lord’s guidance and at the right time God will lead you in the right way. God protects and provides for his children who are truly victims.