January 30

Genesis 31 Here is that phrase again, “I will be with you.” It is associated with one simple condition, “Return to the land of your fathers and to your family.” Jacob is certain that if he tries to depart openly then Laban will strip him of all that he has. So he takes an opportune time while Laban is away elsewhere shearing sheep, and he leaves with all of his possessions. Laban is infuriated when he finds out. He catches up with Jacob, but God is with Jacob and appears to Laban at night in a dream warning him not to do anything to Jacob. God is indeed with Jacob. However, Laban is concerned about one thing that seems to him to have no bearing on God’s warning. He wants his household idols back. Apparently Rachel had stolen them without Jacob’s knowledge. Why would she do such a thing? They had plenty of wealth in terms of flocks and herds. She apparently is divided in her heart toward the true God, or perhaps she wishes to reveal to others, who worshipped the idols, the impotence of gods to protect themselves against those who would steal their own images away. Or perhaps she had some emotional attachment to them. Whatever the case, what mercy our Lord has upon Jacob and his family as he flees his father-in-law. God is indeed with him as He has been since he first left Isaac and met Him at Bethel. Jacob has continued to be conniving. His wives have likewise been wrestling for dominance. This is just one large dysfunctional family. Yet God is with Him. Wow! What mercy He shows us even today! Indeed we serve a glorious King. Speak His glory to someone today! --Pastor john