Aug. 12, 2020

GENESIS

“JACOB AND LABAN-DISCIPLINES AND CHOICES”

GENESIS 29:1-31:55

The decisions and choices that Jacob made, we have to make today as well. We make choice everyday on our road of life and these choices help to determine character and destiny.

1.   Marriage: Genesis 29:1-30

*The Meeting: vs.1-13

In this we see the providence of God, and how He directs our steps as we are willing to walk by faith. In the life of the trusting Christian, there are no accidents, only appointments.

*The Agreement Between Jacob and Laban- vs.14-20

*The Deception by Laban- vs.21-30

God’s Word is true that we eventually reap what we sow.

Galatians 6:7-8 “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.”

This disappointment was just the beginning of the harvest for Jacob.

2.   Parenting-Jacob’s Family- Genesis 29:31-30:24

God would honor him by making him the father of the twelve tribes of Israel, but the fact that four different women were involved in building his family would create for Jacob one problem after another. 

*Leah’s Children- 29:31-35, 30:17-21

Reuben- which means “see-a son,”

Simeon- which means “one who hears,”

Levi- which means “attached,” 

Judah- which means “praise,”

Issachar- which means “reward, wages.”

Zebulon- which means “honor.”

*Bilhah’s Children- 30:1-8

Dan- which means “vindication, judgment”

Naphtali- which means “my struggle”

*Zilpah’s Children- 30:9-13

Gad- which means “luck has come.”

Asher- which means “blessed, happy.”

*Rachel’s Children- 30:22-24

Joseph- which means “take away, and to add,”

Benjamin- which means “son of my right hand.” Gen. 35:16-20

3.   Vocation: Genesis 30:25-43

The time had come for Jacob to move his large family to his own homeland and be on his own.

During the next six years, Jacob became a very wealthy man because of his faith and the blessings of the Lord. Now he was ready to strike out on his own, return to his own land and people, and fulfill whatever purposes God had planned for him.

4.   Freedom- Going Home: Genesis 31:1-55

Jacob had been away from home for twenty years, and it was time he returned to his roots. His father Isaac and his brother Esau were still alive, and Jacob had some “unfinished business” to settle with both of them.

*The Escape- vs.1-21

The most important way God leads us is through His Word. God said to him, “Return to the land of your fathers and to your family, and I will be with you” vs.3. 

Jacob talked with Rachel and Leah to get their input on this move- vs.4-15.

*Confrontation- vs.22-42

Laban was helpless to harm Jacob because the Lord had warned him to be careful (vs.24,29). God had promised to protect Jacob and He kept His promise.

But the most important thing in Jacob’s speech was the way he gave honor to the Lord vs.42.

*Truce- vs.43-55

The pile of stones was to stand as a witness to the agreement they had made, but it was also a watchtower or boundary marker that neither Jacob or Laban was allowed to cross.

Life isn’t easy, but if we submit to God’s disciplines and let Him guide us in our decisions, we can endure the difficulties triumphantly and develop the kind of character that glorifies God.

1 Peter 5:10 “But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.”