When people share stories from their lives, we remember them. I’m sure you remember some of the stories I have shared over the years. When we see ourselves in those stories, we relate to what is being shared; the stories take on greater meaning.
The story of Jacob’s life in Genesis is memorable! And it has meaning for us, too.
Jacob’s life is messy. The relationships in his life are difficult and we can relate to that. All of us have stories of troubled relationships with other people and we know how hard and painful they can be.
Jacob’s brothers-in-law, the sons of Laban, were jealous of him, complained about him and made out he was a thief.
Jacob heard that Laban’s sons were saying, “Jacob has taken everything our father owned and has gained all this wealth from what belonged to our father” (Genesis 31:1).
Laban became frosty towards Jacob, too.
And Jacob noticed that Laban’s attitude toward him was not what it had been (v2).
Laban, though, had cheated Jacob over and over again—first out of marrying Rachel and having to marry Leah. Then financially by not paying Jacob what he had rightly earned.
“You know that I’ve worked for your father with all my strength, yet your father has cheated me by changing my wages ten times” (v 6-7).
You could say that Jacob deserved it. After all, he had cheated his own brother Esau.
So, Jacob decided to quit and leave, taking his wives, Rachel and Leah and their children, and everything that belonged to him while Laban was away from home. Added to this, Rachel stole Laban’s statues; his gods.
Laban pursued them and a heated discussion full of threats took place between him and Jacob. You can read it in Genesis 31.
Falling out, arguments and the hurt as a result could be any family situation today. Maybe you have people who are talking behind your back and saying things about you that are untrue. Perhaps someone who was once warm and friendly with you is no longer returning your phone or text messages. Maybe you are still reeling from a recent argument that is still unresolved.
When we’re in the middle of messy situations, we can have all sorts of negative thoughts.
“I must have done something to deserve what I’m enduring.”
“God can’t possibly be in the middle of this mess, especially if I’m partly responsible for it.
“God’s good plans and purposes are derailed for me and all involved.”
God’s promise to Jacob still stood: “I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.”
It is the same for us. God’s good plans and purposes for you and me still stand, even though the world might be falling apart around us.
We can be so intent on fixing the mess ourselves, whether it’s been created by us or by someone else, that we forget to run to God.
Jacob stood by his vow to follow God: “If God will be with me and will watch over me…then the Lord will be my God and this stone that I have set up as a pillar will be God’s house…”
God saw Jacob’s dedication to him: “I am the God of Bethel, where you anointed a pillar and where you made a vow to me.”
This helps us to know we are to turn to God and rely on his faithfulness when our lives are chaotic.
Faithfulness to God will be rewarded with his love and protection as you continue to trust in him.