Genesis 29:1-30
Things aren't always as they seem! How often have we been caught in that trap? Have you believed someone because they seemed to care, when, in reality, they don't; or because of personal gain, with no regard of another; or just because? Sadly, it eventually ends in hurt and mistrust. Deception takes our focus and attention off the One who saves and who delivers, Jesus Christ the Lord. If we are honest, we've all fallen prey to someone's deception; in turn, we've all played the role of the deceiver. Jacob is no different. He is well known as a deceiver, only to hurt his father, brother, and even his mother. Thankfully, he left behind a life of scheming deception, and grew into one full of grace. Let's look at Jacob in Genesis chapter 29.
After deceiving his family, Jacob feared for his life. He turned to the Almighty One, and vowed to trust God to keep him, to feed him, to clothe him, and to guide him into peace. God directed Jacob to leave his family, a place of comfort, and go to a distant land to tarry. In response, Jacob traveled to his Uncle Laban's in Haran, and tarried there twenty years. Jacob used this time to let God train him for the future. He grew in the fear of the Lord, in being still before the Lord, and in the joy of the Lord. He grew in God's love, became content with God's way, and trusted God. Seven years Jacob labored for a promise that was not delivered to him. He was deceived by his Uncle Laban. Interestingly, you hear no complaints from Jacob, instead, he vowed to labor another seven years for his love, Rachel. Jacob's response to the seven years of labor was, "it seemed but a few days." You see, Jacob's focus was on the Lord's plan for him. His response was not of frustration, but one of a willing heart to serve. Although he labored another seven years for his beloved bride, the Lord blessed Jacob, and delivered Rachel to him after only one week into the second set of seven years. The Lord was faithful to keep Jacob, to feed him, to clothe him, and to guide him in peace. God was clear and precise and delivered His promise; Laban was not clear, and did not deliver as he had promised.
After twenty years of service to Laban, Jacob returned to the land of his family. How faithful is our God, who after twenty years of caring for Jacob and growing him, called him to "arise, go out from this land, and return to the land of your kindred." He returned not alone as he left, but returned with two wives, twelve children and a huge herd of cattle. He returned with a changed heart that fully trusted Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He returned with a pure heart that knew His Lord. Jacob, the one to be called Israel; the one whom God kept.
~ Cheryl Helgert
