08/07/2021 - JACOB SWORE BY THE FEAR OF ISAAC

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The God of Abraham, the God of Nahor, and the God of their father judge between us. And Jacob swore by the Fear of his father Isaac. Genesis 31.53

Jacob was prudent when he heard his father-in-law ask that the God of Abraham and the God of Nahor, the God of their father, judge them, not compromising, and stated that he pledged his word for the fear of Isaac, his father. It is important not to engage with what they call someone’s God, for Abraham, his grandfather, served the Lord, but Nahor, his great-uncle, might not have had the same faith. Watching and praying are biblical guidelines that God’s servants must have (Mark 14.38).

Both Jacob and his father-in-law needed to get right. To marry Rachel, Jacob would have to work for seven years; however, on the wedding day, his father-in-law deceived him and gave him Leah, the eldest. Seeing his son-in-law angry, he promised that he would give Rachel, only if he worked for seven more years. Later, married to both, Jacob had his father-in-law adjust his wages, but when he saw that the Lord was prospering Jacob, he changed his wages ten times, but unsuccessfully. God is faithful!

In his heart, Jacob decided not to submit to an unknown god. He had the God of Abraham, who had brought his grandfather out of the idolatry reigning amongst the Chaldeans. Wisdom spoke louder, and he pledged his word for the fear of Isaac. It is wise to pay attention to what we are going to say. Thus, we will not become entangled with our words. A little inattention can lead us to great suffering (Isaiah 8.20). Only speak according to the Word!

It is evident from the Scriptures that no Christian should swear: But I say to you, do not swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is God’s throne; nor by the earth, for it is His footstool; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. Nor shall you swear by your head, because you cannot make one hair white or black. This should guide us in our decisions about any issue we face (Matthew 5.34-36).

The one responsible for this oath was Isaac, his father, who always acted with confidence and fear of the Lord. This inheritance is also to be in the hands of our children, who, by observing us, will guide their behavior in life. They learn more by seeing our attitudes than by listening to us. Keep in mind that you serve the Being who is the Truth, so nothing of the anathema should ever be found in your hands.

Our Savior and Lord was clear about what we must speak: But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one. (Matthew 5.37). Letting your mouth be used by the devil will bring terrible consequences in everything you do; therefore, only speak the Truth. If it is yes, let it be yes, and if it is no, let it be no. Be alert so that the enemy does not rule over you in anything!

Never let yourself be led by any temptation, when you have already been taught by the Lord what to say, even if you think it is something simple, without the slightest repercussion before God. We set ourselves free or we bind ourselves by what we say. We cannot give the enemy the chance to have us in his hands. Watching and praying is good for everyone! 

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares