12/01/2022 - THE SURPRISE THAT DELIGHTED JACOB

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So Jacob went on his way, and the angels of God met him. Genesis 32.1

From the time he discovered the dishonesty of his father-in-law, who gave him Leah instead of Rachel, Jacob faced many tribulations, but he proved to be the right man to be the patriarch of the heirs the promise of the Most High. He was determined to do what was necessary to please God, for the fear of Isaac, his father, was the example he followed. He looked only to the Lord, the Author and Finisher of faith (Hebrews 12:1,2)!

After working for seven years, the heir to the promise made to Abraham and Isaac had to work seven more years – to take Rachel as his wife, but this didn’t cost him much, for he loved her: So Jacob served seven years for Rachel and they seemed only a few days to him, because of the love he had for her (Genesis 29.20). Those called by God to do what pleases Him should never consider that they are paying a high price to fulfill His holy will.

After 14 years of service, to finally be entitled to Rachel as his wife, just like Leah – Jacob convinced his father-in-law to give him a wage, to be paid with the sheep that were born with a pre-established token. After all, he had to support his family. However, his heart could not stand Laban´s lies, who exchanged his wages every time sheep were born with the agreed upon mark. However, Jacob knew that God would help him (Genesis 30.27-36)! 

Some time later, he noticed that his father-in-law was no longer the same, and his brothers-in-law accused him of somehow robbing their father, as they saw Jacob’s prosperity and Laban’s impoverishment. To them, Jacob was taking away the wealth that they would one day inherit, and that bothered them. Certainly, Jacob prayed for God to give him guidance. So must every Christian do the same, for the Father will always show His will to those who trust Him.

The Most High was not slow in telling him that the time to return to his land had come. Then the Lord said to Jacob, “Return to the land of your fathers and to your family, and I will be with you” (Genesis 31:3). This separation would not be easy, for Laban, knowing that Jacob’s hand was enriching him, because of the anointing that rested on him, would do everything not to lose him. Only God could guide His servant to take the right attitude!

Jacob and his family had to sneak out with their belongings, but his father-in-law and his sons caught up with them in the mountains of Gilead. After settling with Laban and his brothers-in-law, Jacob went on toward Canaan. Then God’s angels came to meet him. There were so many that he called the place Mahanaim (the camp of God’s angels). For Jacob, everything would be easier now, because he had the power of God with him.

Would Jacob stay closer to the Almighty or would he make decisions that seemed good to him without consulting the Lord? We will see this in the next message. Why do some saved people get tired of talking to God and act carelessly? When the guidance comes from Heaven, there is success, because God is Omniscient: Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak (Matthew 26:41).

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares