In Today's Scripture Reading:
Abrahamic Covenant conferred upon Jacob; vision of Jacob's ladder; journey to Padan-aram; Jacob's marriages to Leah and Rachel
When Isaac realized that God had overruled his scheme to confer the God-ordained birthright of Jacob upon Esau, he trembled very exceedingly (Genesis 27:33). He quickly conferred with Rebekah — not to accuse her of any wrongdoing but to decide how best to plan for Jacob's future. If Jacob were to marry an idol-worshiping woman, as Esau had done, Rebekah's concern was: What good shall my life do me? (27:46). Isaac called Jacob, and blessed him, and charged him . . . Thou shalt not take a wife of the daughters of Canaan. . . . Go to Padan-aram . . . take . . . a wife from . . . the daughters of Laban thy mother's brother. And God Almighty bless thee, and make thee fruitful, and multiply thee, that thou mayest be a multitude of people (28:1-3). This blessing was an obvious admission of how wrong Isaac had been in his attempt to defraud Jacob.
However, Esau was quick to blame Jacob for his trouble, saying: He hath taken away my blessing (27:36). Esau is typical of sinners who irresponsibly blame someone or something else for their own sins and failures.
Isaac lived 43 years after his attempt to thwart God's plan, but there is no record of him ever again being used of God. For Jacob, however, his remarkable blessings began on his first night away from home.
Without map or companion, but according to the exact plan of God, Jacob left home on his journey of more than 500 miles and arrived safely in Padan-aram. God marvelously guided him to Rachel and the home of his mother's father; and (to) take . . . a wife from thence of the daughters of Laban thy mother's brother. And God Almighty bless thee (28:2-3). Jacob received a warm welcome when he arrived at their home.
Just as it is with everyone who lives to please the Lord, Jacob's life was set apart for God's purpose. When Christians realize this truth, their attitude toward their marriage partner, workplace, physical limitations, and hardships will be seen as in the will of God.
At a much later date, Jacob's beloved son Joseph would be sold as a slave by his brothers. But, 20 years later he would confidently say to them: Ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto (for) good (50:20).
One of the greatest comforts for Christians is Paul's confidence-building statement: All things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).
Christ Portrayed:
By Joseph who was born (Genesis 30:23-24) in order to save and preserve his people (50:20). Jesus was born in order to offer salvation to all mankind. For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16).
Word Studies:
28:11 lighted upon =b> came to; 28:17 dreadful . . . place =b> awesome holy place; 28:19 Bethel =b> House of God; 29:25 beguiled =b> deceived; 29:31 hated =nloved, loved less; 30:37 pilled =b> peeled; strakes =b> stripes.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for The Arabic International Shortwave Radio Broadcast sponsored by Lyle Alexander Staff: Rita Guerra Government Officials: Rep. Roy Blunt (MO), Rep. Leonard Boswell (IA), Rep. Lois Capps (CA), Sen. Mark Pryor (AR), Rep. Bill Shuster (PA), Rep. Christopher Van Hollen, Jr. (MD), and Rep. Greg Walden (OR) Country: Bosnia and Hercegovina (4 million) on the Balkan Peninsula in southeastern Europe Major language: Serbo-Croatian Little evangelism being done 40% Muslim; 28% Serbian Orthodox; 14% Roman Catholic Prayer Suggestion: Call upon the Lord in adversity, for He will hear (Psalm 116:1-4,8).
Optional Reading: Matthew 10
Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 119:10