Good morning,
Jacob was a product of his upbringing. His grandparents lied. His parents lied and played favorites with Jacob and Esau. So, Jacob learned all these traits and more. His early years were spent deceiving others. He even tried bargaining with God. It was not till he wrestled with the angel of God, did his life change.
When he met God, his named was changed to Israel, and he began living for God.
This week we look at the life of Jacob.
Jacob reaps what he sowed Genesis 29-31
Genesis 29:15-27 And Laban said unto Jacob, Because thou art my brother, shouldest thou therefore serve me for nought? tell me, what shall thy wages be?16 And Laban had two daughters: the name of the elder was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel.17 Leah was tender eyed; but Rachel was beautiful and well favored.18 And Jacob loved Rachel; and said, I will serve thee seven years for Rachel thy younger daughter.19 And Laban said, It is better that I give her to thee, than that I should give her to another man: abide with me.20 And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her.21 And Jacob said unto Laban, Give me my wife, for my days are fulfilled, that I may go in unto her.22 And Laban gathered together all the men of the place, and made a feast.23 And it came to pass in the evening, that he took Leah his daughter, and brought her to him; and he went in unto her.24 And Laban gave unto his daughter Leah Zilpah his maid for an handmaid. 25 And it came to pass, that in the morning, behold, it was Leah: and he said to Laban, What is this thou hast done unto me? did not I serve with thee for Rachel? wherefore then hast thou beguiled me?26 And Laban said, It must not be so done in our country, to give the younger before the firstborn.27 Fulfil her week, and we will give thee this also for the service which thou shalt serve with me yet seven other years.28 And Jacob did so, and fulfilled her week: and he gave him Rachel his daughter to wife also. (v25) (Jacob deceived others, now he has been deceived)
Genesis 31:3-7 And the Lord said unto Jacob, Return unto the land of thy fathers, and to thy kindred; and I will be with thee.4 And Jacob sent and called Rachel and Leah to the field unto his flock,5 And said unto them, I see your father’s countenance, that it is not toward me as before; but the God of my father hath been with me.6 And ye know that with all my power I have served your father. And your father hath deceived me, and changed my wages ten times; but God suffered him not to hurt me. (Jacob reaps what he has sowed)
When we sin and fail to repent, God has a way of getting our attention. Jacob was stubborn, a deceiver, a scammer, and a child of God. As we will see next week, God will finally gets Jacob’s attention.
“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” (Galatians 6:7)
CONCLUSION:
- Dysfunction breeds dysfunction
- Break the cycle and obey
- God is not mocked. We reap what we sow!
- Biblical principles must guide us
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001
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