EPISODE · Jan 30, 2022 · 55 MIN
JACOB’S REPENTANCE – Genesis 31:1-17
from Providence Community Church · host Ken Carlton
As we have observed, one of the intriguing paradoxes of the life of Jacob is the prominence his legacy represents in spite of the troubled life he led. As such, the testimony of Jacob is one of remarkable grace. This is recognized not just by observers reading his biography, but by Jacob himself as he later testified to Pharaoh (47:7-9) He says: “...the days of my sojourning are 130 years. Few and evil have been the years of my life and they have not attained to the days of the years of the life of my fathers in the days of their sojourning.” Imagine the concerned prayers of Isaac and Rebekah these many years, having two decades to reflect on the circumstances of Jacob's departure. Jacob eventually returns home in time to bury his father (35:27-29) but it is important to note that this event was occasioned by a fundamental heart change documented in our text. The grace of God was manifested in Jacob's life not just through legacy in spite of character... but by real repentance. Though late in life and preceded by years of trouble, Jacob turns whole heartedly to the God of his fathers in chapter 31. The changes in Jacob are especially evident as the reader compares his growing resolve in this chapter of his life to his behavior in chapter 27 (which records the stolen blessing plot). As with the thief on the cross, the account of Jacob teaches us that today is not too late to turn from sin and turn to the provision and promises of Jesus Christ – The God of Bethel...
What this episode covers
As we have observed, one of the intriguing paradoxes of the life of Jacob is the prominence his legacy represents in spite of the troubled life he led. As such, the testimony of Jacob is one of remarkable grace. This is recognized not just by observers reading his biography, but by Jacob himself as he later testified to Pharaoh (47:7-9) He says: “...the days of my sojourning are 130 years. Few and evil have been the years of my life and they have not attained to the days of the years of the life of my fathers in the days of their sojourning.” Imagine the concerned prayers of Isaac and Rebekah these many years, having two decades to reflect on the circumstances of Jacob's departure. Jacob eventually returns home in time to bury his father (35:27-29) but it is important to note that this event was occasioned by a fundamental heart change documented in our text. The grace of God was manifested in Jacob's life not just through legacy in spite of character... but by real repentance. Though late in life and preceded by years of trouble, Jacob turns whole heartedly to the God of his fathers in chapter 31. The changes in Jacob are especially evident as the reader compares his growing resolve in this chapter of his life to his behavior in chapter 27 (which records the stolen blessing plot). As with the thief on the cross, the account of Jacob teaches us that today is not too late to turn from sin and turn to the provision and promises of Jesus Christ – The God of Bethel...
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JACOB’S REPENTANCE – Genesis 31:1-17
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