EPISODE · Jan 23, 2022 · 55 MIN
JACOB’S RESOLVE – Genesis 31:1-16
from Providence Community Church · host Ken Carlton
Jacob has been long suffering in service to his conniving father in law. Jacob's hesitancy to confront or leave the confines of his relationship to Laban proves less than noble however. Jacob appears to be a personality much more likely to appease others rather than to take a stand for what is right. Far more impressive in this account, is the long-suffering of the Lord with His servant and significant son. This patience is due to the remarkable grace, steadfast love, and atoning mercy of Yahweh – the Lord of heaven's stairway revealed in chapter 28. True to His word, though 20 long years have passed with Jacob languishing in covenant apathy, God has nevertheless been with the patriarch. Jacob's character begins to demonstrate fruit of sanctification in our text today as we see a new chapter of covenant resolve open in his life. Jacob's growth is attended by the miraculous blessing of God in spite of his long standing servitude. Jacob has increased in flocks and wealth, prospering despite the exploiting schemes of Laban. The tables have turned. By these means, Jacob has inadvertently despoiled his self-serving master. Eventually, Laban begrudgingly surrenders the upper hand, warned in his own dream not to harass Jacob any longer. The one time master seeks Jacob's favor as these events unfold. As with Abraham and Abimelech (Chaps 20-21), though Jacob enters the land of Padan-aram in subservient fear, he proves to be the greater party in the end, as men of influence seek to be in his good graces via covenant treaty. Jacob's experience is proleptic of all true covenant sons & daughters. (Rev 5:9-10) declares: “...You have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.”
What this episode covers
Jacob has been long suffering in service to his conniving father in law. Jacob's hesitancy to confront or leave the confines of his relationship to Laban proves less than noble however. Jacob appears to be a personality much more likely to appease others rather than to take a stand for what is right. Far more impressive in this account, is the long-suffering of the Lord with His servant and significant son. This patience is due to the remarkable grace, steadfast love, and atoning mercy of Yahweh – the Lord of heaven's stairway revealed in chapter 28. True to His word, though 20 long years have passed with Jacob languishing in covenant apathy, God has nevertheless been with the patriarch. Jacob's character begins to demonstrate fruit of sanctification in our text today as we see a new chapter of covenant resolve open in his life. Jacob's growth is attended by the miraculous blessing of God in spite of his long standing servitude. Jacob has increased in flocks and wealth, prospering despite the exploiting schemes of Laban. The tables have turned. By these means, Jacob has inadvertently despoiled his self-serving master. Eventually, Laban begrudgingly surrenders the upper hand, warned in his own dream not to harass Jacob any longer. The one time master seeks Jacob's favor as these events unfold. As with Abraham and Abimelech (Chaps 20-21), though Jacob enters the land of Padan-aram in subservient fear, he proves to be the greater party in the end, as men of influence seek to be in his good graces via covenant treaty. Jacob's experience is proleptic of all true covenant sons & daughters. (Rev 5:9-10) declares: “...You have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.”
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JACOB’S RESOLVE – Genesis 31:1-16
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