Thoughts on Genesis 31
“And the LORD said unto Jacob, Return unto the land of thy fathers, and to thy kindred; and I will be with thee”
In the scripture above, an interruption of Jacob’s years of hard labour, trouble filled marriages and absence of real peace was interrupted, as God instructed him return home(the promised land).
Clearly, Jacob now understood that he could no longer live with Laban, not when he could see he was out of favour with him with the recent accusation raised by Laban’s children.
This time around, Jacob heeded God’s voice, unlike in Gen 28:12- 17 where he failed to commit to walking with the God of Abraham and Isaac who wanted to be his own God too. (The same way some of us also refer to God as God of this person, and that person, but fail at making Him our own too)
Jacob recounted his life-journey to his wives sorrowful and we could see from this that, save for God’s merciful intervention when He did, Jacob would have continued in servitude with no chance of fulfilling his destiny. Lord please interrupt our lives mercifully and restore us to our original destinies. 🙏
Living had become overwhelming for Jacob while the God of His fathers await his return to Him. But as soon as he “arose” and got on his way, chosing to obey God this time, a new beginning was in sight for Jacob. Bye-bye to rederede as the song goes, Laban pursued hard after Jacob to harm him, but the God of his fathers rebuked Laban, having seen Jacob’s affliction and labour(verse 42). May God rebuke our stubborn pursuers in Jesus name 🙏
As believers, we can learn from Jacob’s experience. As we run ahead in our journey of life, we must determine never to leave God behind. The consequences far outweighs any demands His word makes from us. Jacob was nearly broken in Laban’s house, just as a lot of us are, and also have scars to remind us of the choices we made.
Isaiah 51:11 holds a promise that we cannot ignore …”Therefore the redeemed of the LORD shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away”
May this be the reality of our lives
As we take stock, truly seek God and reorder our priorities in line with this kingdom we are part of Acts 9:5 says “It is hard for a man to kick against the goals”.
Failure to let go of our ungodly ways and character will only prolong the years of hard labour, groaning, lack of peace and ultimately, regrets just like Jacob’s. God has spoken better things concerning us in 2023, a year of Open Doors, a year of turning away our captivity and filling our mouths with laughter, let us therefore “arise and obey” God, a functional tool for a healthy 2023.
