Bible Pathways 01/10/2002
January 10
Read Genesis 28 -- 30
In Today's Reading:
Be sure to grasp the incredible truth found here. Even though the mighty Abrahamic Covenant is bestowed upon Jacob through a vision, he continually struggles with life. You will find it hard to believe how his father-in-law continually takes advantage of him.
Verse for Today:
I am with you, and will keep you in all places where you go, and will bring you again into this land; for I will not leave you (Genesis 28:15).
Highlights:
Abrahamic Covenant confirmed upon Jacob; vision of Jacob's ladder; journey to Padan-aram; Jacob's marriages to Leah and Rachel.
After Isaac bestowed upon Jacob the family birthright, Esau threatened to kill Jacob. Esau had no interest in regaining the right to the Abrahamic Covenant, but the birthright included the inheritance of the family possessions. God used Esau's threat and the blessings and instructions of his father Isaac not to take a Canaanite wife to urge Jacob to go (more than 500 miles) to the land of his mother's family and take a wife from the daughters of Laban.
On the first night away from home, near Bethel, God gave Jacob the comforting promise and confirmation that He would bless him.
Following the miraculous revelation of the never-failing presence of God, Jacob continued his journey to Padan-aram. There, at the well where the shepherds had gathered to water their sheep, Jacob met Rachel, the daughter of Laban. God had brought him to this place to meet the woman who was to become his wife, but it was also the place where he remained for the next 20 years.
It was no accident or chance happening that Jacob arrived at the exact well at the very hour when Rachel watered her father's flocks, even though it was not the usual time of day to water the cattle or the sheep (Genesis 29:7).
The way before us may seem long and wearisome, and there may be much to distress and distract us. But, if our desire is to please the God of Jacob, we can be sure that He is protecting and directing each step of our way (Psalms 37:23).
This God is our God for ever and ever: He will be our Guide even to death (Psalms 48:14).
A Thought from Proverbs: My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; neither be weary of His correction: For whom the Lord loves He corrects; even as a father the son in whom he delights (3:11-12).
Christ Revealed:
As the Lord whose unseen Presence protects (Genesis 28:13-16).
Word Studies:
28:1 charged = commanded; 28:9 took unto = in addition to; 28:11 lighted upon = came to; 28:17 dreadful place = awesome holy place; 28:19 Bethel = House of God; 29:7 high day = early in the day; 29:17 tender = weak; 29:25 beguiled = deceived; 29:31 hated = unloved; 29:34 be joined to = become emotionally attached to; 30:28 Appoint = Name; 30:36 betwixt = between; 30:37 pilled = peeled; strakes = stripes; 30:40 unto = with.
Prayer Needs:
Government Officials: Rep. Roy Blunt (MO), Rep. Leonard Boswell (IA), Rep. Lois Capps (CA), and Rep. Greg Walden (OR) · Pray for the missionary ministries · Country: Nepal (24 million) a mountain-ringed Himalayan state between Tibet and India · Major language: Nepali · Limited religious freedom · 89% Hindu; 7% Buddhist; 3% Muslim; .3% Protestant · Prayer Suggestion: Trust in the Lord; He is your refuge (Psalms 15:1-4).
Optional Reading: Matthew 10
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 5:3
