Bible Pathways 1/10/2004
January 10
Read Genesis 28 -- 30
In Today's Reading:
Abrahamic Covenant conferred upon Jacob; vision of Jacob's ladder; journey to Padan-aram; Jacob's marriages to Leah and Rachel
When Isaac realized that God had overruled his scheme to confer the God-ordained birthright of Jacob upon Esau, he trembled very exceedingly (meaning he was afraid, for he had failed the Lord) (Genesis 27:33). He quickly conferred with Rebekah, not to accuse her of any wrongdoing, but to decide how best to plan for Jacob's future. If Jacob violated the Word of God by marrying an idol-worshiping woman, as Esau had done, Rebekah asked: What good shall my life do me? (27:46). Isaac called Jacob, and blessed him, and charged him . . . You shall not take a wife of the daughters of Canaan. . . . Go to Padan-aram . . . take . . . a wife from . . . the daughters of Laban your mother's brother. And God Almighty bless you, and make you fruitful, and multiply you, that you may be a multitude of people (28:1-3). This blessing was an obvious admission of how wrong Isaac had been in his attempt to defraud Jacob.
Esau was quick to blame Jacob for his failure, saying: He has taken away my blessing (27:36). Esau is typical of sinners who refuse to accept responsibility and blame others for their sins.
Jacob's remarkable blessings began on his first night away from home.
Without map or companion, but according to the exact plan of God, Jacob left home on his journey of more than 500 miles and arrived safely in Padan-aram. God marvelously guided him to Rachel and the home of his mother's father, where he was received with a warm welcome (28:2).
Just as it is with everyone who lives to please the Lord, Jacob's life was set apart for a purpose. When Christians realize this truth, their attitude toward their marriage partners, workplace, physical limitations, and hardships will be seen as in the will of God.
At a much later date, Jacob's son Joseph was sold as a slave by his brothers. But, about 20 years after that, during a worldwide famine, recognizing God's will in all things, Joseph confidently said to them: You thought evil against me; but God meant it for good (Genesis 50:20).
Word Studies:
28:11 lighted upon = came to; 28:17 dreadful . . . place = awesome holy place; 28:19 Bethel = House of God; 29:25 beguiled = deceived; 29:31 hated = unloved; 30:37 pilled = peeled; strakes = stripes.
Christ Portrayed:
By Joseph who was born (Gen. 30:23-24) in order to save and preserve his people (Genesis 50:20). Jesus was born in order to offer salvation to all mankind. For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16).
Pray For:
Government Officials: Rep. Roy Blunt (MO), Rep. Leonard Boswell (IA), Rep. Lois Capps (CA), Sen. Mark Pryor (AR), Rep. Bill Shuster (PA), Rep. Christopher Van Hollen, Jr. (MD), and Rep. Greg Walden (OR) · Country: Kirabati (86,000) 3 islands in southwestern Pacific · Major languages: English and Gilbutese · Religious freedom · 52% Roman Catholic; 44% Protestant; 2% Baha'i · Prayer Suggestion: Pray to be sensitive to give God the praise for everything you do (Psalm 40:16).
Optional Reading: Matthew 10
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 5:3
