When we go through the life of Jacob portrayed in this passage, we can ponder over several issues. Although Jacob was accused of taking what belonged to another man, it was obvious that Jacob had a good conduct towards Laban. The suspicious sons of Laban were primarily pre-occupied with the thought that their birthright was taken away; Jacob then became the target of their envy. Verse 2 says “Jacob saw the countenance of Laban and indeed it was not favourable towards him as before,” which reveals that the attitude towards Jacob had started with the father himself. They thought Jacob was intending to take away the wealth of Laban, even though his eyes were fixed on Someone much greater - the God of Israel! 

Let us focus on a few valuable lessons that are intertwined in the life of Jacob.

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• You do not belong to this world

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In verse 3 God instructs Jacob to return to the Land of his father; John 1:12 tells us that there is one Father for all those who put their trust in Jesus – God Almighty! We belong to a family where the Father will always be with us. On the contrary, Laban’s sons had lost sight of this obvious reality. How much ever wealth we may receive in this world, whatever position we may occupy, still we do not belong to this world – there is a land of our Father who is in heaven. 

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• You will not be hurt by the schemes of the enemy

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Jacob said to Rachel and Leah ".... Yet your father has deceived me and changed my wages ten times, but God did not allow him to hurt me." (Gen 31:7). This is a moving statement! Here is a faithful  servant who has been deceived, received a revised wage and an indifferent attitude from his master.

We should be encouraged that no matter the treatment we have been receiving, when we return to God, we will be accepted (Luke 15:17). The source of our lives and achievement should not be tied on to people (Micah 7:5), but trust in the Lord, and do good (Ps. 37:3). We should be mindful of the fact that we belong to Him from the beginning. The arms of God are widely open to all (Matt 11:28).  After several years Jacob (Israel) testified “The Angel who has redeemed me from all evil....” (Gen. 48:16)

 

 

• Your loss will be replenished

In Vs.9-16, Jacob explains how God had given him the idea in a dream how to multiply his wealth. He is God! He can replenish what has been taken away by the devil. But we have much more valuable things than mere wealth. Jesus said in John 10:10 GNT: “The thief comes only in order to steal, kill, and destroy. I have come in order that you might have life—life in all its fullness.” So God will give back the joy of life through Jesus Christ. Many people in the world have lost their hope, they live a miserable life – but Jesus offers them abundant life. You thought it was lost , but when you return to your Father’s land – it is there!

 

God revealed His plans about Jacob in Gen 31:13: “ ... now arise , leave this land, and return to the land of your birth.” Everything in this world is vanity; seek God’s Kingdom meant for those who believe in His Son Jesus Christ. He called on Jacob, and He is calling on you today - return to Him and be saved!

 

Prayer:

"Heavenly Father, I come to You in Jesus name - keep me in the realization that I belong to You and Your Kingdom and that my inheritance is great in Your Land. Amen