INTRODUCTION: Jacob's life was probably not considered too important by the world, yet through him the twelve tribes came into existence. None of us can know the true import of our lives [Deuteronomy 26:5], but we should live in the realization that God's purpose for us could be much greater than we think.I. JACOB ARRIVES AT PADANARAM - verses 1-8.
Nearing his destination, Jacob came upon some shepherds. Enquiring about Laban, he was glad to learn that he was well, and that in fact his daughter was approaching with the family flock.Several matters here are worthy of reflection:
A. Jacob's mind must have been flooded with memories of the events of Genesis 24. Many times he had heard of the work of God in his parent's lives. Doubtless he wondered if the beautiful Rachel was God's choice for him. His request for the shepherd to leave [verse 7] was certainly caused by his desire to speak to Rachel alone.B. We are impressed with the diligent work habits of Jacob, as compared to the lazy shepherds. He was shocked at their waste of grazing time. No wonder Laban's flocks later flourished under Jacob's care [Genesis 30:27]. Children must be taught a godly work ethic.
II. JACOB MEETS RACHEL - verses 9-14.
Jacob was overcome with emotion at meeting Rachel. This was a spiritual joy produced by his belief that God had blessed his journey. His meeting with Rachel seems to have been love at first sight. In frustration with the shepherds, he uncovered the well himself and watered Laban's flock. He was anxious to proceed with Rachel to Laban's house. Jacob could not have known that he would remain there for twenty-one years. Let us always remember the truth of James 4:13-15.III. A LOVE STORY - verses 15-20.
This constitutes one the great love stories of history. Truly the institution of courtship and marriage is one of God's greatest blessings upon man [Genesis 2:18]. Note the joy that Rachel brought into Jacob's life. The world fails to understand that promiscuity, either before or after marriage, is an enemy of lasting love [II Samuel 13:1-15]. Monogamy and the seventh commandment [Exodus 20:14] stand as God's protecting wall around the institution of marriage.IV. SOWING AND REAPING - verses 21-30.
Jacob seemingly had never come to grips with the evil of his conduct toward Esau and Isaac. God, however, does not overlook the indwelling sin and weakness of His children. Here the "supplanter" learns what it is like to be the victim of deceit. God was chastening Jacob and showing him the evil of his own sin [Hebrews 12:3-11]. We must not expect to travel down life's road experiencing God's blessing while there are sins that we have never dealt with [I John 1:7-9]. God does not forget.Laban is shown here to have been a crafty and deceitful man. Even if the excuse of verse 26 were true, an honest man would have informed Jacob when the original contract was made. Laban's behavior reveals a greedy man who did not even care for the feelings of his own children [Genesis 31:14-15]. All he cared for was to retain Jacob's valuable service. The remaining narrative continues to reveal his sad character [Genesis 31:41]. Having to live with such a man must have deeply impressed Jacob with the evil of deceitfulness.
Some have wondered how Jacob could have mistaken Leah for Rachel. Doubtless, they were of similar statue and the bride was delivered to Jacob veiled. Under the curtain of darkness, he never recognized the difference. It is also evident that Leah was cooperating with Laban's scheme. She probably had a secret love for Jacob, and perhaps feared that she would never marry.
V. THE FAMILY OF JACOB - verses 31-35.
Jacob became a polygamist against his will. Here we begin to see the sorrows produced by polygamy. The story is one of envy, sorrow, favoritism, unfulfillment, and craft. Sadly the problems even carry over into the children's lives.Note some of the lessons here:
A. The mistake of envy. Everyone has her own burden to carry. Leah was unloved but fertile. Little can we grasp how priviledged a woman felt to bear sons. Rachel was beautiful and loved, yet she was barren. How this galled her [Genesis 30:1]. Let us never be guilty of envying someone else's lot in life. We can know little of the burdens others carry. Magnificent homes may house great misery while cottages may be the scenes of joy. What we all need is the rare jewel of Christian contentment [I Timothy 6:6].B. However evil and tangled human affairs may appear, God's purposes are never foiled. The whole scene here is one of greed, envy, and competition, yet the tribes of Israel are brought into existence. This does not justify human depravity, but illustrates the sovereignty of God in human history [Psalms 76:10; Proverbs 19:21; Genesis 50:20].
CONCLUSION: May we rejoice, that above the confusion of this world, reigns a sovereign and holy God.
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