Genesis 31 -- It Was Time

It was time.  Jacob had labored for Laban for 14 years for his wives and six more years for his animals.  God had placed a holy dissatisfaction with life in Jacob’s heart six years earlier as a means of showing him the time for breaking away was coming.  Jacob had also noticed through circumstances – his in-laws weren’t as friendly to him as before – that the times were changing.  God spoke to Jacob in this chapter.  The word of God is our most important indicator of change.  Here God said, “Go back to the land of your fathers.”

Jacob consulted with his wives about what he was hearing from God and they agreed.  The one thing he didn’t do correctly was to face Laban with the news.  Instead, he waited until Laban was three days away and then quickly left in a caravan.  “This was an act of fear and unbelief, not an act of faith,” my commentary said.  “It isn’t enough to know and do the will of God; we must also do His will in the way He wants it done, the way that will glorify Him the most.”

Despite the fact that God had warned Laban in a dream not to interfere with Jacob, Laban chased him and confronted him, for his household idols were missing.  Despite God’s blessings over the years, Laban still evidently prayed to idols and feared the loss of them.  Rachel had stolen them without Jacob’s knowledge.  We aren’t told whether she placed value on them and desired to worship them or whether she simply wanted to keep her father from using them. 

The two men recited their relationship over the years while building a memorial that would serve as “a monument to suspicion and fear” and a boundary that neither would cross.  Jacob recalled God’s protection of him and gave honor to the Lord:  “Unless the God of my father, the God of Abraham, and the Fear of Isaac, had been with me, surely now you would have sent me away empty-handed.”  I did notice that up to now, God was always, “the God of my father” and not “my God”, despite the fact that He continued to protect him.

Father, remind me to listen for Your directions for my life in the inner directions of my heart, through circumstances, and through Your Word.  Help me to have discernment and to test my thoughts with other Christians I trust.  Then help me to step out boldly when You give me new marching orders.  Let me glorify You in the way in which I respond.

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford