Read Genesis 28
Highlights:
Be sure to grasp the incredible Truth found in the mighty Abrahamic Covenant (one of the greatest honors God ever gives). The Abrahamic Covenant confirmed to Jacob; vision of Jacob's ladder; journey to Haran; Jacob's marriages to Leah and to Rachel.
When Isaac realized that God had overruled his scheme to confer the God-ordained Abrahamic Covenant on Esau, who profained his birthright privileges, Isaac trembled very exceedingly (Gen. 27:33). He quickly conferred with Rebekah, not to accuse her of any wrongdoing, but to follow her God-inspired plan for Jacob's future (27:26—28:1,2). If Jacob were to marry an idol-worshiping woman, as Esau had done, Rebekah knew they would have failed God and said: What good shall my life do me? (27:46). Then Isaac called Jacob, and blessed him, and charged him . . . Thou shalt not take a wife of the daughters of Canaan. . . . Go to Padan-aram . . . take . . . a wife from . . . the daughters of Laban thy mother's brother. And God Almighty . . . give thee the blessing of Abraham, to thee, and to thy seed with thee; that thou mayest inherit the land wherein thou art a stranger, which God gave unto Abraham (28:1-4)
The remarkable blessings of God upon Jacob 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; and (to) take thee a wife from thence of the daughters of Laban thy mother's brother. And God Almighty bless thee (28:2-3). Jacob received a warm welcome when he arrived at their home.
You may, like Jacob, experience many hardships in life. But all who live to please the Lord will view their choice of marriage partners, activities, and workplace as opportunities to prepare them to do the will of God.
This can be seen in Jacob's beloved son Joseph, who was sold as a slave by his brothers and suffered much for 20 years, but later he confidently said to them: Ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto (for) good (50:20).
One of the greatest comforts all of us will ever have is the assurance that: All things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose (Rom. 8:28).
Thought for Today:
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:7).
Christ Portrayed:
By Joseph who was born (Gen. 30:23-24) to save and preserve his people (50:20). Jesus was born to offer eternal life to all mankind (41:56-57).
Word Studies:
28:1 charged commanded; 28:11 lighted upon came to; 28:15 keep thee catch over you with care; 28:17 How dreadful is this place what an awesome, wonderful, holy place; 28:18 poured oil upon anointed; 28:19 Bethel house of God; 29:3 mouth opening; 29:7 high barly in the; 29:12 brother relative; 29:17 tender eyed unattractive; 29:25 beguiled received; 29:26 It must not be so done it is not customary; 29:31 hated unloved; opened her womb unabled her to have children; 30:18 hire reward; 30:23 reproach humiliation, disgrace; 30:28 appoint came; 30:36 journey betwixt between; 30:37 pilled peeled.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Staff: Beth Carlton • 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: Peru (26 million) on the western coast of South America • Major languages: Spanish and Quechua • Open to evangelism and Bible distribution • 90% Christian; 8% non-Religious/Other; 1.2% Traditional ethnic; .3% Buddhist; .09% Baha'i; .02% Jewish • Prayer Suggestion: Pray for those who have hurt you (Matt. 5:44).
Optional Reading: Matthew 10
Memory Verse for the Week: Deuteronomy 4:2
