Wed.’s Devo - Jacob Flees Laban

Read Gen. 31:17-32:12, Matt. 10:26-11:6, Ps. 13:1-6, Pr. 3:16-18 Jacob flees Laban and set his face toward Mt. Gilead. I researched why he would set his face toward Mt. Gilead and I think I got my answer. Jacob had spent twenty years serving under the ruthless taskmaster, Laban, and finally got his walking orders from God. He was looking for a little time of refreshment. Gilead is know for its spices which are used in costly oil. Oil is a symbol of the Holy Spirit who is our Comforter and soothing healer. Jacob needed this. But, Laban wasn’t going to let him away so easily. Rachael had stolen his talisman which was a small human figure that was believed to bring good luck. It doesn’t tell us if Rachael believed in it’s power and wanted it for herself or if she was looking for a way to get back at her dad for abandoning her as a daughter. We don’t know, but I’ll bet it contributed to her death while birthing Benjamin. We read in Matthew that nothing goes unseen by God. We do reap what we sow and stealing is one of the Ten Commandments. Poor Jacob! No sooner is he done with Laban than he is met by Esau and a band of 400 of his men. I know we know the outcome, but it’s more exciting to try to forget and put yourself in his shoes. He does exactly what I would have done…. he goes to God and reminds Him that it was His idea to come back home. In Matthew, John the Baptist is feeling a lot like Jacob. Here he is in prison for the very one who it was prophesied was coming set the prisoner free. He must have been wondering why Jesus didn’t come and set him free because he sent word to Jesus to ask him if he was truly the Christ. Jesus sent him back word to look at his fruit: the blind see, the lame walk, etc. then he hit the nail on the head. He said, “and blessed is he, who shall not be offended in me.” He knew what John was thinking and he wanted to tell him to not let bitterness of what Jesus didn’t do for him cloud his thinking. Instead concentrate on all the things he did do for others. A good reminder for us too. Lord, we trust in Your unfailing love; we will sing to you, for You have been good to us.