Sun.’s Devo - Facing Our Past

Read: Genesis 31:17-32:12; Matthew 10:26-11:6; Psalm 13:1-6; Provers 3:16-18
Jacob served his father-in-law for 20 long, toilsome years. God released Jacob to go back home but Rachel stole her father’s household gods which gave Laban an excuse to pursue them and start something. God intervened and warned Laban in a dream to not speak evil to Jacob.
Let’s go back to those household gods. They were images of the idols of their land. Rachel was taking idols that would lead her family down a path of idolatry and sin. This was no small thing that she did. We will see Jacob get rid of the idols in his family in Genesis 37. Not only did Rachel steal them but she lied to keep them.
That day, Laban and Jacob made a covenant of peace and they went their separate ways.
Jacob had to part with his past with Laban only to come face to face with his past with Esau. He didn’t turn and run but he did use strategy. God always wants us to have closure with our relationships if possible. It is easy to take flight, but better to end with a covenant of peace. It is easy to want to run from confrontation but better to face it and let God control the outcome.
Jesus hit the nail on the head when he said that there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed. You can’t just hide your past or your sins and not expect them to show up somewhere. He told us not to be afraid of man who can only kill our physical body, our soul is so much more important. There is not going to be peace on the earth until Jesus comes to reign.
John the Baptist was in prison and was having questions about Jesus being the Messiah. Jesus told him all that he was doing. I think that John knew what the scriptures said about the Messiah and what He was going to do. One of those things was to open prison doors and set the prisoners free. John was in prison and Jesus was not setting him free. Jesus told him to concentrate on what He was doing and not what he wasn’t and he added, “and blessed are those who are not offended in me.” What a reminder to us when we get discouraged because our prayers don’t seem to be answered. We need to remember the things Jesus has done and thank him for those and not let ourselves be offended at what he isn’t doing.
Lord, we thank you for all you are doing. Help us to see with spiritual eyes the wonders of your hand. Help us to face our past and allow you to bring healing and restoration.