Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Cor. 15:58

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Friday, January 11, 2013

Day 11-- The Way Home


Day 11: Genesis 31-33

Main People:
Jacob, Laban, Rebekah, Leah, Esau

Key Points:
*Jacob had worked for Laban for 20 years (7 for Leah, 7 for Rachel, 6 just to work.) That’s a long time to keep a promise. Its says a lot about Jacob’s character. He (normally) was a man of his word.

*Jacob ran with his wives and kids because he was scared of Laban.

*Laban wasn’t too happy about that.

*God appeared to Laban and told him he’d better not mess with Jacob. Laban took him at His word…

*Laban’s family had idols. When Jacob and family ran, Rachel stole some. When we move forward, we need to let go of the past. It’s hard to determine if she wanted them for the sentimental value, to worship, to sell, or to stick it to her old man. In any case, it wasn’t the right thing to do.

*Jacob told Laban if he found the idols at his camp, the culprit would be killed. Don’t make rash promises or oaths until you know the facts. Would Jacob ‘really’ want to kill the love of his life, Rachel?

*Once the Laban situation was taken care of, they had another problem… Esau. The reason Jacob left so quickly was to get away from Esau (since he stole his birthright and all).

*Jacob divided his family into sections. The servants and kids were first. Then Leah and her kids. Then Rachel and Joseph were in the back… Hmmm… seems ranked on who he liked the best, didn’t it? I’d been a little miffed if I were a servant/mama.

*To his shock, Esau ran out and hugged him! They both were very happy to see each other, but Jacob was a little nervous still. It had been over 20 years since the brothers had had contact. Esau has appeared to let bygones be bygones. Jacob still had a lot guilt over it.


Verses that Jumped Out at Me:
31:1,2—Jealousy made Laban’s son’s jealous. It’s hard to be happy for people when they are prospering more than we are. It’s something we have to pray about and (frankly) get over. Everyone’s blessings are different. None better--  none worse to God.

32:26—Tough times build character (whether we want it to or not ;) )

33:1-11—Life can hand us some pretty horrible lemons, but we don’t have to stay bitter about them. Like Esau, we can move past them. It was a big jump for him from plotting his brother’s murder to hugging him.


Question:
What did God change Jacob’s name to?

Tomorrow’s Reading: Genesis 34-36

*To find the reading plan I’m doing, click on the “Our Reading Plan for 2013” tab.

*On January 31st, I’ll have a giveaway (I’m doing this at the end of every month). It will have to do with the reading (so I hope you’re keeping up ;) ) This month’s prize is an ebook copy of my book CROSSING THE DEEP and a $5 Amazon Gift Card


~Kelly

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