Today's Thought

Today’s thought from Genesis 31-36

 

Jacob has worn out his welcome in the land of his brothers in law and they have turned against him since he has prospered so well and surpassed his father in law in wealth and possession.  So God tells Jacob to go home to the land of his fathers, and that God would be with him.  For Jacob the biggest issue in going home is still the same issue that drove him from home.  The broken relationship with his brother Esau, Jacob had deceived his brother stolen from him then fled for his life.  Jacob not knowing what his brother now felt for him devised a plan to hopefully soften the anger in Esau’s heart as he learns of Jacob’s returning.  From Abraham to Jacob, they are a shrewd group of characters, seemingly living in the grey area of life a large portion of the time.  Just before Jacob is to encounter his brother he sends ahead his flocks, his servants and his family and he is left alone, that night Jacob encounters God, and God changes his name to Israel.  The next day, Jacob’s plan works, or at least Esau’s heart isn’t as bitter as Jacob once remembered it and the two brothers are reconciled to one another.  Jacob insists that Esau keep his gifts and Jacob and his clan settle back in the region of his youth.  Settling in isn’t smooth and almost at once Jacob is at odds with the Canaanites and Perizzites.    Shortly after returning to his homeland, Rachel the wife that Jacob loved, dies while bearing him another son Benjamin.   God reaffirms his covenant with Jacob/Israel.  We leave the story today with the passing of Isaac the father of Jacob.  Jacob and Esau bury their father together.

 

Have a great day

Rob

 

 

Rob Minton
3231 Ruckriegel Parkway
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Louisville, KY  40299

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