A Study of self through the Book of Genesis - 29

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   Rina Pintoposted 11 years ago

   A Study of self through the Book of Genesis - 29
   
   Why do you think God allows Jacob to be tricked into 14 years of labor for two wives? What purposes do you think God is working out through these circumstances?

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   gobibleposted 11 years ago

   Bible declares that all scriptures are God-breathed and is used for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16). Therefore do not be troubled unless any scriptures written in bible are not meant for us individually. The customs and traditions during that period of Genesis were so different from the present covenant of faith in Jesus Christ and cannot be tolerated in most Christian communities now. Besides, no one can ever fathom the purpose of Lord at any given time unless it is revealed for a reason by God Himself.
   
   Anyone could propose or explain the scriptures based on their understandings from the bible - but what is ultimate benefit in terms of righteousness? It  is good to read the Old Testament books to know how God has taken care of His people. Unless it is for the debates and arguments, discussing those events and stories are worthless since no one can conclude the right answer ever. Take it in the spirit of reading those scriptures especially the way those people lived at that period of time in bible.
   
   If we submit to the Lord unconditionally, He will teach us everything we need from the bible, in a very personal way. All glory to Him alone, Amen.

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   Civil War Bobposted 11 years ago

   Jacob was a schemer...his name meant Deceiver or Supplanter because he grabbed Esau's (his twin) heel at birth.  He tricked Esau into selling his birthright over stew in Gen. 25:24-34.  Later with Mom's help, he deceived Isaac and got the parental blessing. (Gen. 27)  He lied 3 times. (Gen 27:19, 20, 24)  Actions have consequences, so his "lesson" was 14 years of servitude to Laban, one could say, a fellow deceiver of higher caliber.
   Later, when wrestling with the Angel of the Lord in Gen. 32, he got a permanent limp in his hip for his resistance which was sort of an I'm-a-better-wrestler-than-you contest with the bottom line being that God won, some would say that the Angel of the Lord was a pre-incarnate theophany of Jesus...so Jesus was not only a carpenter, He was a good wrestler to boot! 
   Jake got to be "Israel"..."Prince with God"...in a picture of a conversion experience that I think parallels Saul of Tarsus, an arrogant Pharisee who persecuted Christ's people, becoming Paul, the Apostle who, ironically, was sent to the Gentiles he would have hated prior to conversion...another picture of what Galatians 3:28 says about "neither Jew nor Greek" and Ephesians 2:11-18 says about there being no division between circumcised and uncircumcised in Christ.
   Just as God used a whole line of good and bad people as mentioned in Matthew 1 to bring about the birth of the Messiah, He used Jacob to bring blessings as well as cursings to a whole lot of folks.
   Good question, Rina...enjoy your day!

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   gabgirl12posted 11 years ago

   I think God worked through it. Jacob's name means 'deception'. It just sais to me that God is no acepter of persons. You don't have to be perfect. God will do the changing, especially if you really want the 'blessing' which is what Jacob wanted. So he listened to the right people, was at the right place and at the right time.
   
   Unfortunately I've had it preached to me that someone will come and 'steal' my blessing. It is never secure. I think this is false teaching in that it has nothing to do with something that will happen 'against' you personally.
   
   Esau was blessed regardless and even though it was not easy, he made the most of it. Unfortunately the Bible depicts Esau in a horrible light, but does it confront us with who we are? When he was to confront Jacob, Esau had an army. In this case the blessing Jacob gained was more than just wives and children...it was to be different and not conformed to being a deceiver. He learned to listen to God and God forever changed his life. Esau also forgave him. Jacob learned humility. And they were able to be a family again. Isn't that what is important?

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   Rina Pintoposted 11 years ago

   Blessing and Conflict
   
   When you look at Jacob's sojourn in Haran, he has a lot to complain about.
   
   Deceit : He is tricked into an extra seven years of labor.
      
   Idolatry  : He has at least one wife -- his true love -- who worships idols.
   
   Family conflict ;  There's an ongoing conflict between Jacob's wives and children.
      
   In-law injustice :  Later he endures constant struggle with Laban who changes his wages ten times, always trying to better himself at Jacob's expense.
      
   Escape :  He has to flee when Laban is away to be able to go home.
   
   Do you call that blessing?
   
   But look at it from a larger perspective. Jacob came empty-handed and left with many children and great wealth. Indeed, God has been with him and watched over him (28:14-15)  -- and even blessed Laban on his account (30:27).
   
   Too often when we are experiencing trials we complain. "Nothing seems to be going right." How hard our life is. Too often we can't see the forest for the trees.
   
   Blessing always comes amidst conflict. Name one person in the Bible whom God blessed and blessed others through, and I'll show you struggle and suffering. Sometimes we act as if God has "promised us a rose garden." He has promised to bless us and to be with us, but he doesn't promise all sunny skies. Jesus told his disciples:
   
   (John 16:33) "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
   
   And this is God's word to you today, you who feel defeated, beat up, and sorry for yourself. Jesus says to you: Take heart, don't be discouraged, my child. I have overcome the world.

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      gabgirl12posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Hi Rina. I think that this question would also be good posted in the forums. It has the potential to be more of a discussion than just a Q & A.

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      Rina Pintoposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks gabgirl12 . for your suggestions.. i will do so .. thank U ..

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