For Jacob, life comes into focus after Rachel gives birth to Joseph. He finally decides that he’s fed up with the way Laban has treated him and resolves to return to his own father’s home (Genesis 30:22-26).
In typical fashion, Laban makes a show of agreement, even adding that he knows “by divination” that Jacob’s God “has blessed me because of you” (Genesis 30:27), but in reality throws up a series of impediments to keep Jacob in check (Genesis 30:31-31:2).
Yet, despite all this trouble, Jacob’s faith has now awakened in strength. In discussing the matter with his wives, he acknowledges to them, that while he has worked his hardest for their father, Laban “has cheated me over and over.” The Lord, however, has stood by him, protecting him from the worst Laban could dish out. As Rachel and Leah nod in concurrence, Jacob shares with them the revelation God’s angel has given him: “I know what Laban’s been doing to you. I’m the God of Bethel where you consecrated a pillar and made a vow to me. Now be on your way, get out of this place, go home to your birthplace” (Genesis 31:4-13).
Even when Laban tracks Jacob down after he has left in stealth with his families and goods, Jacob can stand up to his wily father-in-law by affirming: “If the God of my father, the God of Abraham and the Fear of Isaac, had not stuck with me, you would have sent me off penniless. But God saw the fix I was in and how hard I had worked and last night rendered his verdict” (Genesis 31:42).
Leaving Laban took a kind of courage, but Jacob’s belief that Laban had misused him certainly bolstered his resolve. And God’s blessings were both so transparent and abundant that Jacob had no cause to doubt. But now, in returning to his birthplace, Jacob has to face the brother whom he had misused. It takes a different kind of courage to ask help from the Lord when you know you’re undeserving. Yet, isn’t that when we need God the most?
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