Genesis 31:6-7

LIGHTS AND SHADOWS

‘With all my power I have served your father: and your father bath deceived me.’

Genesis 31:6

I. There is a reason for every step in our education, whether we see it or not, and, though Jacob could not have guessed it at the time, yet, as we look back, we can easily understand why his residence at Haran was suddenly closed, and his home broken up, and he driven across the desert, as a fugitive, hotly pursued, much as he had been years before, only in the reverse direction.

II. In point of fact, Jacob was becoming too contented in that strange land. Like Ulysses and his crews, he was in danger of forgetting the land of his birth, the tents of his father, and the promises of which he was the heir. He was fast losing the pilgrim spirit, and settling into a citizen of that far country. His mean and crafty arts to increase his wealth were honeycombing his spirit, and eating out his nobler nature, prostituting it to the meanest ends. His wives, infected with the idolatry of their father’s house, were in danger of corrupting the minds of his children; and how then would fare the holy seed, destined to give the world the messages of God? It was evident that his nest must be broken up in Haran, that he must be driven back into the pilgrim-life, to become a stranger and a sojourner, as his fathers were. And this was another step nearer the moment when he became an Israel, a prince with God. This may be your destiny, my hearer; and, if it be, accept meekly the discipline which forces you towards it. It is the hand that was pierced with nails that breaks up the nest of the past, and beckons you to the untried but blessed realities in front.

III. He who had said ‘Return,’ had pledged Himself to be with His servant as he obeyed Him. When we are on God’s plan, we may always count upon Him, and when He is with us we are invulnerable. If Jacob had realised this, he would not have needed to resort to stealth and subterfuge in getting away from Laban. The fear of man always breeds a snare, and robs the child of God of that noble upright bearing which commands the respect even of men of the world. The straightforward course is always the wisest and safest. To steal away is only to excite pursuit and angry recriminations. But even though Jacob had acted so meanly and unworthily, there was no slackening in God’s love or care. He said to Laban, ‘Take heed to thyself that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad.’ Though we believe not, yet He remaineth faithful, He cannot deny Himself. Our unbelief cannot make His promises of none effect.

Illustration

(1) ‘There are many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification, and sometimes it is difficult to know the voice of the Lord. But the more truly we partake of the nature of “His own sheep,” the more unerringly shall we detect the voice of the Good Shepherd. If you are not quite sure, wait till you are. It is the Shepherd’s business to make His presence and wish understood by the timid and perplexed in His flock. The only necessity is to be willing to do His will so soon as it is clearly seen. If you are in doubt, wait in faith, till every other door is shut, and one path lies open before you, and you are able to say: “He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” ’

(2) ‘Jacob was an erring and unworthy child, but God did not leave or forsake him. He does not love us (as we so often falsely tell little children) because we are good, but to make us so. As He does not set his love on us because of our deserts, so He does not turn it away from us because of our sins. He hates our sin, but His love surrounds us, as the warm summer ocean laps about the iceberg, which has drifted into its midst, until it melts it into streams of crystal clearness. Thus He was able to throw His protection round His erring child, and this was part of the loving discipline which was leading Jacob to a goal of which he never dreamed.’

(For outline on Genesis 31:38, see page 118.)