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Introduction
Life they say is a journey. To some it is smooth, to others it is rough, the traveler encounters a lot of things, sometimes challenges, other times, comfort. They all sum up to be experienced on life’s journey.
In today’s manna, we shall be examining the life journey of a man called Jacob who later became Israel. We shall be looking briefly at (i) His Securities (ii) His Skeletons, and (iii) His Salvation.
His Securities
Jacob was one of twin brothers. He was a long awaited son as his parents had forty years of delay after marriage before he and his elder brother were born. His father Isaac was a covenant child of his father. Jacob was blessed with a promise from the womb that his elder brother would serve him – Gen. 25:20-26.
He was someone mentioned specifically that his mother loved him – Gen. 25:28. The weight of a mother’s love in a home where each member prepares his meals cannot be underrated. He was a son on whom his father drained every blessing he had – Gen. 27:27-29; 28:3-4. His father-in-law Laban, testified that God had blessed him for his sake. He enjoyed robust property in the land when he ran to for refuge for he got married there and had a large family- Gen. 30:43. He enjoyed divine protection that forbade anyone from doing him any harm – Gen. 21:24.
His Skeletons
Jacob had some skeletons, indeed a lot of them. He was a cheat, an opportunist, a Supplanter. He negotiated with his brother and bought his birthright for food – Gen. 25:29-34. With the cooperation of his mother, he deceived his old father whose eyes were dim and collected blessings meant for his elder brother, Esau. He negotiated with his father-in-law whose flock he was keeping to a point that his share of the flock were always strong while Laban’s were always weak – Gen. 30:41-42. Jacob fled from Padan Aram from the house of Laban at night with the possessions, including livestock, wives, children, maids and servants without the knowledge of Laban his father-in-law who was also his employer and landlord.
His Salvation
Jacob learnt humility. On his return from his sojourn, he sends messangers to his brother Esau. In the message, he referred to himself a Servant of Esau and the latter his lord – Gen. 32:3-5. He prayed to God, confessing his fear of Esau, repenting of his sins and reminding God of His covenant promises to him – Gen. 32:9-12, see also Gen. 28:13-15. He arranged numerous presents and sent to Esau to appease him. Finally, he was left alone with God, in prayer. Jacob wrestled with an Angel and prevailed. He wouldn’t let the Angel go, so the Angel struck him at the socket of his hip and disabled him. Jacob still held on to the Angel and insisted to be blessed. “What is your name?” the Angel asked him “Jacob” he answered. Some years back when his old father asked him, he said he was Esau. But there was no hiding place for him anymore so he confessed, Jacob. The Angel changed his name to Israel. Prince with God – Gen. 32:24-28
Conclusion
It was obvious that with all the temporary ‘victories’ Jacob had no peace. He was always filled with fear with all the prosperity and successes, he was empty and indeed had no satisfaction. It was when he came to himself like the prodigal son, acknowledged his dubious ways and repented of same that the peace which had been eluding him came. Why not return unto the Lord now for forgiveness and you will receive His Peace.
A Call to take a Decision
Beloved, have you entered into personal relationship with Jesus Christ by accepting Him as your Lord and Saviour? If you have not, you need to do so without delay. Inviting and accepting Jesus Christ into your life is the beginning of a glorious and eternally rewarding relationship with God, your Creator. It is a decision you can never regret as you walk with Him faithfully and consistently for the rest of your life. Surrender your life to Jesus Christ today by acknowledging that you are a sinner. God sent Jesus Christ to die for you and as you confess your sins to Him, He will forgive you so that you will not have to be punished for the same. Ask Jesus Christ to cleanse our with His precious blood, deliver you from sin and Satan and empower you by the Holy Spirit to henceforth live above sin and live totally for God from now on. You can write and share your testimony via [email protected]
