Jacob Goes Home

"The Lord said to Jacob, 'Go back to the land of your fathers and to your relatives, and I will be with you.'"  Genesis 31:3

After Joseph was born, Jacob discussed returning to his homeland with his father-in-law, Laban.  Laban realized that God had blessed him because of Jacob, and he didn't want Jacob to leave nor to take part of their sheep and goats with him.  Neither did Laban want Jacob to take his daughters and his grandchildren to a land five hundred miles away.  Jacob agreed to stay and work for Laban awhile longer.  Then Laban kept changing Jacob's wages, which were in livestock.  Laban was trying to gain an unfair advantage over Jacob, but God caused Jacob's flocks to multiply and prosper.

The atmosphere in the family began to change.  Laban's sons were saying,  "Jacob has taken everything our father owned and has gained all his wealth from what belonged to our father."  Genesis 31:1b. Then Jacob noticed that there was a difference in Laban's attitude toward him.  Next Jacob received a word from God telling him to go back to the land where his family lived.  Jacob was observant of the circumstances and obedient to God's instructions.  While Laban was away shearing his sheep, Jacob, his family, and their flocks started on their journey.  When Laban returned and discovered that Jacob and his family were gone, he pursued them.  He caught up with them on the seventh day, but before he did God warned him not to try to prevent Jacob from returning to his homeland.  God was protecting His plan and His servant.  God had very specific plans for Jacob and his descendants, and a part of these plans included Jacob's return to the land of Canaan.  God worked in Jacob's circumstances, and He sent Jacob a personal message to be sure Jacob would fulfill his role in God's plans.

God often deals with us likewise.  He has very specific plans for each of our lives.  Often He guides us through circumstances, as He did Jacob.  And He sends us messages through His Word and through such channels as sermons, devotionals, and conversations with other people.  Are we watching and listening and obeying?

Father, thank You that You are willing to guide us on the paths You have chosen for each of us.  May we be aware of the ways You are guiding and be obedient to follow Your lead.  Amen.