Jacob had a problem. Make that at least three problems: Uncle Laban and his sons (the plural indicates at least two sons and maybe more.) After twenty years, a lot of Laban's wealth had transferred from uncle to nephew, and they were jealous.
Unlike earlier times in his life, Jacob hadn't cheated his way into fortune; rather, Laban kept trying to cheat him (remember substituting Leah for Rachel on his wedding night?) by changing his wages, but God turned the tables each time, until Jacob ended up with more, and stronger, animals.
Jacob was under pressure and discussed it with his wives. He didn't know what to do.
That's when God showed up--and told him it was time to go home, to the place where he was born.
In fact, the mixture of dream, circumstances, and family councils so blend together that Jacob's description of the dream from his father's God sounds a bit like Tevye's dream from Fiddler on the Roof. Final proof that they should pursue a course of action Jacob always thought was best.
The events that forced Jacob to leave make me wonder if he had settled in Haran and never expected to go home again.
It reminds me of my own decision to leave Colorado. I arrived in Denver in 1990 and immediately felt at home. It still holds my heart and many of my most precious memories. If God hadn't intervened, I doubt I would ever have chosen to leave.
But God did act. My daughter died. The job I had loved for nine years changed and I no longer found the same joy in going in to work. My mother's health declined, and she had to move out of our shared apartment into assisted living.
At the same time, my son had married and settled in Oklahoma--and was expecting his first child. The siren call of family made it clear the time had come to leave my much loved home of Colorado and go to Oklahoma.
Like with Jacob, God had to force me out of a comfortable place to another place where He would bless in ways I never ever dreamed. (but that's a story for another day)
How about you? Has God, and how has He, made it clear it was time for you to leave your comfort zone?
Thank you Darlene! A nibble brings one to the center of the bite. A bite means that the entire contents disappear and blend in our mouths, and most likely we miss the subtleties that the nibble would have given. So, I really like your nibbles :) They help me realize things about the readings that I wouldn't have otherwise!
ReplyDeleteI think it's partly being a writer . . . looking at the nuances of the story. I'm glad to share the blessing. P.S., if you have friends you can send to the blog, I'd appreciate it!
ReplyDeleteI've been struggling to move lately. Thank you for this timely affirmation from God's word!!
ReplyDeleteThank you Darlene for sharing. I would love to hear your whole story or know where to read it. I had a similar experience about moving, just a little different. Ours was leaving the hometown & church where I had grown up, married my hubby dearest, and raised our kids. Ours was a word from the Lord through the books of Deuteronomy & Joshua. It was hard to do, yet super exciting as we were going into ministry.
ReplyDeleteI also lost a daughter, she was just a month & 8 days old. Sounds like we have some experiences in common. I love reading your blogs and am trying to catch up on the weekend reading! God bless you, Susan