AaronEberline.com » Jacob

God’s blessing found in difficulty: Genesis 37 and 38

Aaron Eberline — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 17:18:37 +0000

It is a wonderful blessing that the dismal ending of the story of Joseph doesn’t end after chapter 37. I think many times while we are in the midst of a difficult situation we sometimes forget to keep reading to see what happens. God is so very faithful to us. He knew exactly what was happening and it was for the good of Jacob’s entire family. I know I can lack that trust at times to know that God is sufficient and able to do anything. What pain Jacob must have felt at losing the first born son from Rachel. I know that pain I felt when my dad died and I think that Jacob was changed for ever from the news of of Joseph’s ‘death’.

What evil would have prompted God to take Er’s life. I initially am fearful by knowing that God will take the life of an evil person. I look at my life in light of the perfect bar that God sets and I feel wholly inadequate. Thankfully my story doesn’t end there! God sent Jesus to complete my story. I am perfect because Christ paid that penalty for me. Praise and honor to Jesus for all he has, is, and will do!

Jacob and Esau’s joyful reunion in Genesis 33 and 34

Aaron Eberline — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 16:38:30 +0000

I love how Esau and Jacob reunite after the 20 plus years since they had seen each other. Jacob was fearful to see a angry and bitter brother who resented him. God is proved faithful in telling Jacob to leave Laban and head home. Esau was overjoyed to see his brother and his family. It makes me wonder if there are any grudges that I hold that I need to let go of?

Remember God’s faithfulness: Genesis 31 and 32

Aaron Eberline — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 15:50:42 +0000

In church we have been looking at the book of Mark and how the disciples are constantly forgetting what God has done. They forget that Jesus fed the 4000 and 5000, healed many people, and drove out demons. I think it is inherent in man to forget what God has done and who He is. In Genesis 31:13 God reminds Jacob where he has been and where he is going. I wonder if Jacob got caught up in all the workings of life like we do today? Having over 12 children, many servants, and a lot of livestock. There are a lot of times when I get consumed in the things of life so much that I forget to keep my focus where it is necessary. Thankfully God is faithful to remind us where we came from and where we are going. Life is a journey where we build our relationships with God and others as we seek God’s will.

I love how Laban and Jacob made a “heap of stone” to serve as a reminder to each other of the covenant they made. How often do we find ourselves making heaps of stone to remember things. Do we take the time to remember special times and moments where we see God working in our lives? If not how do we remember the goodness and faithfulness of God?

How I would have loved to have been able to see Jacob wrestle with God! To see the toil and struggle that must have happened. I know that I wrestle with God through the Holy Spirit but to actually see a physical struggle and live would be awesome.

Jacob is blessed by God in a foreign land: Genesis 29 and 30

Aaron Eberline — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 14:51:58 +0000

What a different culture is displayed in Genesis 29 and 30. It is so different to see a man having so many wives and children from various women. I think it is interesting that the tribes of Israel grew from the strife of two sisters who were both fighting for the love of Jacob.

When Jacob approaches Laban in Genesis 30:25-26 about leaving to his own land was it greed that motivated Laban? Knowing what is coming in the next chapters makes me wonder about if Laban truly understood that God was blessing Jacob? I know God used Jacob’s time with Laban to bless him and build up a fortune for him but I find my self wondering about what the people side of the story. Laban is Jacob’s uncle so there is a family bond there but yet I think a father doesn’t want to that easily give up his daughters. You wonder if Laban had memories how he never saw Rebekah after she left and he would like to keep his daughters around as long as he could. Also why did Jacob know to but the striped branches in the water? There is so much that is left unanswered in the stories of the Bible but the core story that God wants us to know is always intact.

God’s faithfulness even through deception: Genesis 27 and 28

Aaron Eberline — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 15:45:49 +0000

I wonder if what the Lord said to Rebekah in Genesis 25:23 was on her mind when she helped Jacob deceive Isaac? It is amazing how our human natures so many times take a forefront in our life yet God uses them for good.

My heart and mind are distracted today because many people who I love dearly are hurting and finding times are difficult. All I can say I God is ALWAYS faithful. How can we not rely on Him! Look at Genesis 28:15! God was with Jacob wherever he went and God would not stop until His promise was fulfilled. We have the Holy Spirit in us! God is not finished with us until His promise is fulfilled in us! We have hope to make it through any situation because of Who we call God! Rest in Him today!

Amibelech seeks a treaty with Isaac:Genesis 25 and 26

Aaron Eberline — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 13:01:13 +0000

It is interesting how in Genesis 21 and then again in 26 Abimelech comes to Abraham to make a treaty and then he comes to Isaac. I had never noticed the treaties were by the same king of the Philistines and Phicol the commander of his army. When I read these stories before I didn’t take time to reflect on what was happening in the story.I was reading to get chapters done. I am finding that this blog is a great way to help me think and meditate on what the Bible is saying.

I wonder if Abimelech remembered Abraham and Sarah when he caught on the Isaac and Rebekah were married? When Rebekah was pregnant with Esau and Jacob and went to inquire to the Lord what does that mean? Is it prayer or meditation?