Running Man
Read This Week: Genesis 31
On the third day, Laban was told that Jacob had fled. Taking his relatives with him, he pursued Jacob for seven days and caught up with him in the hill country of Gilead. Then God came to Laban the Aramean in a dream at night and said to him, “Be careful not to say anything to Jacob, either good or bad.” – Genesis 31:22-24 NIV
Genesis 31:22-55 unfolds a captivating episode in the life of Jacob. This passage narrates his departure from Laban’s household, marking a pivotal moment in his journey of faith and self-discovery. As we delve into the verses, we uncover layers of familial dynamics, God’s sovereignty, and the many layers of human relationships that don’t always make sense or fit into our box. Jacob’s flight from the domain of his father-in-law illustrates the instinct many people have in seemingly unnavigable situations. He was the running man.
The chapter begins with Laban discovering Jacob’s escape, setting the stage for this dramatic tale of a man on the run and his confrontation with his pursuers and himself. Unaware of Laban’s pursuit, Jacob is forced to deal with his clandestine departure, revealing the tension and mistrust between the two men. Laban’s accusations of why he ran and Jacob’s defense of his running illuminate an intricate web of deceit and manipulation that has characterized their relationship and that we have already observed in our study.
Amid the brewing conflict, the story turns unexpectedly as Laban and Jacob enter a covenant. This covenant, marked by a heap of stones, is a tangible witness to their agreement. It also highlights the divine presence of God in the middle of misguided and sometimes overly emotional human affairs. This part emphasizes God’s role as the ultimate witness and arbitrator in the affairs of His people, even when we don’t consult Him, seek His presence, or ask for His wisdom.
A surprising twist in the narrative occurs when Rachel, Jacob’s beloved wife, is revealed to have stolen her father’s household idols. This revelation adds another layer of complexity to the family dynamics, showcasing the flawed nature of the individuals involved. Rachel’s actions raise questions about the significance of these idols and the lengths to which people are willing to go to secure blessings or protection.
In response to Laban’s accusations and the discovery of Rachel’s theft, Jacob delivers a bold rebuke, expressing his grievances and frustrations accumulated over the years of service. This moment of confrontation becomes a cathartic release for Jacob, allowing him to assert his autonomy and break free from the oppressive environment of Laban’s household.
As the confrontation concludes, Laban and Jacob establish a covenant of peace, marked by the Mizpah declaration. The Mizpah covenant symbolizes a turning point in their relationship, signifying a resolution and a commitment to peaceful coexistence. This episode serves as a reminder of the transformative power of forgiveness and reconciliation, even in the face of past grievances.
The Bible gives us another example of human relationships, deception, divine intervention, and reconciliation. Through the lens of this narrative, we gain insights into the complexities of family dynamics and the role of faith in navigating life’s challenges. Jacob’s departure from Laban’s household becomes a symbolic journey of self-discovery and a testament to the transformative power of God’s presence in the lives of His people. It also shows us the importance of facing the truth about our lives and circumstances and knowing when to run from situations that are harmful at the moment but that we can learn from later.
Genesis Chapter 31 Verse 44
So come now, let us make a covenant or league, you and I, and let it be for a witness between you and me,
Genesis Chapter 31 Verse 45
So Jacob set up a stone for a pillar or monument,
Genesis Chapter 31 Verse 46
And Jacob said to his brethren, Gather stones; and they took stones and made a heap, and they ate [together] there upon the heap.
Genesis Chapter 31 Verse 49
And [the pillar or monument was called] Mizpah [watch post] for he [Laban] said, May The Lord watch between you and me when we are absent and hidden one from another.
~Conflict Resolution~
God Is Saying To Me:
Life can be difficult at times. Disagreements, deception, envy and jealousy can destroy relationships. We may find ourselves in situations where we want to run away and leave our troubles behind. I see you and know your heart. Life can be messy without my direction and blessing. Always come to me first, seeking resolution and guidance on how to resolve conflicts, understanding that it’s okay to have concerns, but when you come to me, I will help you find a resolution. I am about love, kindness and prosperity and only want you to coexist together with others in harmony and unity.
What This Means To Me:
No matter what, we coexist with others that may rub us the wrong way. God’s desire is for us to come to Him in times of trouble or conflict. He has a plan for each of us and wants us to be respected by others, treated fairly and to be prosperous. He also wants the glory!
Times of trouble will come but He wants us to remain calm, seek Him and His wisdom for conflict resolution strategies. We can’t love others humbly if we are caught up in pointing fingers at one another. God is a respecter of people, desiring for us to remain humble, seeking Him for ways to coexist with others in our lives but we must ask Him for help. Thank you God that no matter what you are always here for us desiring for us to love one another. ❤️❤️
This is what I got from God in Genesis 31. I want to deliver you from envy. Envy is no small sin. It put My Son Jesus on the cross. I gave Jacob the desire to go back home, and his present circumstances were unbearable. Because I was with Jacob, he could be at peace and confident in any difficulty. The promise of My presence meant everything. You should also be at peace and confident when you go through everything, because My presence is with you. Psalms 118:6 “The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” It is good to remember times and places where I did great great works for you and shown up for you in wonderful ways. As you remember them, I am reminding you that I am still the same God who meets your needs now. Leah and Rachel finally agreed on something, and were supportive of Jacob about leaving their father, and their home. I had promised Jacob safe passage, but when Jacob stole away it showed he lacked confidence in Me and My promise, and relied on his own ability and wisdom. When I tell you to do something, you need to trust Me and obey Me. You may lose out on a blessing that could come with it. Step out in faith. I will be with you always.
What this said to me is I am not to be envious of others and what they have. I need to focus on my blessings I have in my life, and thank God for them daily. I should remember the ways God has shown up for me. When He tells me to do something, I need to trust and obey Him. I need to be bold and courageous to step out in faith. God is always with me.
Genesis 31 3 Then the Lord said to Jacob, “Return to the land of your fathers and to your people, and I will be with you.”
God was saying to me
My daughter I know your heart and I know everyone’s heart.
Always remember I am with you!
I’ll lead you sometimes to return to places, or to go here or there or stay where we’re you’re at. Always be ready to go or make a phone call, or reach out wherever you are.
But to remember I am with you.
There will always be people that come and go in your life. Sometimes people go cause I’m working on their hearts and your heart too!
For you stay focused on our work to do together. Stay in My peace, knowing that I’m by your side guiding you and leading you in the right direction.
In Jacobs life during this time he needed to know that I was with him because he needed to learn to trust Me in every situation and to learn My ways are much better and they work out when you look to Me to guide you!
What that means to me is people come and people go and then sometimes they come back, sometimes we just have moments and some are with us always
But I know Father God loves unity so I need to all ways do my part as Father God, Jesus and His Holy Spirit leads me! And to know they are all ways with Me leading me in the right direction!
Thank you Father God, Jesus and Your Holy Spirit is always with Me
I love you ❤️
PODCAST
This Week in the Life: Genesis 31
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Do you realize that as Christians, we are called to navigate our comings and goings with grace and respect, as acts of worship to God?
Whether we’re beginning or ending a job, visiting or departing from someone’s home, or joining or leaving a church congregation, each action offers an opportunity to reflect God’s love. We can choose to conduct ourselves in a manner that honors God, focusing on righteousness and service to others, or we can succumb to selfish, inconsiderate, and disrespectful behaviors.
In my experience, I’ve witnessed both approaches. However, when actions are guided by love for God and His principles, the results are invariably beautiful. Though it may be challenging or tinged with sadness, a God-centered approach is always infused with love and opens doors to new possibilities.
1. Strive to prioritize God’s will in all interactions; put others before yourself as Jesus taught us.
2. Endeavor to surpass expectations, embracing the call to ‘go the extra mile’ in service and kindness.
3. Remember, your actions reflect not only on yourself but on God and the Christian community. Choose the honorable path and excel in all you do, as a testament to your faith.
What a chapter. God showed me verse 44 in Genesis 31.
44 Come now, let’s make a covenant, you and I, and let it serve as a witness between us.
God said to me on this:
“Relationships of all nature can be complex. It is in your human nature to try to navigate complexities. You’ll find that when both parties know Me and LISTEN to me, these complexities become wrinkles rather than mountains. Compromise with my blessing will always yield peace.”
It is never too late to do things right with God. Once we get over our worldly ego we can focus on God’s guidance.
God gave me a song in Genesis chapter 31
Praise
We praise you praise you. We are praising you our father. We are blessed blessed because of your Love and kindness you forgave our sins you give us grace and mercy because of you we have faith hope and kindness. We are blessed blessed. Sometimes we should ask and think before we react, showing others your love and kindness we praise you praise you we are praising you our Lord amen.
Our Lord loves us so much that he wants us to be able to sometimes think before we speak so we can consider others feelings. Thank you God.