Whose way will you follow? Abraham or Jacob?

Jacob ran for his life after deceiving his father and brother. His mother was his aid in this act. She planned it all and saw it went through. Genesis 27:43-44, ⁴³ Now then, my son, do what I say: Flee at once to my brother Laban in Harran. ⁴⁴ Stay with him for a while until your brother’s fury subsides. Following the instructions of his mother, Jacob sought refuge in the house of Laban. For twenty long years, Jacob worked like a slave in his maternal uncle Laban’s house. Laban deceived Jacob ten times. Jacob married both the daughters of Laban, Rachel and Leah. Jacob understood that Laban and his sons did not think favorably of him.

Jacob was not forgotten by the Lord of his forefathers. Genesis: 31:3, ³ Then the Lord said to Jacob, “Go back to the land of your fathers and to your relatives, and I will be with you.” Yahweh asked Jacob to return to his land. When Jacob had fled from his brother Esau, the Lord has promised that He will never abandon Jacob. Genesis 28:15,¹⁵ I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” When Jacob was in the house of Laban we do not read about him maintaining the relationship with the Lord. Jacob was preoccupied in gathering material wealth. Jacob had two wives, several children, servants, herds of animals, etc. But it must be noticed he was bankrupt spiritually.

Jacob was yet again in the midst of troubles. He was about to meet his brother whom he had deceived twice. Here too we see the cunning brain of Jacob come to the forefront. He tried to bribe his way by sending several gifts and presents to his own brother. He divided his wealth and belonging into two parts. He though that if he lose one part atleast he will be left with the other half. Jacob sent all his possessions across the ford and was alone himself. Genesis 32: 23-24, ²³ After he had sent them across the stream, he sent over all his possessions. ²⁴ So Jacob was left alone,…When Jacob was left alone he wrestled with an angel of the Lord till daybreak. Seeing that Jacob could not be overpowered the angel touched the socket of Jacob’s hip and Jacob lost. But not before he sought blessing. Genesis 32:26, ²⁶ Then the man said, “Let me go, for it is daybreak.” But Jacob replied, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” It was time when Jacob was left all alone. The angel blessed him and he was renamed Israel. Genesis: 32:28, ²⁸ Then the man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome.” This must be noticed and given prime importance. Dear children of God, pay attention that when Jacob was lonely, Lord was the only refuge and succour. All the fears of Jacob were unnecessary as all that he feared never came to be. Esau on meeting Jacob after 20 years hugged his brother and wept. Revenge and hate all were wiped away by the tears.

Dear brothers and sister, think what did Jacob gain after deceiving his father and brother. For what did he get into squabble with Laban and his sons, and work as a slave for his own uncle?? Upon returning to his own land can you imagine the thoughts and feelings that he experienced?? Fear, uncertainty, sorrow, doubts about the future, how will he be received at his home, etc????

Genesis 12:1, The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. Here we read that our forefather Abraham was called out by the Lord to go the land He will show. Abraham left everything behind to follow the Lord. Lot too went along with Abraham. When their servants got into a fight, Abraham decided to part ways for the betterment of both the groups. Abraham gave the deciding power to Lot as to which land he will have. Lot lifted his head and seeing the beautiful land near Jordan river he decided to go to that land. Abraham got the wilderness of Canaan. The Lord blessed Abraham with abundance. The land Lot chose was full of wickedness and sin. Genesis 13:13, ¹³ Now the people of Sodom were wicked and were sinning greatly against the Lord. Lord decided to destroy Sodom-Gomorrah owing to its sinful ways. When the Lord decided to destroy the city He thought of Abraham, and decided to save his brother’s son Lot and his family. Lot had to flee the city his wife and two daughters leaving all their possessions behind. They had been strictly told not to turn to look back. But Lot’s wife turned back to look and was turned into a salt pillar.

Dear children of God, there are several Jacobs and Lots among us. No matter how they see and hear, their hunger for wealth and authority does not subside. Today’s world is one which is filled with lust for earthly wealth and pleasure. the reason is simple. Today the means to satisfy this hunger and lust are innumerable. What has it lead us to??? We are incapable of loving and respecting each other in our families. Those with children in their old age are left at the mercy of the servants and helpers. The children are long gone to seek their wealth. The others are sent into old age homes, cages for old people. Today only those who are equal in wealth and status are accepted in the family. Or else own siblings are humiliated and insulted. What do we expect from the coming generation who are growing seeing and hearing this consumeristic attitude???? All the siblings in the families need to ponder and reflect here. What example are we giving to the next generation?? The way that Jacob followed must be a lesson before us. Father Abraham must be the ideal that we live our lives.

Proverbs 15:16, ¹⁶ Better a little with the fear of the Lord
    than great wealth with turmoil.

Proverbs 22:1, A good name is more desirable than great riches;
    to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.