Heavenhigh

The House of God!

# 38 2023 Dev. Ge. 35:1.The House of God! Read all of chapter thirty five first. We invite you into God’s space, to read His Word, to think on and interact with. This is God’s story. Do you believe that this may also be part of our story, in our time? All passages are taken from the NIV.

Ge. 35: “Then God said to Jacob. ‘Go up to Bethel and settle there, and build an alter to God, who appeared to you when you were fleeing from your brother Esau.’”

Ge.35 God, absent in Ch. 34, tells Jacob to go back to where he met God, at the place where he realized that God was with him. Now Jacob realized that he was completely dependent on God. His sons had committed a great atrocity, under normal circumstances the people around Shechem would have retaliated. But God intervened, “the terror of God fell on the towns all around them…”

Vs.1 God sends Jacob back to Bethel to build an alter and to reconnect with Him. Initially, Jacob’s commitment to God was conditional, “If God will be with me and will watch over me on this journey I am taking and will give me food to eat and clothes to wear so that I return safely to my father’s household, then the Lord will be my God”. In Jacobs second visit to Bethel there are no conditions. It is good for us as well to go back, in our minds, to the time we first realized that God was with us, when we made a commitment!

Vs.2-5 “So Jacob said to his household and all who were with him (I assume including their captives) “Get rid of the foreign gods you have with you, and purify yourselves and change your clothes…” They gave Jacob the pagan gods, and I assume Rachel’s household gods and all the gold rings in their ears, used as amulets in pagan societies at that time. Jacob’s initial commitment was conditional but on Jacob’s return to Bethel, Jacob wanted to consecrate his household and all the people with him. Although, Jacob’s sons had done a wicked thing, God did not allow Satan to wreck His plan of salvation.

Vs.6-8 Is a summary of Jacob’s return to (Luz) Bethel, he builds an alter and worshiped.

Vs.9-15 God appeared to Jacob, “I am God Almighty…” God renames Jacob; “you will no longer be called Jacob; your name will be Israel, (See note). God also gave Jacob the blessing and covenant with Abraham and Isaac; “be fruitful and increase in number. A nation and a community of nations will come from you, and kings will be among your descendants. The land I gave to Abraham and Isaac I also give to you, and I will give this land to your descendants after you.” This blessings and covenant mirrors the blessing on Adam and Eve, Ge. 1:17-30, reiterated after the flood, Ge. 9: 1-17. In Jesus Christ that blessing and covenant is extended to Christians today Eph.1: 3-16.

Vs.16-29 Jacob moves on from Bethel, heading for Mamre, where Isaac was, along the way, at Bethlehem, Rachel dies in child birth. Jacob moved on again near Migdal Eder, here Reuben defiles his fathers bed. With the birth of Benjamin the number of Jacob children are complete, twelve sons. Therefore, Jacob’s genealogy is included here. The chapter ends with Jacob coming home and with the death of Isaac. “ And his sons Esau and Jacob buried him.” Jacob traveled a very crooked path, yet God walked with him every step of the way. As Christians, through thick and thin, God walks with us. Amen and Amen!

Prudence and Diligence!

# 37 2023 Prov. 24:3-4. Prudence and Diligence! Read all of chapter twenty four first. We invite you into God’s space, to read His Word, to think on and interact with. This is God’s story! Do you believe that this is also our story, in our time? All passages are taken from the NIV.

Proverbs 24:3-4 “By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filed with rare and beautiful treasures.”

Proverbs 24 Continues with “Thirty Sayings of the Wise.” Introduced by; “Pay attention and turn your ear to the sayings of the wise; apply your heart to what I teach… So that your trust may be in the Lord… teaching you to be honest and speak the truth.” Saying twenty-one captures for us the result of prudence and diligence; “By wisdom a house is built,and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.”

Vs.1-2 Saying Twenty. “Do not envy the wicked, do not desire their company”. Ask God to show you the way of the righteous for the way of the wicked is celebrated in our culture!

Vs.3-4 Saying Twenty-one. “By wisdom a house is built…” This saying is a metaphor for righteous lives and stands in opposition to saying twenty. Saying Twenty-one: “rare and beautiful treasures” like love, forgiveness, joy and grace!

Vs.5-6 Saying Twenty-two. “The wise prevail through great power…” There is strength in knowledge and understanding, There is wisdom in seeking council and advice. Surround yourself with the Word of God!

V.7 Saying Twenty-three. “Wisdom is too high for fools; in the assembly at the gate”. What happened at the City gate in those days? Deliberation were held, court was held there and the market was there. In those environments today only wisdom survives, seek wisdom!

Vs.8-9 Saying Twenty-four. This saying hi lights saying 23: “Whoever plots evil will be known as a schemer.” Scheming and mocking is sin that is rejected by up standing society!

Vs.10-12 Saying Twenty-five. “If you falter in a time of trouble, how small is your strength!” This is a rhetorical saying referring to those dying by ignorance, to those staggering in addiction, drugs, drink, food and riches. We can say that all this is being ignored by government and many citizens. “Does not he who guards your life know it? Will he not repay everyone according to what they have done?” This is a call to action, in our personal lives and at the ballot box!

Vs.13-14 Saying Twenty-six. “Eat honey, my son, for it is good; honey from the comb is sweet to your taste.” Honey is a comfort food, here used as a metaphor for wisdom, “if you find it, there is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.” Make seeking wisdom a priority in your life, and live your life in everlasting hope!

Vs.15-16 Saying Twenty-seven. “Do not lurk like a thief… do not plunder the house of the righteous…” What follows is a comparison of God’s care for the righteous and the “calamity” awaiting the wicked!

Vs.17-18 Saying Twenty-eight. “Do not gloat when your enemy falls… do not let your heart rejoice…” We are reminded, “revenge is mine says the Lord.” And “love your enemies, do good to them.” Amen!

Vs.19-20 Saying Twenty-nine. “Do not fret because of evildoers…” there is no hope and no light (lamp) for the wicked. Common sense tells us that truth!

Vs.21-22 Saying Thirty. “Fear the Lord and the king, my son”, In other words, fear God and respect the government; they are here to restrain evil in the world. Run from evil and all sin!

Vs.23-34 Further Sayings of the Wise.

Don’t show partiality, do not call the guilty innocent, convict the guilty, give an honest answer, set your priorities straight, don’t be a false witness, do not seek revenge, do not be lazy, be diligent says the wise teacher. He/She has learned from experience and observation. “A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest— and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man.” Common-sense, hard to find today!

Dinah Defiled!

# 36 2023 Dev. Gen.34:1-2. Dinah Defiled! Read all of chapter thirty four first. We invite you into God’s space, to read His Word, to think on and interact with. This is God’s story. Do you believe that this may also be part of our story, in our time? All passages are taken from the NIV.

Gen.33:1-2 “Now Dinah, the daughter Leah had borne to Jacob, went out to visit the women of the land. 2 When Shechem son of Hamor the Hivite, the ruler of that area, saw her, he took her and raped her.”

Gen.34 Jacob, not willing to go to Seir to live with Esau, entered Canaan and stayed near Shechem. He bought land and Jacob built an alter there. This chapter is a sordid story. Take note that the word God is not in this chapter. Ch. 32 ends with God and Ch.34 starts with God. While rape is a despicable event, the self righteousness of Jacob’s sons and the greed of the Shechemites led to a horrible ending.

Vs.1-4 “Now Dinah, the daughter Leah had borne to Jacob, went out to visit the women of the land.” Jacob, settling so close to a strange pagan city, although small, was asking for trouble. Women had nothing to say in those days and what happened was predicable.

Vs.5-7 As it turned out Shechem fell in love with her, that changed everything for him and for the city, but it changed nothing for Jacob and his sons. “They were shocked and furious, because Shechem had done an outrageous thing in[a] Israel by sleeping with Jacob’s daughter—a thing that should not be done.”

Vs.8-12 “But Hamor said to them, ‘My son Shechem has his heart set on your daughter. Please give her to him as his wife.’” Hamor, the ruler of the area, suggested they become one people. What Jacob knew about God’s intentions for His family is not clear but mingling with the Canaanites was the absolute anathema to God.

Vs.13-23 “Because their sister Dinah had been defiled, Jacob’s sons replied deceitfully as they spoke to Shechem and his father Hamor.” Was Jacob aware of these negotiations? It is hard to think that he was not, but he was not aware of his son’s intentions. It does not appear that anyone asked Dinah what she wanted, yet she stayed at Shechem’s house for a week or so, perhaps forced to stay. The bothers used the sacred rite of circumcision (baptism today) to plunder the city. The winning argument for Shechem’s men for this arrangement was; “ Won’t their livestock, their property and all their other animals become ours? So let us agree to their terms, and they will settle among us.” The deception of both parties led to this atrocity.

Vs. 24-29 All the men of the place agreed and were circumcised. But two of Dinah’s brothers took up the sword and killed all the men at a time when they could not defend themselves and took Dinah out of Shechem house. Then all the son’s of Jacob totally plundered the city, they took everything they had and all the women and children. How they managed the logistics is hard to imagine. Perhaps it was a small group of people.

Vs.30-31 “Then Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, ‘You have brought trouble on me by making me obnoxious to the Canaanites and Perizzites, the people living in this land. We are few in number, and if they join forces against me and attack me, I and my household will be destroyed.’” “But they replied, ‘Should he have treated our sister like a prostitute?’”

God was going to keep Israel separate until such time they could be a nation in their own right. However, they must have integrated the women and children captives in some way. We do not hear about Dinah again or about the captives. Was Jacob willing to let Dinah go while he went on his way? I believe that was the case, he certainly did not condone what his son’s had planned. Even in this situation God is in control!

Open Hearts and Ears!

# 35 2023 Prov. 23:12. With Open Ears and Heart! Read all of chapter twenty three first. We invite you into God’s space, to read His Word, to think on and interact with. This is God’s story! Do you believe that this is also our story, in our time? All passages are taken from the NIV.

Proverbs 23:12 “Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge.”

Proverbs 23 Continues with “Thirty Sayings of the Wise.” Introduced by; “Pay attention and turn your ear to the sayings of the wise; apply your heart to what I teach… So that your trust may be in the Lord… teaching you to be honest and speak the truth…”How then should we live? How? With open ears and hearts.

Vs.1-3 Saying Seven. “When you sit to dine with a ruler, note well what, (who) is before you…” This is about a bribe in disguise.

Vs.4-5 Saying Eight. “Do not wear yourself out to get rich:” An African proverb: “Guests are our riches.” What matters to you? Money or relationships?

Vs.6-8 Saying Nine. “Do not eat the food of a begrudging host… who is always thinking about the cost.” It violates the norm of many cultures where eating together is the height of friendship. It is about genuine relationships!

V.9 Saying Ten. “Do not speak to fools, for they will scorn your prudent words.” Fools talk past each other, one does not know what the other is saying. In that case silence is golden!

Vs.10-11 Saying Eleven. “Do not move an ancient boundary stone…” is about the rule of law and protection for the disenfranchised!

V.12 Saying Twelve. “Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge.” The knowledge we hear and read must be allowed to settle in our hearts if our lives are to be changed!

V.s13-14 Saying Thirteen. “Do not withhold discipline from a child…” Children must be taught, stubborn children must be punished. The problems in our homes and in society is a lack of accountability!

Vs.15-16 Saying Fourteen. “My son, if your heart is wise…when your lips speak what is right.” both father and mother “will be glad indeed!”

Vs.17-18 Saying Fifteen. “Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord.” “The fear of the Lord is my strength” Ps 28:7

Vs.19-21 Saying Sixteen. “Listen my son, and be wise, and set your heart on the right path…” All things in moderation!

Vs. 22-25 Saying Seventeen. “Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.” May we all rejoice when we see families raising children in the way they should live; in the way of the Lord, in the way of wisdom, in taking responsibility for each other, respecting the law and a desire to serve the country. Restoring the family is the answer to our local and national problems!

Vs.26-28 Saying Eighteen. “My son, give me your heart and let your eyes delight in my ways…” Faithfulness in life and in marriage is in short supply today. This is a two way street, the problem is equally shared, men are unfaithful, selfish, self-absorbed and women are unfaithful, selfish and self-absorbed and they are a scourge to a righteous society and a poor example to all children. The answer: “give me your heart and let your eyes delight in my ways” God says to us!

Vs.29-35 Saying Nineteen. “Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaints? Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes? Those who linger over wine…” Too much wine, too much food, illicit sex and not enough God in our lives is destroying our lives and our country!

Reconciliation!

# 34 2023 Dev. Gen.33:4. Reconciliation! Read all of chapter thirty three first. We invite you into God’s space, to read His Word, to think on and interact with. This is God’s story. Do you believe that this may also be part of our story, in our time? All passages are taken from the NIV.

Gen.33:4 “But Esau ran to meet Jacob and embraced him; he threw his arms around his neck and kissed him. And they wept.”

Gen.33 Is about Esau coming to meet Jacob with his four hundred men, a small army. When Jacob heard he was coming he went into panic mode, dividing up his camp into two groups. When he actually saw them coming he again went into a defensive mode, dividing up his people. One could ask the question: where was his trust in God? Jacob had seen the angels of the Lord accompanying him on his way. God had blessed him at Peniel, God had physically wrestled with him. I think that it was not lack of faith, given the irresponsible life style of Esau that Jacob had experienced, he did not trust him, especially that Esau brought all of his men.

Vs.1-3 Jacob takes defensive actions. But Jacob “went on ahead and bowed down to the ground seven times as he approached his brother.” This was cultural at this time, bowing seven times in a row meant complete submission.

Vs.4-11 “But Esau ran to meet Jacob and embraced him…” To his credit, Esau wanted a peaceful reconciliation. That would mean Esau would except Jacob’s gift but he was reluctant to do so, “I already have plenty, my brother. Keep what you have for yourself.” But Jacob persisted on giving the gifts and Esau agreed to take them. Accepting the gift has a deeper meaning, this could be Jacob’s way of undoing his deception to get the blessing. In Hebrew the same word is used for a gift and for a blessing.

Vs.12-17 Esau wanted to travel together with Jacob but Jacob dissuaded him, nor did Jacob want any help from Esau’s men. I think Jacob could see that Esau’s life style would not be conducive to herding and then there was the promise of God; Jacob was to inherit the promise to Abraham and Isaac,: “ I will make you very fruitful; I will make nations of you, and kings will come from you. I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you for the generations to come, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you.” Gn 17:6-7

The promise is for us as well: “Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.’”(Acts 2:38,39)

Vs.18-20 Jacob had no intention of going to Seir, more than likely Esau was aware of it. Instead he enters the land of Canaan near Shechem . “There he set up an alter and called it El Elohe Israel.” (See note)

This a story about reconciliation, even after twenty years. God had blessed them both so that there would no contention between them over goods, God changed both Jacob and Esau perspective on life. God created the conditions for reconciliation. Trust and prayer! Is there someone you should reconcile with?

Children: a Gift From God!

# 33 2023 Prov. 22:6. Children: A Gift From God! Read all of chapter twenty two first. We invite you into God’s space, to read His Word, to think on and interact with. This is God’s story! Do you believe that this is also our story, in our time? All passages are taken from the NIV.

Proverbs 21:6 “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”

Proverbs 22, the first sixteen verses puts emphasis on personal conduct in God’s eyes using the two line couplet method. Verses seventeen – to twenty nine are six sayings of the wise.

Vs.1-5 “A good name is more desirable than riches…the rich and poor have this in common: The Lord God is the maker of them all.” There are those who are “prudent” those who are “simple.” “Humility is the fear of the Lord…” The “wicked” fall into “snares and pitfalls, stay far from them.” The words of the wise!

Vs.6-10 “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it. The rich rule over the poor…Whoever sows injustice reaps calamity…The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor. Drive out the mocker, and out goes strife; quarrels and insults are ended.” The words of the responsible!

Vs.11-16 “One who loves a pure heart and who speaks with grace will have the king for a friend. The eyes of the Lord keep over knowledge…” The lazy have no end of excuses not to work. The “adulterous woman is a deep pit,” one falls into it by”the Lord’s wrath. Folly is bound up in the heart of the child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far away.” Amen and Amen! “ One who oppresses the poor… and one who gives gifts to the rich-both come to poverty.” An appeal for Love and Grace!

Vs.17-29 are six of thirty sayings of the wise.

A Summary. Saying One: is an introduction and purpose. Keep these sayings in your heart, “So that your trust may be in the Lord… teaching you to be honest and to speak the truth… to those you serve?” It is about service!

Saying Two: “Do not exploit…do not crush the needy in court, for the Lord will take up their case and will exact life for life.” It is about fairness!

Saying Three: “Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person…or you may learn their ways…” It is about prudence!

Saying Four: “Do not be one who shakes hands in pledge…” Do not put yourself at risk!

Saying Five: “Do not move an ancient boundary stone set up by your ancestors.” Do not break the law!

Saying Six: “Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings…” Skilled workers are in high demand today. Develop your natural gifts and you will be gainfully employed. If you love your work it is not work!

God Our Provider!

# 32 2023 Dev. Gen.32:26. “Jireh” God Our Provider! Read all of chapter thirty two first. We invite you into God’s space, to read His Word, to think on and interact with. This is God’s story. Do you believe that this may also be part of our story, in our time? All passages are taken from the NIV.

Gen.32:26 “Then the man said, ‘Let me go, for it is daybreak.’But Jacob replied, ‘I will not let you go unless you bless me.’”

Gen.32 is about Jacob meeting his brother Esau, from whom he fled twenty years earlier. It is also about God interacting with Jacob in a physical way and Jacob acknowledging God as his Savior and Provider. Further, here Jacob prays the second recorded prayer during his Journey. God had been providing for Jacob since his birth but verified that at Jacob’s encounter with God at Bethel Gen. 28.

Vs.1-2 “Jacob also went on his way, and the angels of God met him.” God met Jacob at the start of his journey to Paddan Aram. And God meets him again on the beginning of his journey back to Beersheba. This is a metaphor for Christians, of God’s care for our lives on earth from the beginning of our lives to the day we reach heaven “Jehovah Jireh”.

Vs.3-6 Jacob sends messengers to Esau who decides to come and meet Jacob, accompanied by 400 men. We are not told what his intentions were, or if God intervened along the way as He did with Laban. We are left hanging so to speak as to what will happen and Jacob is in a panic.

Vs.7-21 “In great fear and distress Jacob divides the people who were with him into two groups, and the flocks and herds and camels as well.” His actions mimic the name of the place Jacob named, Mahanaim (two camps) when he saw God’s angels. Also, Jacob is moved to a long prayer, thanking God for His faithfulness and care for him, as well as reminding God of His promises to him. Even so, Jacob relies on his own devises to pacify Esau, sending elaborate gifts, with instruction to say “your servant Jacob” is coming behind us. Further he divided into two camps putting his family way back to try to keep them safe.

Vs. 22-31 After crossing every one, including wives and children and his livestock over the ford of Jabbok, “Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with till daybreak. When the man saw that he could not overpower him, he touched the socket of his hip so that the hip was wrenched as he wrestled with the man.” At this point Jacob knew this was not an ordinary man he was wrestling with. The man wanted Jacob to release him, “But Jacob replied, ‘I will not let you go unless you bless me.’” Jacob was blessed there and given the name Israel, which probably means he struggles with God. (See note)

At this point, after a life of struggling and scheming and trusting in his own devises, Jacob submits to God’s faithfulness, now trusting in God completely. Praise the Lord!

Is God’s wrestling with Jacob a metaphor of the struggles we have in our lives? Now, let’s think back over our own lives, when did we begin to understand God’s faithfulness and trust God completely? Have you reached that point? We pray that you have.

Righteousness and Love

# 31 2023 Prov. 21:21.Righteousness and Love! Read all of chapter twenty one first. We invite you into God’s space, to read His Word, to think on and interact with. This is God’s story! Do you believe that this is also our story, in our time? All passages are taken from the NIV.

Proverbs 21:21 “Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honer.

Proverbs 21 puts emphasis on personal conduct in God’s eyes. Up to now Proverbs are a series of two line couplets mostly of opposing ways of living. But starting in chapter 15 some couplets begin to compliment each, one line reinforcing the other. In this chapter we start to see two couplets supporting one subject (see vs.25,26).

Vs.1-3 The heart! “In the Lord’s hand the king’s heart… A person may think their own ways are right, but the Lord weighs the heart. To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.” Are our hearts in God’s hand?

Vs.4-8 Sin! “Haughty eyes and a proud heart…”. Haste compared to diligence. “A fortune made by a lying tongue… a deadly snare… for they refuse to do what is right. The way of the guilty is devious, but the conduct of the innocent is upright.” Are we leading innocent and upright lives?

Vs.9-15 Others! “Better to live on a corner of the roof than to share a house with a quarrelsome wife.” Or with a quarrelsome husband. “The wicked crave evil; their neighbors get no mercy from them”. Those punished gain wisdom and knowledge. “The righteous one” is the down fall of “the wicked… Whoever shuts their ears to the cry of the poor will also cry out and not be answered. A gift given in secret… a bribe concealed…” will not produce righteousness. “Justice… joy to the righteous… terror to evildoers.” Do we treat others better than ourselves, Phil. 2:2-4?

Vs.16-24 Personal actions! “Whoever strays from the path of prudence…” is in danger of death. “Whoever loves pleasure will become poor… The wicked become a ransom for the righteous” in God’s time. “Better to live in a desert…” The burden of a quarrelsome wife or husband is repeated here for emphasis. “The wise… and fools” are compared here, in relation to sustenance. “Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor.” The main theme of this chapter. “One who is wise can go up against…” what ever befalls them. “Those who guard their mouths…” avoid calamity. “The proud and arrogant person- ‘Mocker.’” How is our personal life and world view?

Vs. 25,26 One of The sayings of the wise! “The craving of a sluggard… his hand refuse to work… he craves for more, but the righteous give without sparing.”

Vs.27-31 Serving God! “The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable… A false witness will perish… The wicked put up a bold front, but the upright give thought to their ways. There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord. The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the Lord.” How is our daily worship?

God With Us!

# 30 2023 Dev. Gen.31:3. God with us! Read all of chapter thirty one first. We invite you into God’s space, to read His Word, to think on and interact with. This is God’s story. Do you believe that this may also be part of our story, in our time? All passages are taken from the NIV.

Gen.31:3 “Then the Lord said to Jacob, ‘Go back to the land of your fathers and to your relatives, and I will be with you.’”

Gen.31 In spite of Laban’s schemes Jacob continued to acquire more and more livestock. It became a bone of contention between them. Jacob had practiced divination with his pealed branches but an angel of the Lord came to him in a dream showing him that it was God controlling his well being. He also told him to go back to Canaan and that God would be with him.

Vs.1-13 Jacob realizes that he has lost favor with Laban. In a dream Jacob is told to return the land of Canaan. Now he has to convince his wives that it is time to leave. He relays to them the dream when the angel of the Lord shows him that God is in control and that it was God who blesses them.

Vs.14-21 “Then Rachel and Leah replied. ‘Not only has he sold us, but he used up what was paid for us (14 years of free labor by Jacob). Surely all the wealth that God took away from our father belong to us and our children. So do whatever God has told you.’” After all that it is surprising to see that “Rachel stole her father’s household gods.” I suppose she was struggling with what we sometimes struggle with when facing an uncertain situation, doubt. Since Laban was away Jacob took the opportunity to leave and not telling Laban. Jacob was also struggling with doubt.

Vs. 22-35 After pursuing Jacob for a week here is little doubt that Laban intended to take back what he perceived to be his, probably the flock if not his daughters. But God intervened and warned him “not to say anything good or bad” to Jacob. But Laban had an excuse to charge Jacob with theft, someone had taken his house hold gods. Jacob did not know Rachel had taken the gods, he made a foolish statement, the person who took the gods shall not live! Laban searched but Rachal deceived him and he did not find his gods.

Vs.36-42 “Jacob was angry and took Laban to task. ‘What is my crime? How have I wronged you that you hunt me down?’” Jacob then reminded Laban of how he had tried to cheat him. “If the God of my father, the God of Abraham and the Fear of Isaac, had not been with me, you would surely have sent me away empty – handed. But God has seen my hardship and the toil of my hands, and last night he rebuked you.”

This is what we see again and again in the experience of Jacob, God is with His people, God is with us in spite of our failures and our doubts. Praise be to God!

Vs.43-55 Laban responded “all you see is mine” But there is nothing I can do. “Come now, let’s make a covenant, you and I, and let it serve as a witness between us.” Finally, there is reconciliation between Laban and Jacob and now between two separate households.

Everything can be settled if both sided are humble and willing. Laban acknowledged God, “remember that God is a witness between you and me.”“So Jacob took an oath in the name of the Fear (God) of his father Isaac. He offered a sacrifice there in the hill country and invited his relatives to a meal…Early the next morning Laban kissed his grand children and his daughters and blessed them, Then he left and returned home.” A good ending to a bad situation, God is good!

A Productive and Peaceful Life!

# 29 2023 Dev. Prov.20:24. A Productive and Peaceful Life! Read all of chapter twenty first. We invite you into God’s space, to read His Word, to think on and interact with. This is God’s story! Do you believe that this is also our story, in our time? All passages are taken from the NIV.

Proverbs 20:24 “A persons’s steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand their own way?”

Proverbs 20 puts emphasis on personal conduct in society, in business and in personal work. By now we know that Proverbs are a series of couplets about the way God wants us to live. Proverbs is about a way of being and a way of becoming. Christians acknowledge that we all fall short of God’s direction for our lives but those who strive to be faithful will have a productive peaceful life.

Vs.1-9 Wine and beer, all things in moderation, “a king’s wrath strikes terror… avoid strife”… do your work in season, know your heart, “unfailing love… who can find? The righteous lead blameless lives; blessed are their children after them. When a king sits on the throne to judge…Who can say. ‘I have kept my heart pure; I am clean and without sin’”? No human being is able to say that but Jesus Christ, the God Man, is the one worthy, we believe on him for our acceptance before God. Amen!

Vs.10-19 “Differing weights and differing measures the Lord detests… Small children… is their conduct really pure…?” The answer is no! “Ears that hear and eyes that see – the Lord has made them both. Love sleep… grow poor; stay awake…food to spare.” Deceiving buyers and sellers is not to boast about. “Gold there is, and rubies in abundance but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel.” Amen! Be careful to “put up security for a stranger… Food gained by fraud tastes sweet, but one ends up with a mouthful of gravel. Plans are established by seeking advice… obtain guidance… avoid anyone who talks too much.” These verses cover much of life and is a word to the foolish and the wise.

Vs.20-25 “Curses(ing) father or mother, their lamp will be snuffed out… An inheritance claimed to soon will not be blessed… Do not say, ‘I’ll pay you back for this wrong!’ Wait for the Lord… The Lord detests differing weights…” Repeated here for emphasis, truly a scourge to business and an abomination to God. “A person’s steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand their own way. It is a trap to dedicate something rashly and only later to considers one’s vows.” Trusting God for your life is the beginning of understanding His ways.

Vs.26-30 “A wise king winnows out the wicked… The human spirit is (a person’s words are) the lamp of the Lord that sheds light on one’s inmost being.” The Holy Spirit is the author of all life. “Love and faithfulness keeps a king safe…” Those who practice Love and faithfulness keeps us all safe. “The glory of young men is their strength, gray hair the splendor of the old. Blows and wounds scrub away evil…” The lack of consequences has increased evil and misery in our land, let the voter be aware. Let Christians pray for God to bring a change of leadership and a change of direction in our land. Amen and amen!