God's Touchpoints - An Old Testament JourneySample

CLINGING FAITH

It was Jacob, who became Israel and fathered/grandfathered children who represent the tribes of Israel. Though he comes out as deceptive in his early years, Jacob is clear about his fundamentals. He knew:

• What to fight for: His priorities were clear. Though cheated by Laban several times, he doesn’t retaliate. He makes the most of what he can out of the situation and God supports him. It is the spiritual wealth that he craves and chases after as he:
o Fights for the birthright (25:31,32)
o Fights for the blessing (of father) (27)
o Fights for the blessing (of God) (32:26) – the original fight was initiated by “the angel of the Lord”, who appears to be Jesus. He fights till he is forced to injure him and Jacob finally gives in, and gets blessed with a new identity – Israel, God’s chosen nation.
God is constantly striving with us and sometimes has to hurt us in order that we can enjoy His blessings.

• When to make peace:
o With Laban (31:41-55), his tumultuous experiences culminates with a covenant in his final encounter soon after leaving.
o With Esau (Gen 33), the first thought on returning is to give Esau the cream of his crop to bring reconciliation.
• Who to cling to: Jacob clings to God; seeks his presence and blessing. (Gen 32:22-32)
• Where he belongs: He flees from Canaan but returns to the land of his legacy. Gen 31: 3. As an old man, when he leaves for Egypt he insists that his bones are buried in the promised land. (Gen 49:29).
• How to maintain his legacy: He imbibes strong faith in his children. We see that Joseph maintains his faith in Egypt, after being snatched away at a young age.
It is notable that Jacob falls into the same pit of favoritism as his father putting Joseph’s life in jeopardy. We see again that positives and negatives cascade down generations.
• Why he was working: For the woman he loved - In line with his mother’s desire to marry within the community (Gen 28:6,7). “His purpose drove him and made his long years appear short” (Gen 29:20)

What do we fight for?
When do we make peace?
Who do we cling to?
Where do we belong?
How do we maintain legacy?
Why do we work?