Series Introduction:

Last week, we delved into the life of Jacob, discovering a story of intricate family dynamics, envy, disloyalty, and divine intervention. As we accompanied Jacob and his loved ones, we observed their struggles, the disputes that arose, and the tribulations that challenged their faith. However, amidst all the obstacles, our God's infinite mercy continued to work in their lives.

Now, as we continue in our journey through the life of Jacob, we encounter another turning point. Although God had blessed Jacob, the animosity among Laban's sons made it evident that it was no longer secure for Jacob to remain in Haran. Consequently, God instructed Jacob to depart from Laban's household.

Scripture Reading: 

Genesis 31:1-55 (ESV)

Opening Prayer:

Heavenly Father, as we gather today, we thank you for Your Word. We acknowledge that, like Jacob, we may face obstacles and persecution on our journey, but grant us the strength to stand firm and trust in your guidance. Teach us to resolve conflicts in a godly manner, extending forgiveness and seeking peace. May we always testify to Your goodness and faithfulness in our lives, giving You the honor and glory You deserve. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Introduction: 

At the beginning of our passage this morning, we see Jacob's faith journey hit a rough patch. About six years earlier, having labored fourteen years for Rachel's hand in marriage, Jacob strongly desired to return to his homeland. However, Laban tried to keep him from leaving by offering him a full partnership in his estate. Jacob wanted to return to the promised land, but Laban's offer seemed like a chance for financial security and independence. So, Jacob settled for a lesser partnership. He worked for Laban in exchange for all the newly born spotted livestock from Laban's solid-colored animals. God intervened in Jacob's favor, causing the offspring to come out spotted. However, when Laban realized that God was causing the livestock to come out spotted, he changed the deal to get spotted livestock. However, God stepped in again, and the offspring suddenly returned to solid-colored. In this, God blessed Jacob despite Laban's attempt to trick and manipulate him for profit. 

God's blessings on Jacob's livestock testify to God's ability to provide for His Children, even amidst the most formidable challenges. As the Apostle Paul wrote to the church in Phillipi:

 "And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:19, ESV.

Just as God upheld Jacob through Laban's unfair business practices, so does He promise to fulfill His children's every need. God greatly blessed Jacob during those six years, making him incredibly prosperous and wealthy. Laban's sons, however, started grumbling about Jacob's newfound wealth, accusing him of stealing their father's livestock. The text says, "And Jacob saw that Laban did not regard him with favor as before" (Genesis 31:2). Those words from his sons messed with Laban's head, causing him to forget what he had said earlier to Jacob, "the Lord has blessed me because of you" (Genesis 30:27b). Initially, Laban had been grateful to God for Jacob's presence, which had brought prosperity. But now, influenced by his sons, envy took over. Seeing Jacob's good fortune made Laban less inclined to treat him kindly. As Laban's frustration grew, Jacob sensed the impending threat to his life and the wellbeing of his family.

Coming Home:

Amidst these challenges, Jacob receives a divine message from God, who said, "Return to the land of your fathers and to your kindred, and I will be with you" (Genesis 31:3). The One who had been watching over him all this time, helping his descendants thrive, would continue to be with him during his journey home. 

Jacob's strong desire to return to his homeland, Canaan, after years with Laban, resonates with the innate longing in the human heart for a place of genuine belonging and fulfillment. Much like Jacob, who saw Canaan as his true home, we, as Christians, recognize that this imperfect world is not our final dwelling place. In Hebrews 11:13-16, believers are described as "strangers and pilgrims on the earth," underscoring our understanding that this world is but a temporary residence. We, like Jacob, set our hearts on a "better, that is, a heavenly country," allowing this heavenly perspective to shape our identity and priorities, just as Jacob's commitment to returning to Canaan guided his actions and decisions.

Still, the Christian faith journey is not merely about changing physical locations. Christianity is about more than just going to a place called Heaven someday. Instead, it is about pursuing an eternal relationship with God. Heaven represents the fulfillment of God's promises, eternal communion with Him, and the inheritance of all the blessings God has lovingly prepared for His children. It is crucial to remember that our focus should be less on the physical location of our eternal residency and more on our everlasting relationship with our Heavenly Father.

Heaven is only Heaven because God is there in the fullness of His glory. In Heaven, we can dwell with Him forever, free from the burden of sin, the weight of shame, and the trials and suffering we experience in this earthly existence. Our deepest longing is not solely for a place but for an eternal and intimate relationship with our Creator and King.

Leaving the household of Laban was a consequential decision for Jacob. He knew his departure could provoke Laban's anger and possibly even trigger an armed pursuit. Moreover, Jacob carried the weight of past transgressions in his heart. He could not forget his deceitful actions against his brother Esau years earlier when he cunningly obtained his birthright and blessing. This deception had left a deep scar on their relationship, and Jacob was understandably anxious about the possibility of Esau seeking revenge as he returned to Canaan. The last time he saw Esau, his older and stronger brother had vowed to take his life. The thought of confronting his brother loomed like a dark cloud over his journey.

Amidst these daunting fears and anxieties, Jacob found solace and strength in the unwavering promise of God. God assured him with a simple yet profound promise: "I will be with you" (Genesis 31:3, ESV). With these words, God conveyed His presence and protection, assuring Jacob that he would not face these challenges alone. This promise signified God's commitment to stand by Jacob, to guide him, and to shield him from harm. Facing the fear of Laban's wrath and Esau's vengeance, Jacob could take refuge in the certainty that God would accompany him on his journey.

Jacob's story is a powerful reminder that we can find strength and comfort in God's promises, even in the face of uncertainty and adversity. Just as Jacob faced danger and anxiety, we may also encounter challenges in our journeys. However, we can have faith that the same God who supported Jacob will also be with us. His reassurance, "I will be with you," echoes through time, providing a reliable source of comfort and courage to all of God's children as we navigate our life's journey.

The Lord's Promise:

There are some valuable lessons to learn from what the Lord told Jacob in the dream that he recounted to his wives.

"I have seen all that Laban is doing to you. I am the God of Bethel, where you anointed a pillar and made a vow to me. Now arise, go out from this land and return to the land of your kindred.'" - Genesis 31:12b-13, ESV. 

It is clear that God empathizes with Jacob's struggles when He says, "I have seen all that Laban is doing to you." This passage demonstrates that God is invested in Jacob's well-being and is always attentive to his needs, just as God is always attentive to our own needs and challenges. God does not lack awareness of our circumstances, and He is always ready to step in and help us when we need it. 

God declares, "I am the God of Bethel," invoking Jacob's vision of that celestial ladder when he was alone in the wilderness with nothing but walking stick and the clothes on his back. In that moment, we are drawn into a spiritual realm where the divine and the human intersect. This connection isn't just a distant acknowledgment of our pain; it's a profound empathetic gesture from our Heavenly Father, revealing His compassion and love.

This divine connection finds its ultimate expression in the person of our Lord Jesus Christ, the heavenly ladder that Bethel foreshadowed. Imagine a ladder originating in Heaven itself, descending to touch the very earth we walk on. The Heavenly ladder of Bethel led to a humble town called Bethlehem, where the Savior of all humanity was born, and the Son of God took on human form.

In Christ, we encounter someone who is not only equal to God in every way, but also possesses limitless power, wisdom, dignity, holiness, and every glorious attribute of divinity. He is the One whom even the angelic host reveres and worships. Yet, He is also truly a man, born of a woman, who walked this earth, felt our pain, and bore our sins.

The lower rungs of this divine ladder reach down to humanity, allowing us to touch the very grace and mercy of God through Jesus Christ. He comprehends our struggles because He walked among us. He experienced our pain because He hung on a cross for our sins. He understands our longing for connection with God because He is the bridge that leads us to the Father.

But it doesn't stop there! The upper part of this divine ladder extends all the way to the very presence of God Himself. Our Savior, Jesus Christ, is the mediator, bridging the gap between Heaven and Earth, granting us access to the heavenly realms. In Him, we find an advocate who stands before the Father, interceding on our behalf and bridging the seemingly insurmountable gap between our earthly existence and the glorious presence of God.

As the old hymn declares, 

When I fear my faith will fail, Christ will hold me fast;

 When the tempter would prevail, He will hold me fast.

 I could never keep my hold through life's fearful path;

 For my love is often cold; He must hold me fast.

 He will hold me fast, He will hold me fast;

 For my Saviour loves me so, He will hold me fast.

 Those He saves are His delight, Christ will hold me fast;

 Precious in his holy sight, He will hold me fast.

 He'll not let my soul be lost; His promises shall last;

 Bought by Him at such a cost, He will hold me fast.

• Keith & Kristyn Getty, "He Will Hold Me Fast" 

Secret Idols

It seems that all is falling into place, however, in verse 19 we come across an obstacle in this journey of faith. We find out that Rachel stole her dad's household idols. Why would she do this? Perhaps a part of her still clung to the religious beliefs of her childhood. Another possibility is that these idols might have been linked to her dad's inheritance. Ancient records from Nuzi, uncovered back in 1930, show that certain household deities were tied to a person's inheritance, so owning these deities would prove someone as the principal inheritor of a man's property. It seems that Rachel and Leah were both upset that Laban had squandered their inheritance, which Jacob should have inherited:  

Then Rachel and Leah answered and said to him, "Is there any portion or inheritance left to us in our father's house? Are we not regarded by him as foreigners? For he has sold us, and he has indeed devoured our money. All the wealth that God has taken away from our father belongs to us and to our children. Now then, whatever God has said to you, do." - Genesis 31:14-16

Did Rachel plan to give these idols to Jacob later, using them as proof of his rightful ownership of the herds he'd earned while working for Laban?

Rachel's choice to steal the household idols is still a mystery. However, it's important to remember that Jacob had taught his family about the existence of the one true living God. Rachel knew well about the supremacy of the living God and should have realized that taking those idols was wrong. Regardless of her justifications, Rachel's theft was a sin and a significant obstacle to their journey of faith.

As we examine her actions and speculate about the underlying reasons behind them, we can uncover some connections to the struggles that Christians may face today, often unknowingly clinging to secret idols in their hearts.

Imagine Rachel, holding onto these household idols from her past, perhaps out of sentimentality or fear. Just as Rachel clung to these idols, some believers today may still harbor hidden attachments that subtly compete with their devotion to the one true God. It's like a battle that rages beneath the surface of our hearts, and the battleground is often crowded with various contenders.

One such contender is materialism, the insidious temptation to prioritize the accumulation of wealth and possessions while we neglect our spiritual growth. It can be so easy to fall into the trap of measuring our worth by the size of our bank accounts or the possessions we accumulate. Yet, the pursuit of material wealth can become an idol that distracts us from the deep, soul-nourishing relationship with God that we should be seeking.

Consider also the relentless quest for success or fame. In a world that often values accolades and recognition, it's all too common for the pursuit of success or fame to take the place of God in one's heart. We become consumed by the desire to climb the corporate ladder, gain a massive following on social media, or earn the approval of others. These pursuits, though not inherently wrong, can become idols when they eclipse our devotion to God.

So, what do we learn from Rachel's story and the hidden idols that might lurk in our hearts today? We must recognize the importance of consistently evaluating our hearts. We must be vigilant in our self-examination, asking ourselves tough questions. Are there things in our lives that we prioritize over our devotion to God? Are there hidden attachments, like Rachel's household idols, that we need to let go of in order to fully surrender to God's will? Breaking free from these hidden idols requires intentional effort. It demands a daily commitment to seeking God's kingdom first and foremost. It means placing our trust in the one true God, who alone can satisfy the deepest longings of our hearts.

God's Intervention

Now, while all this was happening, Laban had left home to take care of his sheep, and his flocks were about three days away. So, it took one of Laban's household servants at least three days to reach him and tell him that Jacob had sneaked away with his family. Laban ditched his shearing operation, grabbed some weapons, gathered his family and workers, and started chasing after Jacob. His goal was clear: to get back the herds from Jacob, even if he had to use force. 

Laban spent a whole week trying to catch up with Jacob, and he eventually came upon Jacob's caravan at Mt. Gilead. Fortunately for Jacob, it was late in the evening when Laban came upon the camp, and his people needed rest. They set up camp away from Jacob and planned to approach him the next day. This could have turned ugly for Jacob, but here's where God stepped in. When God saw that Laban was gearing up to confront Jacob, He sent a warning. God gave Laban a message in a dream that night, telling him not to harm Jacob or force him return to Haran. Laban's rage was defused, and he was forbidden to take back what rightfully belonged to Jacob.

Here, we see a powerful example of how God often works behind the scenes to protect us in ways we might never see or know. Just when it appeared that Jacob was about to face the full force of Laban's wrath, God intervened. In our own lives, we may encounter situations where it seems like everything is stacked against us, where danger lurks just around the corner, and where we are unaware of all the hidden threats. But just like in Jacob's story, God often watches over us, protecting us in ways we cannot see or comprehend. He can change the hearts and minds of those who might wish us harm, redirect our circumstances, or send people and opportunities our way that serves as a shield against adversity. We may not always see His hand at work, but stories like Jacob's remind us that God's protection is real and His ways are beyond our understanding. How many times has the hand of God protected you, and you never knew it?

Airing Grievances and Hiding Idols

As the sun began to rise, Laban and his heavily armed posse arrived at Jacob's camp, a sight that surely sent shivers down the spines of Jacob and his people. Laban then began to air his grievances against Jacob. He accused Jacob of deceit, alleging he had fled secretly and taken Laban's daughters with him as if they were captives. He lamented that he was not allowed to bid farewell to his daughters and grandchildren, and Laban expressed his disappointment that he was robbed of the chance to celebrate Jacob's departure with a going away party. His reaction, although stern, was that of a deeply wronged parent and grandparent who felt that Jacob had deprived him of a cherished tradition. Laban boasted about his power to harm Jacob, but then surprised him by sharing God's appearance and warning against harming or hindering Jacob in any way.

As strange as it is to say, Laban has a point. It would have been wiser for Jacob to have approached Laban directly and relied on his faith in God's promise to protect him. Unfortunately, Jacob's mistrust in God's protection and provision drove him to rely once again on deception and trickery, leading to a highly charged situation that almost escalated into a violent confrontation. Jacob had spent twenty years with Laban, initially working as a laborer for fourteen years and later as a sort of business partner for six years. He had married Laban's two daughters, resulting in the birth of twelve children. Jacob had a considerable concern that Laban might try to stop him from leaving, possibly taking his family and possessions by force. But in the midst of these circumstances, where was Jacob's trust in God? Did Jacob really believe that God going to abandon Jacob at this crucial moment in his life?

Jacob's departure from Laban should have been approached with godly wisdom and honor. As a son-in-law and business partner, he had an opportunity to handle the situation firmly yet honorably. He could have addressed any unfounded accusations and suspicions, shared his testimony for the LORD, settled all financial matters, and ultimately relied on God to handle the situation. However, Jacob didn't take this route.

Instead, he chose secrecy and abrupt departure. He left without allowing Laban to say goodbye to his own daughters and grandchildren. Jacob was aware that this might be the last time Laban would ever see his family, and his departure was shrouded in secrecy. It was driven by fear and a lack of trust in God's ability to resolve matters between him and Laban.

Now, let's be clear—Laban wasn't without fault in his dealings with Jacob and his daughters. But as the saying goes, "Two wrongs don't make a right." Jacob's response should have been rooted in godly principles, not driven by fear or the desire to settle scores. It's a lesson for us all.

We must never allow our fear of someone or our circumstances to lead us into wrongdoing. Instead, we should always trust in God and let our faith in Him guide our actions. As believers, we are called to walk in faith, not fear. We are called to trust in God's wisdom and timing, even when faced with difficult situations and challenging individuals. 

Laban, not one to hold back, laid a grave accusation at Jacob's feet—the theft of his cherished household gods. Jacob admitted to his sudden and secretive departure but vehemently denied any involvement in the theft. In fact, he went as far as pronouncing a death sentence on anyone among his people who had taken Laban's idols. Little did Jacob know that his words were unwittingly putting the life of his beloved wife, Rachel, in grave danger, for she was the one who had secretly taken them.

Laban launched an exhaustive search, inspecting every tent within the caravan. Despite his thorough efforts, Laban's frustration mounted as he found nothing. The gods he worshipped were powerless to reveal themselves. But the story took an unexpected turn when he turned his attention to Rachel's camel saddle as a last resort. In a humorous twist of fate, Rachel explained that she couldn't stand in Laban's presence because she felt unwell due to her menstrual period. This is a powerful reminder of the helplessness of Laban's gods. 

Frustrated and defeated, Laban conducted yet another fruitless search of Rachel's tent, unable to find any trace of the elusive idols. Despite his best efforts, he was forced to concede defeat and leave the tent empty-handed. This account underscores the sovereignty of our one true God over the supposed deities of this world. It reveals how, even in the midst of tension and fear, God's divine plan is at work, often with a touch of humor and irony. And it reminds us that, ultimately, no man-made idol can match the power and wisdom of our Creator.

Resolving Conflict the Right Way 

As we conclude our message, we find Jacob finally taking the steps he should have taken all along. It's a moment that teaches us valuable lessons about defending our faith and confronting injustice with unwavering courage.

First, Jacob stands firm in the face of allegations of wrongdoing. In a world where people may slander and misrepresent us because of our faith, we need not cower in silence. Just as Jacob didn't shy away from setting the record straight, we too have the responsibility to speak up. Not for our own honor, but for the honor and glory of Christ, whom we represent. As Christians, we should readily admit our faults and seek forgiveness when we err. However, we must also refuse to let the world needlessly slander Christ or His church.

After defending himself, Jacob boldly calls out the years of injustice he endured as a shepherd and son-in-law. It's a powerful reminder that while forgiveness and turning the other cheek are vital principles in our faith, we are not called to turn a blind eye to injustice or abuse. It's not right to allow mistreatment to persist when we have the power to stop it. Moreover, it's not a loving act toward the person perpetrating the abuse, as it enables them to continue in their sin unchallenged.

As Christians, our ultimate desire is for all sinners to come to repentance. But how can we accomplish that noble goal if we continually allow people to sin against us or others without speaking up? We must summon the courage to confront injustice, to shed light on the darkness, and to lovingly challenge those who wrong us. It's a challenging path, but it's one paved with the hope of redemption and reconciliation.

May we be unwavering in our commitment to represent Christ honorably, setting the record straight when necessary and bravely confronting injustice when it rears its ugly head. Our faith calls us not only to love, forgive, and turn the other cheek but also to seek justice and extend the opportunity for repentance to all.

Conclusion: 

As we conclude our sermon this morning, we see the threads of God's faithfulness and providence woven throughout Jacob's life. Just as God protected and guided Jacob, even in the face of adversity and uncertainty, so too does He extend His unwavering presence and care to us today. The story of Jacob's departure from Laban serves as a powerful reminder that our faith journey is not about escaping trials or challenges but rather navigating them with trust in God's promises. In Christ, we have the ultimate assurance of salvation and a heavenly homeland far surpassing any earthly destination. We are called to respond by placing our faith in Jesus, who is the way, the truth, and the life, and by surrendering our hidden idols to the one true God. Let us embrace the courage to confront injustice, defend our faith, and seek reconciliation, all while trusting that God's promises remain unshakable. As we embark on our own faith journey, may we echo the words of Jacob, "I will be with you," knowing that our Heavenly Father is ever-present and that our ultimate home is secured in His grace.

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we come before you with gratitude for the wisdom found in your Word. We're reminded of the need to prioritize our relationship with you for lasting fulfillment, even in the face of obstacles and persecution. Help us trust in your unwavering presence and guidance. Grant us the wisdom to handle conflicts with grace and forgiveness, reflecting your love. As we worship you, we offer our sacrifices of praise, recognizing your faithfulness and protection. May our lives be a testimony to your grace. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.