GENESIS 30:25-31:55
Genesis 31:1 Jacob heard that Laban’s sons were saying, “Jacob has taken everything our father owned and has gained all this wealth from what belonged to our father.” 2 And Jacob noticed that Laban’s attitude toward him was not what it had been.
Jacob was treated poorly by his uncle Laban and now he hears about accusations that could bring hostility against him. I imagine that he would have love to decide on his own that it was time to go many times before this. God had promised to be with him while he was there. Even though it was hard to live there he was greatly blessed. God provided an abundance of blessing in his life. When we are dealing with difficult things especially when we know we are doing what God would have us do we can be tempted to focus on the trouble and want to leave or quit what it is. It can help to look at the blessings. When we are obedient to God we will have blessing even in the difficulties. Don't let the desire to be stress free tempt you to turn from what God has called you to, or to try to make something happen before it is time.
Genesis 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.”
But finally after 20 years God tells Him to go back home. I would be happy to leave but I think I would also be a little sad. God had told him that He would stay with Jacob until he returns home. Knowing that now is the time to return also means that God will not be "with" him all the time as he has been. Also there is some fear because he has to go back and face his brother. Either way when God says it's time to go our response should be to go.
Genesis 31:24 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.”
God is still protecting Jacob. He is also showing his favor for Jacob to his uncle in direct communication not just indirectly by blessing him and giving Jacob much of his stock.
Genesis 31:55 Early the next morning Laban kissed his grandchildren and his daughters and blessed them. Then he left and returned home.
20 yrs of blessing!
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