26_Following God’s guidance

Gen 31:1-3 Now Jacob heard the words of Laban’s sons, saying, “Jacob has taken away all that was our father’s, and from what belonged to our father he has made all this wealth.” 2 And Jacob saw the attitude of Laban, and behold, it was not friendly toward him as it had been before. 3 Then the Lord said to Jacob, “Return to the land of your fathers and to your relatives, and I will be with you.”

In a small coastal town, there was a lighthouse keeper whose responsibility it was to keep the light shining. This light was essential to guide sailors safely to shore. One stormy night, an exhausted sailor fought to keep his boat off the rocks. He knew he was somewhere near the harbour. But he could see nothing in the wind and darkness. In desperation, he prayed for help. What was his joy when he saw a steady beam of light piercing the torrential rain and thick darkness ahead of him! Now he knew where he was and what he had to do. With newfound hope, he followed the golden glow of the lighthouse lamp and reached the harbor safely.

Like that lighthouse, the people of God are chosen to be the light of the world. We are called to reflect the light of God’s holiness into the turbulent world around. Genesis 30 continues the story of Jacob, a man like us. Despite trials and uncertainties, he heeded God’s call and experienced His faithfulness.

Jacob’s life in Padan-Aram with his uncle Laban was marked by hard labor and constant attempts to cheat him out of his wages. But it was above all marked by divine blessing. It served as a season of discipline and refining. Though he endured the consequences of his deceitful actions, he also experienced God’s grace in abundance.

Over two decades, Jacob endured grueling work as he cared for Laban’s flocks. He described it, saying, “By day the heat consumed me, and the frost by night, and my sleep fled from my eyes.”

However, these 20 years saw Jacob’s marriage to Leah and Rachel. He fathered eleven children, and accumulated considerable wealth in livestock through the blessing of God. However, this roused the envy of Laban’s sons. They accused Jacob of gaining riches at their father’s expense.

The animosity turned Jacob’s thoughts towards leaving Padanaram for his homeland. In this tense and hostile environment, God spoke again. God clearly instructed him to return, and reaffirmed that he would be with him. Jacob now knew from experience that God was not the God of Canaan or of Bethel only, but the God of the whole earth. Further confirmation of this direction came from the ready agreement of his wives with his plan, even though it meant leaving the place of their nativity for ever. Jacob prepared to leave, obedient to the command. Following God’s guidance often means making uncomfortable decisions despite our fears.

Jacob’s journey was not without challenges. Leaving Padan-Aram required immense courage. He faced fears that resonate with many of us in similar situations. There was the fear of leaving a familiar and comfortable life. Though Jacob was flourishing materially, it didn’t mean he was to remain in that place. Comfort should never be mistaken for confirmation of God’s will. Then there was the fear of family discord. Jacob’s wives, children, and servants had only known life in Padan-Aram. They had never seen the land of Canaan or met Jacob’s father, Isaac. Yet Jacob trusted that things would go well in the new setting since God was with him.

The journey itself was daunting. Traveling with a large household and extensive livestock through rough terrain was demanding. Physical difficulties abounded. Jacob also knew that Laban might try to stop him. He would not let the wealth and people with Jacob pass out of his reach unchallenged. Still, Jacob placed his faith in God, whatever his fears.

Needless to say, God honored his faith and protected him. Laban pursued Jacob, intending to confront him. But his hostile intentions were stopped when God appeared to him in a dream, warning him not to harm Jacob. God’s comforted and assured Jacob, “I have seen everything that Laban has been doing to you.” When we follow God’s guidance, He watches over us and safeguards our journey.

Jacob’s obedience also fulfilled his vow to God at Bethel, made two decades earlier. At that time, fleeing from his brother Esau’s wrath, Jacob had vowed that if God protected and provided for him, he would return to his father’s house and worship God at Bethel. Now, having been abundantly blessed with family, wealth, and safety, Jacob remembered his promise and sought to fulfill it. TGod never forgets our commitments to Him and will offer us opportunities to honor them in His perfect time.

It is interesting to note how Jacob’s decision was communicated it to his family. Instead of issuing orders, he explained how God had spoken to him. He shared the evidence of divine guidance in his life. His wives, Leah and Rachel, recognized God’s hand and willingly agreed to leave. This mutual agreement underscores a crucial principle: when God’s guidance involves others, He often confirms it to all parties involved. Both Abraham and Sarah received the promise of a child. Both Peter and Cornelius were instructed to meet each other. Both Joseph and Mary were told about the wonderful child to be born to her before she was married. Unity of guidance and decision-making can affirm God’s direction.

However, the departure was not as smooth as it could have been. Rachel privately decided to steal her father’s household idols. This highlights a common struggle: the temptation to hold on to worldly securities. Perhaps she doubted God’s promises. Or she did not yet know God. Perhaps she wanted a backup, or needed them for divination. Whatever the reason, her actions reflect a divided loyalty. She was attempting to cling to both God and idols. James 4:4 reminds us, “Friendship with the world is enmity with God.” When we follow God, it must be wholehearted. We must let go of anything that competes or conflicts with our trust in Him.

This journey of Jacob and his family to Canaan is an example of following divine guidance. When the time came to leave, Jacob didn’t hesitate or look back. How unlike Lot’s wife, who longed for what she left behind. This reflects the view we must have if we are in Christ’s will. We see this world and its desires as too transient to set our hearts on. We are ready to move on whenever God calls. Our goal is the fulfilment of God’s promises.

Second, Jacob’s journey was a spectacle of God’s complete faithfulness and power. He had to believe that God would help him reach his land again as he had promised, and would protect him along the way. Even though he faced terrifying situations several times, he also met with God again during the journey. At that point he received a new name, wiping out his old name of Jacob – the supplanter. He began to see the power of weakness when it holds on to the mighty God. And he saw his fears about Esau proving groundless. When God tells us to do something, he is responsible for our protection and provision.

Finally, Jacob’s story encourages us to persevere despite opposition. Laban’s pursuit and potential hostility could have discouraged Jacob, but he pressed on, leaving the issue to God. When he could do nothing but go on, he did, and God did what he could not do – he curbed Laban’s anger. When we face resistance in following God’s guidance, we can rest in the assurance that he will step in to do what we cannot do, as long as we do what we can.

Are there areas in our lives where God is calling us to obey him, leaving behind old comforts and confronting our fear? As we prepare to follow him, do we continue to cling to worldly security as Rachel did, or are we depending on God’s promises alone? Do we persevere despite opposition? Following God’s guidance may not always be easy, but it is always worth it. He promises to walk with us, provide for us, and protect us.

Let us cast aside every hindrance and run the race set before us with endurance. Let us take heart from the scriptures, which shine to guide us home like the lighthouse beam did the sailor. Let our journey become a spectacle of faith, so that others seeking God may find him and rejoice. Let us go ahead with his plans, trusting him and living abundantly by his grace and truth.