Read Genesis 28

Highlights:

Abrahamic Covenant is bestowed upon Jacob (28:3-4) and confirmed through a vision (28:11-13). He works seven years for the wrong wife!

And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of (Gen. 28:15).

When Esau and Jacob were in Rebekah's womb, God, in His foreknowledge of their character, had prophesied to her: Two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger (25:23). Disregarding this revelation, Isaac made plans to confer the sacred blessing on his favorite son Esau.

When Isaac discovered that he had unintentionally bestowed the Abrahamic birthright blessing upon Jacob rather than upon Esau, he trembled. He realized that Almighty God had overruled his rebellious, carnal plans (27:33). Isaac then openly acknowledged that Jacob was the one God had chosen to receive the blessing and once again conferred on him the Abrahamic Covenant.

Jacob journeyed hundreds of miles on foot, fleeing from the murderous threat of his brother, traveling to a strange heathen land over paths he had never traveled, and facing an uncertain future. Little did he realize that he was being directed by God and would be the father of twelve tribes of Israel, making up a great and mighty nation that was foretold to Abraham.

Although it appeared that Esau would receive the family wealth, Jacob had something far more priceless — the birthright of God's promise: I am with thee (28:15). All that was included in the Abrahamic Covenant was now Jacob's inheritance (12:23;22:18;26:4). It not only included the promised land, but it meant that Jacob would be an ancestor of the promised Messiah. And He shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of His kingdom there shall be no end (Luke 1:33).

Jacob's life is an illustration of how God wonderfully uses and blesses His faithful servants — even though there are times when it seems they are being cheated out of the best opportunities of life. But God's promises will be fulfilled as He wills and when He wills. The deceptive efforts by an unbelieving world can never cheat a faithful Christian out of God's best. What difference does it make if a Christian is penniless? He shall soon possess priceless treasures. To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time (1 Peter 1:4-5).

Thought for Today:

The Bible teaches us that a single day with the Lord is better than a thousand anywhere else (Ps.84:10).

Christ Portrayed:

By Joseph who was born (Gen. 30:23-24) in order to save and preserve his people (50:20). Jesus was born in order to offer salvation to all mankind. For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16).

Word Studies:

28:11 lighted upon, came to; 28:17 dreadful . . . place, awesome holy place; 28:19 Bethel, House of God; 29:25 beguiled, deceived; 29:31 hated, unloved, loved less; 30:37 pilled, peeled; strakes, stripes.

Prayer Suggestion: Continually watch and pray so that you won't yield to temptation in a moment of weakness (Matt. 26:41).

Optional Reading: Matthew 10

Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 100:1-2