God Called, Jacob Trusted

Genesis 46:1-7           

“Oh, the tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive.” 

(Walter Scott)

Jacob is a troubling character in the Old Testament. He is conniving and yet he is spiritual. He is strong of faith as well as fear. He is tenacious and persevering; he was patient working seven years as a hired hand for his father-in-law to finally win his beloved Rachel. Like our own families, his family was often in disarray and dismay. The outcome of parents keeping secrets, “don’t tell dad – don’t tell mom,” is a setup for broken families and broken hearts.

Jacob, whose name suggests "deceiver," is renamed by God as "Israel, one who has struggled with God.” A nation of promise and destiny was named for this Old Testament patriarch.

Jacob’s life began and proceeded with struggles and suffering. As a twin in the womb with Esau, he jostled for position and was born grasping his brother’s heel. God told Jacob’s mother Rebecca that there were two nations within her womb who would become divided. One would be stronger than the other, and the older would serve the younger Genesis 25:23. 

At the end of his life he extends aged hands in authentic blessings, (unlike the blessing he and his mother conspired to steal, eventually breaking the hearts of the entire family.)

Jacob is the only person mentioned in Genesis to talk about waiting on God. While prophesying over his sons, he exclaimed “I have waited for your salvation, O LORD!” Gen. 49:18. Although it took many years, eventually two beloved sons, (Joseph and Benjamin) were returned to him, his family was reunited and saved from famine, and a nation of God's chosen people was delivered and preserved to this day forward.

Jacob’s story contains chapters of tragedy, and an eventual peaceful epitaph as his trust in God was woven into every chapter. To end life with a pronouncement of blessings on our children and grandchildren, is to end well!