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From Jacob to Israel
When God sends trials our way, He is not working against us. He also delivers us from the travails He permits (Pss. 18:2; 74; 79; 1 Cor. 10:13). Calvin writes that “inasmuch as he supplies us with more ...Read More
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The Touch of the Lord
Augustine reminds us that “the touch of the Lord is the hand of the Lord, chastising and giving life” (Works of St. Augustine, 31:223). Too many Christians today run after the abundant, life-giving touch of God without being willing ...Read More
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Wrestling with the Lord
Jesus shows how we are to wrestle with God. In Gethsemane, our Savior thrice confessed His dread at His Father’s wrath, asking Him each time to let the cup of suffering pass. But each time this request was accompanied ...Read More
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Jacob’s Gift
Jacob’s attempt to buy off his brother shows how little he trusted God to keep him safe as he returned to the Promised Land. He goes too far in trying to make amends with Esau, unconsciously showing a willingness ...Read More
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Jacob’s Transformation
John Calvin wrote that those who think faith is exempt from fear have had no real experience of living by faith. After all, God nowhere promises that we will not suffer or become afraid in this life. What He does ...Read More
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Jacob and the Angels
We must never forget that the host of heaven fights for the people of God in their war against the principalities and powers who enslave the human race (Eph. 6:12). In accordance with the Lord’s sovereign will, they ...Read More
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The Fear of Isaac
Every day we endeavor to provide an application of the biblical text in this coram Deo section. Coram Deo is a Latin phrase meaning “before the face of God,” and encapsulates the biblical teaching that we are to live reverentially ...Read More
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Laban Surrenders
Matthew Henry comments on verse 49: “When we are out of one another’s sight, let this be a restraint upon us, that wherever we are we are under God’s eye.” We may not be guilty of Laban’s ...Read More
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Jacob Rebukes Laban
One of the ways we can “measure” our spiritual growth is to take a look at how we have grown in our generosity. The longer we serve the Lord, the more conscious we should be of His free gifts. Not ...Read More
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Laban’s Futile Search
Duress makes false gods enticing. Those in dire financial straits may look to the lottery or corrupt politicians to save them. Men or women under pressure at work or at home may seek refuge in drugs, alcohol, or pornography. The ...Read More
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The Lord Visits Laban
In Romans 12:2 the apostle Paul exhorts us to “be transformed by the renewal” of our minds. As those called out from the world to be God’s people, the Holy Spirit has indeed transformed our minds so that ...Read More
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Jacob’s Wisdom
Since God’s people have not totally shaken off idolatry, we again repeat Scripture’s call to keep ourselves from idols (1 John 5:21). We must also recall Jacob’s wisdom in dealing with Laban. As Christians, we must ...Read More
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Rachel and Leah Answer
Matthew Henry comments, “Husbands who love their wives will communicate their purposes and intentions to them. Where there is a mutual affection there will be a mutual confidence.” Dr. R.C. Sproul also says in his series The Intimate Marriage ...Read More
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God Speaks to Jacob
Sometimes we sense divine Providence indicating a move for us to make. A new job offer might present itself. Maybe a relationship is pointing toward marriage. Investment prospects may be “golden opportunities” for growing our resources. God will often direct ...Read More
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Laban Cheats Jacob
Though it often expressed itself in deceit, Jacob’s tenacious nature was an asset to him. The way Laban cheated him with Rachel and Leah was merely a temporary setback; he had the fortitude to press on for what he ...Read More
