JACOB: FROM FLIGHT TO FAITH

2 Corinthians 12:9 (KJV): And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

ABSTRACT

The narrative of Jacob illustrates the interplay between human frailty and divine grace, demonstrating how God transforms imperfect individuals for His divine purposes through trials and encounters, paralleling our spiritual journeys.

JACOB’S MIGHTY ODYSSEY!

The story of Jacob is like a woven cloth made of human weaknesses and God’s kindness. It’s a story that many people can relate to, about the common human experience of problems and being saved. We are going to look at Jacob’s difficulties, not just as observers, but as people going through similar things. We want to understand how God changes flawed people to use them for His purposes. This study will look at Jacob’s running away, his meeting at Bethel, his return home, and his important night of wrestling. We will see how these events relate to our own spiritual journeys. We will explore how God shows His love when we have difficulties, and how we are responsible to God and to other people. Ellen G. White wrote, “God works by whom He will. He sometimes selects the humblest instrument to do the greatest work; for His power is revealed through the weakness of men.” (Messengers of God, October 3). This shows that God can use imperfect people for His plans. Also, “It is only by the grace of Christ, which we receive through faith, that the character can be transformed.” (Selected Messages Book 3, p. 191). The Bible shows that God uses the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty (1 Corinthians 1:27, KJV). And His grace is sufficient for us, for His strength is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9, KJV). Sr. White adds, “God often selects the weakest things of this world to overcome the mighty. It is His plan that no man shall glory in his own strength or wisdom” (Signs of the Times, September 6, 1883). Also, “The Lord does not require great talents, but a humble, teachable spirit, and a faith that will lay hold upon His promises” (Review and Herald, April 1, 1890). Jacob’s story clearly shows this power of God’s kindness to change us. But how does Jacob’s flight from home reveal the consequences of sin and God’s pursuing mercy?

FLIGHT FROM FOLLY!

Jacob’s wrongdoing, tricking his father and stealing his brother’s blessing, made him have to run away. This reminds us that doing wrong always has consequences. “And Jacob went out from Beersheba, and went toward Haran.” (Gen. 28:10) He was alone, unprotected, and unsure about the future. This running away was not just a physical trip, but also a spiritual one. It was a time when he faced his own guilt and fear deeply. But even when things were bad, God’s mercy stepped in. God showed Himself in a dream of a ladder going up to heaven. This dream strongly showed that God was there, even in the worst times. It proved that God’s kindness can reach us no matter how desperate we are. This experience was a clear sign that God wanted to meet Jacob where he was, a person running away, and offer him hope. The Bible reminds us that the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 6:23, KJV). And though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow (Isaiah 1:18, KJV). Sr. White noted that when we depend on our own wisdom, “We may well have anxiety and anticipate danger and loss, for it is certain to befall us.” (GC Ministerial Association). However, even in these problems we cause ourselves, God’s care is clear as He reaches out to the person who has sinned. The Bible reveals that God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8, KJV). And if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9, KJV). Sr. White observed, “When the soul surrenders itself to Christ, a new power takes possession of the new heart” (The Desire of Ages, p. 324, 1898). Also, “The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 195, 1890). God’s care reaches out to the person who has sinned. But how did Jacob’s response to his divine encounter demonstrate true commitment to God?

BETHEL’S DIVINE DREAM!

When Jacob woke up from his dream, he understood how important his meeting with God was. He was very thankful and built a pillar out of the stone he had used as a pillow. “And Jacob rose up early in the morning, and took the stone that he had put for his pillows, and set it up for a pillar, and poured oil upon the top of it.” (Gen. 28:18) As stated, “In accordance with the custom of remembering important events, Jacob set up a memorial of God’s mercy, that whenever he should pass that way, he might tarry at this sacred spot to worship the Lord. And he called the place Bethel, or ‘the house of God.’” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 187). He called the place Bethel, which means “the house of God.” He also made a serious promise to give a tenth of everything God would give him. “And this stone, which I have set for a pillar, shall be God’s house: and of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee.” (Gen. 28:22) This action showed his commitment to God. It was a promise to honor God with what he owned and how he lived. He realized that all good things come from God and wanted to show that he believed this by being a faithful manager of what he had. The Bible teaches us to bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house (Malachi 3:10, KJV). And every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the LORD thy God which he hath given thee (Deuteronomy 16:17, KJV). Sr. White wrote, “The Lord has specified: The tenth of all your possessions is Mine; your gifts and offerings are to be brought into the treasury, to be used to advance My cause, to send the living preacher to open the Scriptures to those who sit in darkness” (The Review and Herald, December 8, 1896). Also, “The tithe is sacred, reserved by God for Himself. It is to be brought into His treasury to be used to sustain the gospel laborers in their work” (Gospel Workers, p. 226, 1915). These show how important it is to keep promises and show thanks to God. But what challenges did Jacob face upon God’s command to return home?

JOURNEY TO JUDGMENT!

Years later, God told Jacob to go back to his homeland, a trip that could be dangerous. “And the Lord said unto Jacob, Return unto the land of thy fathers, and to thy kindred; and I will be with thee.” (Gen. 31:3) He gathered his family and belongings and left Laban’s house. Laban chased after him, wanting to take back his daughters and his wealth. “And it was told Laban on the third day that Jacob was fled.” (Gen. 31:22) But God stepped in and protected Jacob from Laban’s anger. “And God came to Laban the Syrian in a dream by night, and said unto him, Take heed that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad.” (Gen. 31:24) This help from God hinted at the bigger problem ahead: meeting Esau. Jacob knew Esau might want revenge, so he sent messengers ahead to try and make peace. “And Jacob sent messengers before him to Esau his brother unto the land of Seir, the field of Edom.” (Gen. 32:3) He tried to calm his brother down, showing he was humble and wanted peace. The Bible assures us that when a man’s ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him (Proverbs 16:7, KJV). And the angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them (Psalm 34:7, KJV). Sr. White assures us, “God holds the cord. We need not fear.” (Chapter 30—Traveling the Narrow Way). This means God is always guiding us, even when we don’t see it. The Bible further shows that the steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way (Psalm 37:23, KJV). And though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me (Psalm 23:4, KJV). Sr. White wrote, “In all our afflictions Jesus was afflicted, and the angel which went before the house of Israel is now going before his people” (The Signs of the Times, March 1, 1883). Also, “God will not suffer His people to be overcome by Satan’s temptations” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1, p. 345, 1855). God guides and protects Jacob on his journey. But how did Jacob’s fear of Esau lead to his transformative encounter with God?

WRESTLING WITH WORRY!

The thought of meeting Esau filled Jacob with great fear. This was a difficult test of his faith. “Deliver me, I pray thee, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau: for I fear him, lest he will come and smite me, and the mother with the children.” (Gen. 32:11) He divided his group, hoping that if Esau attacked, some would survive. He sent a large gift ahead to try and soften Esau’s feelings. “So went the present over before him: and himself lodged that night in the company.” (Gen. 32:21) But in the end, Jacob’s only hope was in God. “They had now reached the river Jabbok, and as night came on, Jacob sent his family across the ford of the river, while he alone remained behind. He had decided to spend the night in prayer, and he desired to be alone with God. God could soften the heart of Esau. In Him was the patriarch’s only hope.” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 196) Alone, he wrestled with a mysterious person until morning. This struggle represented his inner worries and his desperate prayer for God’s help. “And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day.” (Gen. 32:24) This wasn’t just a regular fight; it was a meeting with God, a battle for his very soul. “It was in a lonely, mountainous region, the haunt of wild beasts, and the lurking place of robbers and murderers. Solitary and unprotected, Jacob bowed in deep distress upon the earth. It was midnight. All that made life dear to him were at a distance, exposed to danger and death. Bitterest of all was the thought that it was his own sin which had brought this peril upon the innocent. With earnest cries and tears he made his prayer before God. Suddenly a strong hand was laid upon him. He thought that an enemy was seeking his life, and he endeavored to wrest himself from the grasp of his assailant. In the darkness, the two struggled for the mastery.” (Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 196, 197) The Bible comforts us that God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1, KJV). And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me (Psalm 50:15, KJV). Sr. White explains, “It is in the time of deepest discouragement, when our faith is tested, that we must cling most closely to the promises” (The Signs of the Times, August 4, 1887). Also, “The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 129, 1890). God is close when we are suffering and promises to save us. But how did Jacob’s persistence in the struggle lead to his spiritual transformation?

VICTORY THROUGH VULNERABILITY!

During this intense fight, Jacob held onto the divine person and refused to let go until he received a blessing. “And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.” (Gen. 32:26) The figure, who was God, changed Jacob’s name to Israel. The name means “for as a prince you have power with God and with men, and have prevailed.” (Gen. 32:28) This new name meant a new identity, a change made by God’s kindness. “At sight of that crippled sufferer, ‘Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck, and kissed him; and they wept.’ As they looked upon the scene, even the hearts of Esau’s rude soldiers were touched. Notwithstanding he had told them of his dream, they could not account for the change that had come over their captain. Though they beheld the patriarch’s infirmity, they little thought that this his weakness had been made his strength.” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 198) Jacob’s meeting with Esau showed God’s power to change people’s hearts. It was a reconciliation, a miracle where hatred turned into brotherly love. The Bible declares that if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new (2 Corinthians 5:17, KJV). And thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the LORD shall name (Isaiah 62:2, KJV). Sr. White states, “Jacob’s experience during that night of wrestling and pain represents the trial through which the people of God must pass just before Christ’s second coming.” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 201) Jeremiah 30:7 says, “Alas! that day is so great there is none like it; it is the time of Jacob’s trouble, but he shall be saved out of it.” This time of trouble will be a period of great spiritual struggle. During this time, God’s people, like Jacob, will struggle with their own weaknesses and fears, holding onto God for rescue. This time, like a process of making something pure, will test our faith, requiring us to depend completely on God’s strength. It is a time for us to become Israel, to overcome with God. The Bible warns that for then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be (Matthew 24:21, KJV). And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book (Daniel 12:1, KJV). Sr. White states, “In this time of trial we need to be encouraged and comforted by one another… we must bear up under all our afflictions and trust wholly in the Almighty God of Jacob.” (Early Writings, p. 46). The Bible further assures that many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all (Psalm 34:19, KJV). And the LORD shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom (2 Timothy 4:18, KJV). Sr. White wrote, “Through the trial of our faith we shall be able to answer the question, Who hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (The Review and Herald, April 17, 1894). Also, “The Lord will work for all who put their trust in Him. Precious victories will be gained by the faithful” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 7, p. 244, 1902). God’s people will hold onto Him for rescue. But how does God’s love manifest in our trials?

LOVE IN LIFE’S LABORS!

God’s love doesn’t mean we won’t have problems, but it means He will be with us when we do. “The Lord does not always bring His people by smooth paths; He knows that moral discipline is essential for their good, and He leads them into trying places, that they may prove His power, and be fitted to act in any emergency.” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, p. 85) God’s love is shown in His willingness to meet us when we are broken, to change us through our struggles, and to bring us back together with others. He doesn’t leave us when we sin, but tries to bring us back to Him, changing who we are and helping us reach our full potential. God’s love is active, changes us, and saves us. The Bible shows that my brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience (James 1:2-3, KJV). And though he slay me, yet will I trust in him (Job 13:15, KJV). Sr. White further explains this by saying, “The Lord has shown me that His grace is sufficient for all our trials; and although they are greater than ever before, yet if we trust wholly in God, we can overcome every temptation and through His grace come off victorious.” (Early Writings, p. 46). The Bible also teaches that blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him (James 1:12, KJV). And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work (2 Corinthians 9:8, KJV). Sr. White adds, “Afflictions, crosses, temptations, adversity, and our varied trials are God’s workmen to refine us, sanctify us, and fit us for the heavenly garner” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 3, p. 115, 1872). Also, “The Lord permits trials in order that we may be cleansed from earthliness, from selfishness, from harsh, unchristlike traits of character” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 175, 1900). God’s kindness is enough for us even in our hardest times. But how does true faith equip us for life’s challenges?

FAITH THROUGH FIRE!

“True faith and real love are the only things that can help us get through the difficulties of life.” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 301) Like Jacob, we must be willing to struggle with God, to give in to His will, and to trust His promises. This struggle, as shown in Genesis 32:26, “And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me,” means we need to persistently and strongly connect with God, refusing to give up until we receive His blessing. We must honor Him with our lives, giving our resources and our service for His glory. As written in Genesis 28:22, “And this stone, which I have set for a pillar, shall be God’s house: and of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee,” Jacob’s promise shows his commitment to honor God with his possessions. We must remember that we are not alone when we struggle, that God is always there, ready to make us stronger and support us. As Genesis 31:3 says, “And the Lord said unto Jacob, Return unto the land of thy fathers, and to thy kindred; and I will be with thee,” God’s promise to be with us comes with His commands, assuring us of His help. Our responsibility is to develop a deep and lasting faith, a faith that holds onto God even when things are dark. This means praying regularly, studying His word, and actively trying to understand His will in everything we do. We are called to be faithful managers of the gifts He has given us, using them to help His kingdom grow and to honor His name. Just as Jacob, after receiving God’s promise in Genesis 32:28, “And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed,” received a new name and a new purpose, we too are changed when we meet God. We must remember that “The Lord does not always bring His people by smooth paths; He knows that moral discipline is essential for their good, and He leads them into trying places, that they may prove His power, and be fitted to act in any emergency.” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, p. 85) The Bible teaches that fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness (Isaiah 41:10, KJV). And I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me (Philippians 4:13, KJV). Sr. White wrote, “True faith lays hold of and claims the promised blessing before it is realized and felt” (Early Writings, p. 72, 1858). Also, “Faith is trusting God—believing that He loves us and knows best what is for our good” (Education, p. 253, 1903). God equips us for life’s challenges. But how does a true Christian embody selflessness and reconciliation?

SHARING SACRIFICE!

“A true Christian will not be selfish, but will be willing to share the good things he receives with others.” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, p. 56) We must try to make peace, working to fix broken relationships and to forgive others. As seen in Genesis 33:4, “And Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck, and kissed him: and they wept,” the peace between Jacob and Esau shows the power of forgiveness and how relationships can be restored. We must show kindness and understanding, knowing that everyone has their own problems. As Jeremiah 30:7 reminds us, “Alas! that day is so great there is none like it; it is the time of Jacob’s trouble, but he shall be saved out of it,” we understand that everyone faces their own “time of trouble,” and we must respond with empathy. We must be willing to be kind, just as God was kind to Jacob, understanding that true strength comes from being humble and giving in to God. As Genesis 32:11 records, “Deliver me, I pray thee, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau: for I fear him, lest he will come and smite me, and the mother with the children,” Jacob’s prayer for help shows his vulnerability and how much he depended on God’s kindness. We are called to help bring people together, showing God’s love in how we treat others. This means actively looking for ways to help others, to support those who are struggling, and to offer hope to those who feel hopeless. It means treating everyone with respect, knowing that each person is made in God’s image. Just as God stepped in to protect Jacob from Laban, as noted in Genesis 31:24, “And God came to Laban the Syrian in a dream by night, and said unto him, Take heed that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad,” we too must be willing to stand up for those who are weak and protect those who need help. Our responsibility is to be a living example of God’s love, showing His care and mercy to a world that needs it. “True faith and real love are the only things that can help us get through the difficulties of life.” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 301) The Bible commands us to bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2, KJV). And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you (Ephesians 4:32, KJV). Sr. White wrote, “We should cultivate a spirit of Christian courtesy and friendship in our intercourse with one another” (The Review and Herald, May 13, 1884). Also, “Let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 2, p. 135, 1868). We must love and support each other. But what lasting lessons does Jacob’s journey teach us about God’s transformative power?

TRIUMPH IN TRIALS!

Jacob’s journey is a strong reminder that God works through our weaknesses, changing us when we struggle. It shows us that true strength is found in giving in to God, and that making peace is possible when God helps us. We, like Jacob, must be willing to face our past, struggle with our fears, and hold onto God for rescue. The problems we face are not meant to destroy us, but to make us stronger, preparing us for the final meeting with our Savior. We must realize that our struggles are not unique, but are part of a bigger story of being saved. Like Jacob, we might be hurt by our experiences with God, but we will come out changed, with a new understanding of His kindness. As Genesis 32:31 records, “And as he passed over Penuel the sun rose upon him, and he limped because of his thigh,” Jacob’s physical limp serves as a constant reminder of his meeting with God. We are called to be living examples of God’s power to change us, sharing our stories of struggle and being saved with others. We must remember that God’s love is not passive, but active, trying to draw us to Him. As Sr. White beautifully said, “Dear friends, it would be far better to have God work through a weak man than to be strong and God not have so much chance to work.” (Made Perfect in Weakness). The Bible assures us that God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty (1 Corinthians 1:27, KJV). And my grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9, KJV). Sr. White wrote, “God often chooses the weakest instruments to bring about the greatest results” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 553, 1890). Also, “In our weakness, God is glorified” (The Review and Herald, January 11, 1881). This shows how wonderful it is that God can use our imperfections for His glory.

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28, KJV).

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