Emmanuel: A Christmas Devotional, Day 4, God with Jacob Again

“Then the Lord said to Jacob, “Go back to the land of your fathers and to your relatives, and I will be with you.” Genesis 31:3

Daily Reflection: 

We are hanging out with Jacob again today. Decades have passed. He now has 11 sons and several daughters from four wives. He still lives in his Uncle Laban’s household where he’s worked since he ran away from home years before. God is clearly with him. His flocks increased while Laban’s decreased. Jacob anxiously notices his Uncle’s and cousins’ jealousy. At that time God once again intervenes. God tells Jacob to finally head home and reassures him that he would continue with him.

I love how human Jacob is. After this great reassurance from the Almighty God, Jacob packs up all his possessions and wives and children and heads out while his Uncle is out of town. I can so relate. Can’t you? We have all these amazing promises for us in the Bible about grace, salvation, God’s presence with us, and yet, I so commonly hear God and half obey, half self-protect just in case. Laban eventually meets up with Jacob to say a peaceful good-bye to his daughters and grandchildren. Even with his sneaky lack of trust, God still continues on with Jacob, blessing him not only with provision but also with resolution in his relationship with Laban and eventually with his brother as well.

Daily Prayer:

Emmanuel, we need your help to continue in trust today. Thank you for your grace when we make a mess of our own way in our attempt to “help” your plan like Jacob did. Thank you for staying close to us through your Holy Spirit. Thank you for your Word and our ability to read your words every single day rather than waiting for decades for you to speak like Jacob did.

Digging Deeper:

In what way is this section of scripture particularly meaningful to you today?

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