1 00:00:00,800 --> 00:00:04,520 Speaker 1: Let us pray. So he fled with all that he had, 2 00:00:05,000 --> 00:00:08,039 Speaker 1: and he rose up and passed over the river, and 3 00:00:08,160 --> 00:00:12,360 Speaker 1: set his face towards the Mount Gilead, Genesis thirty one 4 00:00:12,400 --> 00:00:17,360 Speaker 1: twenty one. Dear Lord, as the story in Genesis thirty 5 00:00:17,400 --> 00:00:21,400 Speaker 1: one seventeen fifty five unfolds, let the truth of this 6 00:00:21,520 --> 00:00:26,799 Speaker 1: story minister to my soul. Lord, to day, I stand 7 00:00:26,880 --> 00:00:30,360 Speaker 1: in a place of gratitude for every season that I 8 00:00:30,440 --> 00:00:33,880 Speaker 1: go through. I will look for the good that You've 9 00:00:33,960 --> 00:00:39,640 Speaker 1: hidden in each trial and tribulation. Like Jacob, even though 10 00:00:39,680 --> 00:00:43,840 Speaker 1: I don't feel honored or appreciated by others, I will 11 00:00:43,880 --> 00:00:49,360 Speaker 1: hold my integrity and do everything with excellence, knowing that 12 00:00:49,720 --> 00:00:52,120 Speaker 1: as I water the field that I am entrusted with, 13 00:00:52,920 --> 00:00:56,720 Speaker 1: I'm actually preparing myself to step into the great harvest 14 00:00:56,760 --> 00:01:00,680 Speaker 1: season of my life. Give me the wisdom and knowledge 15 00:01:00,760 --> 00:01:04,360 Speaker 1: to travel and build with people of integrity and honesty. 16 00:01:05,520 --> 00:01:08,720 Speaker 1: Thank you God for speaking on my behalf and for 17 00:01:08,800 --> 00:01:11,880 Speaker 1: protecting me from others who would seek to harm and 18 00:01:12,000 --> 00:01:16,959 Speaker 1: hinder me. I declare that I am covered, and I 19 00:01:17,120 --> 00:01:25,400 Speaker 1: decree that under your protection, Lord, I am untouchable. In Jesus' name, Amen, 20 00:01:27,640 --> 00:01:30,920 Speaker 1: thank you for praying with us today, continue your time 21 00:01:31,000 --> 00:01:34,800 Speaker 1: with God by listening to today's Bible story, brought to 22 00:01:34,840 --> 00:01:37,000 Speaker 1: you by Bible in a Year dot. 23 00:01:36,760 --> 00:01:50,000 Speaker 2: Com fleeing from Laban. Before this story, we learned how 24 00:01:50,120 --> 00:01:52,840 Speaker 2: Jacob married Leah and Rachel and had. 25 00:01:52,680 --> 00:01:56,920 Speaker 3: Twelve sons and one daughter. Leah and Rachel lived in 26 00:01:57,000 --> 00:02:01,960 Speaker 3: constant feud with one another inspite of each other daily. Jacob, 27 00:02:02,360 --> 00:02:05,280 Speaker 3: in search of a new beginning with his family, left 28 00:02:05,400 --> 00:02:09,720 Speaker 3: Laban and ventured back to Canaan. However, Jacob tricked Laban 29 00:02:09,800 --> 00:02:14,040 Speaker 3: into giving him stronger and more sheep. Now we will 30 00:02:14,120 --> 00:02:18,560 Speaker 3: learn about Jacob Leafy, Laban's anger of Jacob and their 31 00:02:18,600 --> 00:02:21,519 Speaker 3: treaty inspired by the Book of Genesis. 32 00:02:23,240 --> 00:02:26,400 Speaker 4: Hello, I'm pastor Jack Graham with today's episode of the 33 00:02:26,400 --> 00:02:30,600 Speaker 4: Bible of the Year podcast. Previously, we learned how Jacob 34 00:02:30,720 --> 00:02:34,760 Speaker 4: was tricked into marrying Rachel's older sister Leah first, and 35 00:02:34,800 --> 00:02:38,399 Speaker 4: then how he married Rachel, whom he loved. We learned 36 00:02:38,440 --> 00:02:42,440 Speaker 4: about the awful spite between sisters and Jacob's lack of 37 00:02:42,520 --> 00:02:46,560 Speaker 4: leadership in his family. Now, Jacob has twelve sons and 38 00:02:46,600 --> 00:02:49,960 Speaker 4: one daughter, and he decides he needs to leave Laban 39 00:02:50,000 --> 00:02:53,960 Speaker 4: behind and move his family to Canaan his homeland. The 40 00:02:54,040 --> 00:02:56,440 Speaker 4: fortune he's amassed has plenty to send him off with 41 00:02:56,480 --> 00:02:59,079 Speaker 4: his family to a new home. But Laban's sons are 42 00:02:59,080 --> 00:03:03,120 Speaker 4: not happy with Jacob's prosperity, and Jacob fears for his 43 00:03:03,200 --> 00:03:06,360 Speaker 4: own safety, just as we saw him do when he 44 00:03:06,400 --> 00:03:10,800 Speaker 4: tricked the Esau, Jacob will try to run undetected without 45 00:03:10,800 --> 00:03:14,200 Speaker 4: a goodbye. This is a story of sorrow and heard 46 00:03:14,240 --> 00:03:16,800 Speaker 4: as a family is broken up because of so much 47 00:03:16,880 --> 00:03:20,880 Speaker 4: dysfunction on all sides. In the midst of it all, though, 48 00:03:21,400 --> 00:03:24,320 Speaker 4: you will see how God works in bringing healing into 49 00:03:24,440 --> 00:03:29,160 Speaker 4: hurtful situations and blessings into the biggest message you could 50 00:03:29,160 --> 00:03:33,040 Speaker 4: possibly imagine. So let's listen now to today's story of 51 00:03:33,120 --> 00:03:38,080 Speaker 4: Jacob fleeing Laban and the Lord continually blessing the Chosen family. 52 00:03:40,160 --> 00:03:43,160 Speaker 3: Jacob had amassed a large flock and a great amount 53 00:03:43,240 --> 00:03:47,000 Speaker 3: of wealth. This caused Laban's sons to be riled up 54 00:03:47,040 --> 00:03:50,960 Speaker 3: with anger. Jacob had heard rumors that Laban's sons were 55 00:03:51,040 --> 00:03:54,559 Speaker 3: upset and willing to harm him, so he rushed immediately 56 00:03:54,640 --> 00:03:57,920 Speaker 3: to his wives. He found them in the fields and said, 57 00:03:58,400 --> 00:04:01,640 Speaker 3: I have fallen from the favor of your father. I 58 00:04:01,680 --> 00:04:05,200 Speaker 3: have worked tirelessly for him, and he has cheated me 59 00:04:05,360 --> 00:04:10,040 Speaker 3: far too many times. With desperation in his voice, Jacob 60 00:04:10,120 --> 00:04:14,720 Speaker 3: continued by saying, God will not allow him to harm me, 61 00:04:15,240 --> 00:04:18,000 Speaker 3: but we must go quick and flee to the land 62 00:04:18,040 --> 00:04:22,920 Speaker 3: of my father. Leah and Rachel agreed. Is there anything 63 00:04:23,040 --> 00:04:26,240 Speaker 3: left for us in our father's house? We are strangers 64 00:04:26,240 --> 00:04:30,480 Speaker 3: in his land and we are yours. Everything he earned 65 00:04:30,520 --> 00:04:34,000 Speaker 3: from you has been spent. All the wealth that God 66 00:04:34,080 --> 00:04:37,359 Speaker 3: has taken away from our father belongs to us and 67 00:04:37,400 --> 00:04:41,520 Speaker 3: our children. Whatever God says, let us do it. 68 00:04:42,960 --> 00:04:43,039 Speaker 2: So. 69 00:04:43,200 --> 00:04:47,280 Speaker 3: Jacob arose and set his sons and wives on camels. 70 00:04:47,800 --> 00:04:50,679 Speaker 3: He packed all he had earned and acquired from padan 71 00:04:50,839 --> 00:04:56,159 Speaker 3: Aram without notifying Labor. Jacob had entered the land a 72 00:04:56,240 --> 00:05:00,960 Speaker 3: boy desperate to build a life worth blessing, man with 73 00:05:01,040 --> 00:05:04,320 Speaker 3: a family larger than his father or grandfather could have 74 00:05:04,440 --> 00:05:08,640 Speaker 3: ever dreamed of. He set his sights on Canaan, determined 75 00:05:08,720 --> 00:05:12,000 Speaker 3: to lay hold of the blessing promised to him. Yet 76 00:05:12,120 --> 00:05:17,120 Speaker 3: Jacob's neglect of his wives would not go without consequence. Rachel, 77 00:05:17,320 --> 00:05:20,280 Speaker 3: as they were packing up to leave, stole idols from 78 00:05:20,360 --> 00:05:24,920 Speaker 3: Laban's home. Three days had passed and Laban was notified 79 00:05:24,960 --> 00:05:29,479 Speaker 3: that Jacob had fled. Laban was beside himself. He gathered 80 00:05:29,480 --> 00:05:35,280 Speaker 3: a small army of kinsmen and pursued Jacob for seven days. Closely, 81 00:05:35,400 --> 00:05:38,640 Speaker 3: they telled Jacob through the hill country of Gilead, with 82 00:05:38,760 --> 00:05:42,480 Speaker 3: the full intent of killing Jacob and taking back his daughters. 83 00:05:42,800 --> 00:05:46,919 Speaker 3: God met Laban in a dream. Be careful, do not 84 00:05:47,080 --> 00:05:51,640 Speaker 3: say a word to Jacob, neither good or bad. God 85 00:05:51,720 --> 00:05:55,880 Speaker 3: warned that morning, before the sun had broken above the horizon, 86 00:05:56,400 --> 00:06:00,360 Speaker 3: Laban and his men descended upon Jacob on horseback. They 87 00:06:00,400 --> 00:06:05,760 Speaker 3: surrounded him, fury emanating from their faces. Laban, livid and weary, 88 00:06:06,160 --> 00:06:10,320 Speaker 3: roared at Jacob, what have you done? You have tricked 89 00:06:10,360 --> 00:06:14,640 Speaker 3: me again and taken my daughters like captives. Laban was 90 00:06:14,720 --> 00:06:18,440 Speaker 3: speaking as a father, not as a land owner. His 91 00:06:18,560 --> 00:06:21,680 Speaker 3: worry for his daughters caused a deep rage to boil 92 00:06:21,800 --> 00:06:24,760 Speaker 3: up in him. You robbed me of a chance to 93 00:06:24,839 --> 00:06:28,960 Speaker 3: kiss my daughters and grandchildren farewell. I would have sent 94 00:06:29,040 --> 00:06:33,800 Speaker 3: you off well with revelry, but instead you fleed like criminals. 95 00:06:34,600 --> 00:06:39,960 Speaker 3: Laban's face seemed to shift from anger to sorrow, eyes 96 00:06:40,040 --> 00:06:43,480 Speaker 3: beginning to fog up with tears. Laban pointed at Jacob, 97 00:06:44,120 --> 00:06:47,320 Speaker 3: you are foolish Jacob, and it is in my power 98 00:06:47,400 --> 00:06:50,960 Speaker 3: to kill you and take back my daughters, but the 99 00:06:51,000 --> 00:06:53,839 Speaker 3: god of your father warned me not to harm you. 100 00:06:54,760 --> 00:06:58,520 Speaker 3: Laban's face fell. I understand you wanted to go back 101 00:06:58,560 --> 00:07:00,760 Speaker 3: to the land of your father, but why would you 102 00:07:00,839 --> 00:07:06,320 Speaker 3: steal my gods as well? Jacob, disarmed and dismayed, answered 103 00:07:06,360 --> 00:07:10,040 Speaker 3: Laban and said, I left out of fear. I could 104 00:07:10,040 --> 00:07:12,360 Speaker 3: not bear the thought of you taking your daughters from 105 00:07:12,400 --> 00:07:16,920 Speaker 3: me by force. But as for your gods, I promise 106 00:07:16,960 --> 00:07:19,720 Speaker 3: you I do not have them. If anyone here in 107 00:07:19,720 --> 00:07:22,880 Speaker 3: my camp has them, they shall not live. Go and 108 00:07:22,880 --> 00:07:28,000 Speaker 3: see for yourself whatever is yours take back, for Jacob 109 00:07:28,080 --> 00:07:32,920 Speaker 3: was unaware of Rachel's thievery, so Laban searched Jacob's tent 110 00:07:33,360 --> 00:07:37,760 Speaker 3: and then ventured into Laya's tent. He tore apart everything, 111 00:07:38,120 --> 00:07:43,280 Speaker 3: searching desperately for his idols. Finally he entered Rachel's tent. 112 00:07:44,000 --> 00:07:47,040 Speaker 3: He looked at her, then began to ransack the room. 113 00:07:47,720 --> 00:07:51,280 Speaker 3: Rachel remained still, for she sat on a camel's saddle, 114 00:07:51,320 --> 00:07:54,600 Speaker 3: which held the idols in them. Forgive me for not 115 00:07:54,720 --> 00:07:58,280 Speaker 3: getting up, Rachel said, in her most dainty voice. It 116 00:07:58,400 --> 00:08:00,400 Speaker 3: is my time of the month and I cannot bear 117 00:08:00,480 --> 00:08:04,960 Speaker 3: to stand. Laban continued his search in vain, then left 118 00:08:05,000 --> 00:08:10,080 Speaker 3: the tent. Jacob watched Laban exit his wife's tent. For years, 119 00:08:10,200 --> 00:08:14,080 Speaker 3: Jacob served under Laban for years. He had watched Laban 120 00:08:14,160 --> 00:08:17,480 Speaker 3: do business in the shadows for years. He had taken 121 00:08:17,520 --> 00:08:22,880 Speaker 3: the abuse and ridicule. He worked vigorously for Laban. Jacob 122 00:08:22,920 --> 00:08:26,040 Speaker 3: once feared him as a child does his abusive father. 123 00:08:26,600 --> 00:08:30,239 Speaker 3: Yet watching Laban's scare his family and ransacked the living 124 00:08:30,280 --> 00:08:34,520 Speaker 3: space of his wives awoke a deep outrage within him. 125 00:08:35,000 --> 00:08:39,840 Speaker 3: Jacob became indignant. Outraged, he buried Laban, saying, what is 126 00:08:39,880 --> 00:08:43,080 Speaker 3: my offense? What have I done as a sin against you? 127 00:08:43,080 --> 00:08:45,800 Speaker 3: You have pursued me like a criminal, and now you 128 00:08:45,880 --> 00:08:49,000 Speaker 3: have felt through all my goods. Have you found your 129 00:08:49,080 --> 00:08:50,040 Speaker 3: petty idols? 130 00:08:50,640 --> 00:08:50,960 Speaker 4: Have you? 131 00:08:51,880 --> 00:08:55,560 Speaker 3: Jacob's fumes grew higher and his voice trembled with anger. 132 00:08:56,160 --> 00:09:00,560 Speaker 3: For twenty years I have served you your sheep and goats, 133 00:09:00,640 --> 00:09:04,120 Speaker 3: never once miscarried under my care. I have not eaten 134 00:09:04,160 --> 00:09:07,719 Speaker 3: of your flocks. Whatever was eaten by wild beasts, I 135 00:09:07,840 --> 00:09:11,920 Speaker 3: paid for myself. You showed me no grace. Day by 136 00:09:12,040 --> 00:09:14,760 Speaker 3: day the heat consumed me, and in the cold of 137 00:09:14,880 --> 00:09:18,880 Speaker 3: night I worked, I lost sleep, and I lost twenty 138 00:09:19,040 --> 00:09:22,840 Speaker 3: years of my life under you. Laban's face grew white 139 00:09:22,880 --> 00:09:26,680 Speaker 3: as Jacob led his heart's anguish before him. Jacob's voice 140 00:09:26,720 --> 00:09:30,800 Speaker 3: grew softer, yet it inspired more fear from all those listening. 141 00:09:31,240 --> 00:09:34,840 Speaker 3: He said, I served seven years for Rachel, and you 142 00:09:34,960 --> 00:09:38,640 Speaker 3: deceived me and gave me Leah. Yet I stayed and 143 00:09:38,760 --> 00:09:43,120 Speaker 3: worked seven more. For six years, I worked for your flocks, 144 00:09:43,360 --> 00:09:46,600 Speaker 3: and in those years you changed my wage ten times. 145 00:09:47,280 --> 00:09:51,000 Speaker 3: Jacob pointed to Laban and rebuked him, saying, I served 146 00:09:51,040 --> 00:09:54,440 Speaker 3: the god of Abraham and the fear of Isaac. If 147 00:09:54,480 --> 00:09:56,880 Speaker 3: he was not on my side, you would have sent 148 00:09:57,000 --> 00:10:00,920 Speaker 3: me my way empty handed. He knows my affliction and 149 00:10:01,040 --> 00:10:04,840 Speaker 3: your oppression. That is why he warned you last night. 150 00:10:05,240 --> 00:10:10,720 Speaker 3: Laban composed himself. He spoke, again, is Jacob's equal? Those 151 00:10:10,800 --> 00:10:16,360 Speaker 3: are my daughters, and those are my grandchildren. Your flocks 152 00:10:16,400 --> 00:10:19,320 Speaker 3: are my flocks, and all that you see before you 153 00:10:19,920 --> 00:10:24,640 Speaker 3: is mine. A sigh emanated from Laban's lungs. He looked 154 00:10:24,679 --> 00:10:29,160 Speaker 3: behind Jacob, seeing his grandchildren listen from afar. But what 155 00:10:29,200 --> 00:10:33,000 Speaker 3: can I do now for them? He said? Come now, 156 00:10:34,160 --> 00:10:37,800 Speaker 3: let us make a final agreement, a covenant that cannot 157 00:10:37,840 --> 00:10:42,040 Speaker 3: be broken. So Laban and Jacob gathered stones to set 158 00:10:42,080 --> 00:10:46,200 Speaker 3: as a monument to their agreement. Laban spoke loud in saying, 159 00:10:46,920 --> 00:10:49,920 Speaker 3: let this be a witness between us today that we 160 00:10:50,000 --> 00:10:53,760 Speaker 3: will remain separated and forge our own paths, as long 161 00:10:53,800 --> 00:10:56,680 Speaker 3: as you agree to deal kindly with my daughters and 162 00:10:56,760 --> 00:11:02,040 Speaker 3: take no more wives for yourself. Jacob agreed. The two 163 00:11:02,280 --> 00:11:05,520 Speaker 3: ate dinner together, and early in the morning, Laban kissed 164 00:11:05,559 --> 00:11:10,199 Speaker 3: his daughters and grandchildren and went back to his land. Jacob, 165 00:11:10,480 --> 00:11:14,320 Speaker 3: accustomed to being a trickster with his words, was forced 166 00:11:14,400 --> 00:11:18,440 Speaker 3: to face Laban as an honest man, and Jacob, who 167 00:11:18,440 --> 00:11:22,599 Speaker 3: once stood idly as his wives destroyed one another, promised 168 00:11:22,760 --> 00:11:25,319 Speaker 3: to love them the way they were meant to be loved. 169 00:11:26,080 --> 00:11:30,959 Speaker 3: And God, remaining faithful to his chosen, was working even 170 00:11:31,000 --> 00:11:33,359 Speaker 3: in the dysfunction and imperfection. 171 00:11:36,120 --> 00:11:40,000 Speaker 4: Well, despite the misstaps, mistakes, and messiness. God is blessed 172 00:11:40,120 --> 00:11:44,079 Speaker 4: Jacob beyond what he could possibly imagine. But not everyone 173 00:11:44,240 --> 00:11:46,920 Speaker 4: was so thrilled with this prosperity, and his brothers in 174 00:11:47,040 --> 00:11:51,439 Speaker 4: law were very upset. Jacob once again decides to run. 175 00:11:51,800 --> 00:11:55,280 Speaker 4: That's what he does, only this time he's taking a 176 00:11:55,400 --> 00:11:58,760 Speaker 4: large household, but he doesn't want Laban to know he's leaving, 177 00:11:58,840 --> 00:12:01,480 Speaker 4: for he fears Laban's anger more than he trust in 178 00:12:01,520 --> 00:12:05,480 Speaker 4: the promises of God. Though his methods and motives are 179 00:12:05,800 --> 00:12:08,640 Speaker 4: certainly not perfect by any means, we do see Jacob 180 00:12:08,679 --> 00:12:12,440 Speaker 4: once again setting his attentions on the blessings of God, 181 00:12:13,160 --> 00:12:15,160 Speaker 4: just like when he tricked his father and brothers so 182 00:12:15,240 --> 00:12:19,360 Speaker 4: many years ago. Rachel and Leah commit to follow their husband, 183 00:12:19,480 --> 00:12:23,520 Speaker 4: but there remains a lot of distrust with Rachel, for 184 00:12:23,640 --> 00:12:27,720 Speaker 4: she takes three of her father's idols. When Laban finds 185 00:12:27,760 --> 00:12:30,840 Speaker 4: out Jacob has left with his daughters and grandkids, he 186 00:12:30,960 --> 00:12:34,880 Speaker 4: is now bent on retribution and gives Chase he's running 187 00:12:34,960 --> 00:12:40,040 Speaker 4: after Jacob, but God intervenes to protect Jacob the patriarch 188 00:12:40,080 --> 00:12:43,360 Speaker 4: who is stewarding, though very poorly, God's plan of redemption 189 00:12:43,559 --> 00:12:46,720 Speaker 4: for the world. And remember this is all about God's 190 00:12:46,760 --> 00:12:51,120 Speaker 4: plan of redemption. God warns Laban to proceed carefully and 191 00:12:51,320 --> 00:12:54,760 Speaker 4: watch his words. When he finally catches up to Jacob, 192 00:12:54,840 --> 00:12:58,240 Speaker 4: Laban's words are filled with rage, but more than anything, 193 00:12:58,400 --> 00:13:01,120 Speaker 4: grief for the loss of his daughters and his grandchildren. 194 00:13:02,080 --> 00:13:04,800 Speaker 4: As he unloads his feelings on Jacob, he reveals God 195 00:13:04,840 --> 00:13:07,680 Speaker 4: and warned him not to harm him. It truly is 196 00:13:07,720 --> 00:13:11,640 Speaker 4: a testament to the awesomeness and the sovereignty of our God, 197 00:13:12,120 --> 00:13:15,200 Speaker 4: for when he speaks, even those who do not follow him, 198 00:13:15,520 --> 00:13:20,960 Speaker 4: their hearts are changed. His sovereignty, his supremacy cannot be questioned. 199 00:13:21,800 --> 00:13:25,160 Speaker 4: Laban has wielded control over Jacob for a long time now, 200 00:13:25,679 --> 00:13:32,120 Speaker 4: often dishonest in his dealings and double talking, truly no integrity. 201 00:13:32,800 --> 00:13:34,760 Speaker 4: But when he was confronted with the truth of his 202 00:13:34,800 --> 00:13:38,960 Speaker 4: past manipulations and dishonesty, he addresses his son in law 203 00:13:39,000 --> 00:13:42,120 Speaker 4: as his equal. Though he knows he can lay claim 204 00:13:42,200 --> 00:13:44,800 Speaker 4: to much of what Jacob has, Laban knows he must 205 00:13:44,800 --> 00:13:48,559 Speaker 4: make peace with Jacob, just as God had commanded him 206 00:13:48,600 --> 00:13:53,440 Speaker 4: to do. Jacob and Laban, despite their differences and past grievances, 207 00:13:53,520 --> 00:13:55,920 Speaker 4: make a covenant between them to go their own way 208 00:13:56,440 --> 00:14:01,360 Speaker 4: in peace, and Laban still the loving thought, charges Jacob 209 00:14:01,400 --> 00:14:03,720 Speaker 4: to take care of his daughters and to take no 210 00:14:03,800 --> 00:14:08,080 Speaker 4: other wives. It is a plea for Jacob. It is 211 00:14:08,120 --> 00:14:12,840 Speaker 4: an exhortation Jacob needed to hear. Sometimes, when you are 212 00:14:12,880 --> 00:14:17,439 Speaker 4: trapped in a dysfunctional situation or family or hurtful relationship, 213 00:14:17,960 --> 00:14:21,200 Speaker 4: the only kind of reconciliation that will work is a 214 00:14:21,280 --> 00:14:25,400 Speaker 4: peaceful separation. You just have to walk away, and that's 215 00:14:25,440 --> 00:14:28,960 Speaker 4: what we are seeing in today's reading. In the end, 216 00:14:29,120 --> 00:14:34,000 Speaker 4: this is a story of God's grace. Despite Jacob's sins, failures, 217 00:14:34,040 --> 00:14:38,920 Speaker 4: and mistakes, God remains faithful. God protected him and led 218 00:14:39,000 --> 00:14:44,800 Speaker 4: him to break free from Laban. Despite Laban's idolatrous pagan beliefs. 219 00:14:45,280 --> 00:14:48,440 Speaker 4: God appeared to him and spoke to him and helped 220 00:14:48,480 --> 00:14:51,480 Speaker 4: him to diffuse the situation that could have turned out 221 00:14:51,520 --> 00:14:56,240 Speaker 4: to be violent. So Jacob departs with his wives, committing 222 00:14:56,280 --> 00:14:58,520 Speaker 4: to love them and care for them as he should. 223 00:14:59,040 --> 00:15:01,760 Speaker 4: It's a new beginning, and as in many times in 224 00:15:01,800 --> 00:15:05,240 Speaker 4: the case of God's story, with a new beginning comes 225 00:15:05,240 --> 00:15:08,160 Speaker 4: a new name. That's what we're going to look at 226 00:15:08,320 --> 00:15:13,040 Speaker 4: the next time. Let's pray, Dear God, how we thank 227 00:15:13,080 --> 00:15:16,000 Speaker 4: you for what this story is teaching us about breaking 228 00:15:16,080 --> 00:15:21,920 Speaker 4: free from hurtful, toxic, damaging relationships. Help us to know 229 00:15:22,080 --> 00:15:24,720 Speaker 4: that when we must break free, that you would give 230 00:15:24,800 --> 00:15:27,760 Speaker 4: us wisdom to do so with grace and humility, trusting 231 00:15:27,800 --> 00:15:30,320 Speaker 4: you to lead us all the way, and that there 232 00:15:30,360 --> 00:15:33,720 Speaker 4: could be peace in the midst of the separation. Thank 233 00:15:33,760 --> 00:15:37,360 Speaker 4: you Lord that you are always faithful, faithful to us 234 00:15:37,680 --> 00:15:40,800 Speaker 4: in every way, just as you were faithful to Jacob, 235 00:15:41,360 --> 00:15:45,360 Speaker 4: you are more than faithful to us in Christ's name. Amen. 236 00:15:46,640 --> 00:15:49,320 Speaker 4: Thank you so very much for listening to today's Bible 237 00:15:49,360 --> 00:15:53,920 Speaker 4: of a Year podcast. I'm Jack Graham, pastor in Dallas, Texas. 238 00:15:54,320 --> 00:15:57,760 Speaker 4: Download thepray dot com app and make prayer a priority 239 00:15:57,800 --> 00:16:00,720 Speaker 4: in your life. If you enjoyed this podcas share it 240 00:16:00,760 --> 00:16:03,960 Speaker 4: with someone you love because by sharing this podcast, you 241 00:16:04,000 --> 00:16:07,240 Speaker 4: can make a difference in someone's life. And if you 242 00:16:07,320 --> 00:16:10,480 Speaker 4: want more resources on how to tap into God's power 243 00:16:10,520 --> 00:16:14,440 Speaker 4: for Christian living, be sure to visit Jack Graham dot org. 244 00:16:15,120 --> 00:16:23,960 Speaker 4: God bless This episode is sponsored by Meta Share, an 245 00:16:24,040 --> 00:16:29,200 Speaker 4: innovative healthcare solution for Christians to save money without sacrificing quality. 246 00:16:30,600 --> 00:16:33,000 Speaker 1: Welcome to the pre News podcast, where hope is our 247 00:16:33,000 --> 00:16:33,720 Speaker 1: only bias. 248 00:16:34,840 --> 00:16:37,920 Speaker 3: Each day, we'll unpack the most prominent stories happening in 249 00:16:37,960 --> 00:16:40,080 Speaker 3: the news and offer a Christian perspective. 250 00:16:40,920 --> 00:16:43,200 Speaker 1: We won't shy away from the hard topics, and we 251 00:16:43,280 --> 00:16:47,040 Speaker 1: won't dilute the hopeful message of Christ. This is more 252 00:16:47,080 --> 00:16:48,480 Speaker 1: than a daily brief on the news. 253 00:16:48,760 --> 00:16:51,480 Speaker 3: It's a way to be informed and transformed. 254 00:16:52,680 --> 00:16:56,200 Speaker 1: Listen to pre news on the iHeartRadio app, Apple podcasts, 255 00:16:56,280 --> 00:16:58,240 Speaker 1: or wherever you get your podcasts.