1 00:00:00,320 --> 00:00:02,960 Speaker 1: So he fled with all that he had, and he 2 00:00:03,080 --> 00:00:06,240 Speaker 1: rose up and passed over the river, and set his 3 00:00:06,360 --> 00:00:10,639 Speaker 1: face toward the Mount Gilead, Genesis thirty one twenty one. 4 00:00:12,680 --> 00:00:15,920 Speaker 1: Dear Lord, as the story in Genesis thirty one seventeen 5 00:00:16,079 --> 00:00:20,400 Speaker 1: fifty five unfolds, let the truth of this story minister 6 00:00:20,480 --> 00:00:24,759 Speaker 1: to my soul. Lord, to day, I stand in a 7 00:00:24,800 --> 00:00:28,600 Speaker 1: place of gratitude for every season that I go through. 8 00:00:29,920 --> 00:00:32,400 Speaker 1: I will look for the good that You've hidden in 9 00:00:32,479 --> 00:00:37,840 Speaker 1: each trial and tribulation. Like Jacob, even though I don't 10 00:00:37,880 --> 00:00:42,000 Speaker 1: feel honored or appreciated by others, I will hold my 11 00:00:42,159 --> 00:00:47,760 Speaker 1: integrity and do everything with excellence, knowing that as I 12 00:00:47,880 --> 00:00:52,160 Speaker 1: water the field that I'm entrusted with, I'm actually preparing 13 00:00:52,200 --> 00:00:55,440 Speaker 1: myself to step into the great harvest season of my life. 14 00:00:56,320 --> 00:00:59,760 Speaker 1: Give me the wisdom and knowledge to travel and build 15 00:00:59,760 --> 00:01:04,120 Speaker 1: with people of integrity and honesty. Thank you God for 16 00:01:04,200 --> 00:01:07,840 Speaker 1: speaking on my behalf and for protecting me from others 17 00:01:08,040 --> 00:01:12,440 Speaker 1: who would seek to harm and hinder me. I declare 18 00:01:12,520 --> 00:01:16,920 Speaker 1: that I am covered, and I decree that under your protection, Lord, 19 00:01:17,520 --> 00:01:26,039 Speaker 1: I am untouchable. In Jesus's name, Amen, thank you for 20 00:01:26,080 --> 00:01:29,679 Speaker 1: praying with us today. Continue your time with God by 21 00:01:29,760 --> 00:01:33,600 Speaker 1: listening to today's Bible story, brought to you by Bible 22 00:01:33,640 --> 00:01:34,680 Speaker 1: in a Year dot. 23 00:01:34,480 --> 00:01:47,720 Speaker 2: Com Fleeing from Laban. Before this story, we learned how 24 00:01:47,800 --> 00:01:51,440 Speaker 2: Jacob married Leah and Rachel and had twelve sons and 25 00:01:51,520 --> 00:01:55,800 Speaker 2: one daughter. Leah and Rachel lived in constant feud with 26 00:01:55,880 --> 00:02:00,640 Speaker 2: one another, inspited each other daily. Jacob, in search of 27 00:02:00,680 --> 00:02:04,160 Speaker 2: a new beginning with his family, left Laban and ventured 28 00:02:04,200 --> 00:02:08,320 Speaker 2: back to Canaan. However, Jacob tricked Laban into giving him 29 00:02:08,360 --> 00:02:13,240 Speaker 2: stronger and more sheep. Now we will learn about Jacob Leafy, 30 00:02:13,720 --> 00:02:18,160 Speaker 2: Laban's anger of Jacob and their treaty inspired by the 31 00:02:18,200 --> 00:02:19,200 Speaker 2: Book of Genesis. 32 00:02:22,240 --> 00:02:24,959 Speaker 3: Hello, I'm Jack Graham with today's episode of the Bible 33 00:02:25,000 --> 00:02:28,079 Speaker 3: in a Year podcast. But before we begin, I want 34 00:02:28,080 --> 00:02:31,520 Speaker 3: to let you know about a unique ebook that's yours 35 00:02:31,520 --> 00:02:36,600 Speaker 3: to download absolutely free today. Is called Breaking Free from Stress, 36 00:02:37,080 --> 00:02:39,480 Speaker 3: and my prayer is that it will help you conquer 37 00:02:39,520 --> 00:02:42,880 Speaker 3: the daily task and pressures and burdens that bring stress 38 00:02:42,919 --> 00:02:46,600 Speaker 3: in your life. Download your free copy of Breaking Free 39 00:02:46,639 --> 00:02:51,480 Speaker 3: from Stress today by visiting Jack Graham dot org slash stress. 40 00:02:52,080 --> 00:02:57,080 Speaker 3: That's Jack Graham dot org slash stress. Previously, we learned 41 00:02:57,080 --> 00:03:01,080 Speaker 3: how Jacob was tricked into marrying Rachel's older sister Leah first, 42 00:03:01,680 --> 00:03:05,280 Speaker 3: and then how he married Rachel, whom he loved. We 43 00:03:05,400 --> 00:03:09,600 Speaker 3: learned about the awful spite between sisters and Jacob's lack 44 00:03:09,600 --> 00:03:13,720 Speaker 3: of leadership in his family. Now, Jacob has twelve sons 45 00:03:13,720 --> 00:03:16,720 Speaker 3: and one daughter, and he decides he needs to leave 46 00:03:16,840 --> 00:03:20,720 Speaker 3: Laban behind and move his family to Canaan, his homeland. 47 00:03:21,120 --> 00:03:23,600 Speaker 3: The fortune he's amassed has plenty to send him off 48 00:03:23,600 --> 00:03:26,120 Speaker 3: with his family to a new home, but Laban's sons 49 00:03:26,160 --> 00:03:30,200 Speaker 3: are not happy with Jacob's prosperity, and Jacob fears for 50 00:03:30,240 --> 00:03:33,480 Speaker 3: his own safety, just as we saw him do when 51 00:03:33,520 --> 00:03:37,480 Speaker 3: he tricked the Esau, Jacob will try to run undetected 52 00:03:37,680 --> 00:03:41,120 Speaker 3: without a goodbye. This is a story of sorrow and 53 00:03:41,200 --> 00:03:43,680 Speaker 3: hurt as a family is broken up because of so 54 00:03:43,800 --> 00:03:48,120 Speaker 3: much dysfunction on all sides. In the midst of it all, though, 55 00:03:48,640 --> 00:03:51,600 Speaker 3: you will see how God works in bringing heally into 56 00:03:51,680 --> 00:03:56,360 Speaker 3: hurtful situations and blessings into the biggest message you could 57 00:03:56,400 --> 00:04:00,160 Speaker 3: possibly imagine. So let's listen now to today's story. Worry 58 00:04:00,240 --> 00:04:04,400 Speaker 3: of Jacob fleeing Laban and the Lord continually blessing the 59 00:04:04,480 --> 00:04:05,280 Speaker 3: chosen family. 60 00:04:07,400 --> 00:04:10,440 Speaker 4: Jacob had amassed a large flock and a great amount 61 00:04:10,480 --> 00:04:14,240 Speaker 4: of wealth. This caused Laban's sons to be riled up 62 00:04:14,240 --> 00:04:18,200 Speaker 4: with anger. Jacob had heard rumors that Laban's sons were 63 00:04:18,279 --> 00:04:21,760 Speaker 4: upset and willing to harm him, so he rushed immediately 64 00:04:21,880 --> 00:04:25,159 Speaker 4: to his wives. He found them in the fields and said, 65 00:04:25,640 --> 00:04:28,880 Speaker 4: I have fallen from the favor of your father. I 66 00:04:28,920 --> 00:04:32,440 Speaker 4: have worked tirelessly for him, and he has cheated me 67 00:04:32,600 --> 00:04:37,280 Speaker 4: far too many times. With desperation in his voice, Jacob 68 00:04:37,360 --> 00:04:41,960 Speaker 4: continued by saying, God will not allow him to harm me, 69 00:04:42,480 --> 00:04:45,239 Speaker 4: but we must go quick and flee to the land 70 00:04:45,279 --> 00:04:50,160 Speaker 4: of my father. Leah and Rachel agreed. Is there anything 71 00:04:50,240 --> 00:04:53,440 Speaker 4: left for us in our father's house? We are strangers 72 00:04:53,480 --> 00:04:57,720 Speaker 4: in his land, and we are yours. Everything he earned 73 00:04:57,760 --> 00:05:01,480 Speaker 4: from you has been spent. All wealth that God has 74 00:05:01,600 --> 00:05:05,360 Speaker 4: taken away from our father belongs to us and our children. 75 00:05:06,040 --> 00:05:08,159 Speaker 4: Whatever God says, let. 76 00:05:08,040 --> 00:05:08,760 Speaker 2: Us do it. 77 00:05:10,160 --> 00:05:14,520 Speaker 4: So Jacob arose and set his sons and wives on camels. 78 00:05:15,040 --> 00:05:17,919 Speaker 4: He packed all he had earned and acquired from Padan 79 00:05:18,080 --> 00:05:23,359 Speaker 4: Aram without notifying Laban. Jacob had entered the land a 80 00:05:23,480 --> 00:05:27,400 Speaker 4: boy desperate to build a life worth blessing. He left 81 00:05:27,440 --> 00:05:30,400 Speaker 4: a man with a family larger than his father or 82 00:05:30,480 --> 00:05:34,120 Speaker 4: grandfather could have ever dreamed of. He set his sights 83 00:05:34,160 --> 00:05:38,000 Speaker 4: on Canaan, determined to lay hold of the blessing promised 84 00:05:38,120 --> 00:05:41,599 Speaker 4: to him. Yet Jacob's neglect of his wives would not 85 00:05:41,760 --> 00:05:46,080 Speaker 4: go without consequence. Rachel, as they were packing up to leave, 86 00:05:46,400 --> 00:05:50,800 Speaker 4: stole idols from Laban's home. Three days had passed and 87 00:05:50,880 --> 00:05:55,760 Speaker 4: Laban was notified that Jacob had fled. Laban was beside himself. 88 00:05:56,160 --> 00:05:59,880 Speaker 4: He gathered a small army of kinsmen and pursued ja 89 00:06:00,040 --> 00:06:03,880 Speaker 4: Jacob for seven days. Closely, they telled Jacob through the 90 00:06:03,960 --> 00:06:07,719 Speaker 4: hill country of Gilead, with the full intent of killing 91 00:06:07,800 --> 00:06:11,200 Speaker 4: Jacob and taking back his daughters. God met Laban in 92 00:06:11,240 --> 00:06:15,640 Speaker 4: a dream. Be careful, do not say a word to Jacob, 93 00:06:16,320 --> 00:06:21,159 Speaker 4: neither good or bad. God warned that morning, before the 94 00:06:21,240 --> 00:06:24,640 Speaker 4: sun had broken above the horizon, Laban and his men 95 00:06:24,680 --> 00:06:29,880 Speaker 4: descended upon Jacob on horseback. They surrounded him, fury emanating 96 00:06:29,920 --> 00:06:34,359 Speaker 4: from their faces. Laban, livid and weary, roar tot Jacob, 97 00:06:34,880 --> 00:06:38,360 Speaker 4: what have you done? You have tricked me again and 98 00:06:38,440 --> 00:06:43,040 Speaker 4: taken my daughters like captives. Laban was speaking as a father, 99 00:06:43,720 --> 00:06:47,440 Speaker 4: not as a landowner. His worry for his daughters caused 100 00:06:47,440 --> 00:06:51,000 Speaker 4: a deep rage to boil up in him. You robbed 101 00:06:51,040 --> 00:06:54,720 Speaker 4: me of a chance to kiss my daughters and grandchildren farewell. 102 00:06:55,480 --> 00:06:58,520 Speaker 4: I would have sent you off well with revelry, but 103 00:06:58,720 --> 00:07:03,719 Speaker 4: instead you fleed like criminals. Laban's face seemed to shift 104 00:07:03,760 --> 00:07:08,920 Speaker 4: from anger to sorrow, eyes beginning to fog up with tears. 105 00:07:09,240 --> 00:07:13,440 Speaker 4: Laban pointed at Jacob. You are foolish, Jacob, and it 106 00:07:13,560 --> 00:07:16,480 Speaker 4: is in my power to kill you and take back 107 00:07:16,560 --> 00:07:20,040 Speaker 4: my daughters, but the god of your father warned me 108 00:07:20,200 --> 00:07:24,840 Speaker 4: not to harm you. Laban's face fell. I understand you 109 00:07:24,920 --> 00:07:27,040 Speaker 4: wanted to go back to the land of your father, 110 00:07:27,320 --> 00:07:31,120 Speaker 4: but why would you steal my gods as well. Jacob, 111 00:07:31,480 --> 00:07:35,560 Speaker 4: disarmed and dismayed, answered Laban and said, I left out 112 00:07:35,560 --> 00:07:38,320 Speaker 4: of fear. I could not bear the thought of you 113 00:07:38,440 --> 00:07:42,480 Speaker 4: taking your daughters from me by force. But as for 114 00:07:42,560 --> 00:07:45,640 Speaker 4: your gods, I promise you I do not have them. 115 00:07:45,960 --> 00:07:48,680 Speaker 4: If anyone here in my camp has them, they shall 116 00:07:48,680 --> 00:07:52,720 Speaker 4: not live. Go and see for yourself whatever is yours 117 00:07:53,160 --> 00:07:58,000 Speaker 4: take back, for Jacob was unaware of Rachel's thievery, so 118 00:07:58,200 --> 00:08:02,560 Speaker 4: Laban searched Jacob's tay and then ventured into Leah's tent. 119 00:08:03,200 --> 00:08:08,360 Speaker 4: He tore apart everything, searching desperately for his idols. Finally 120 00:08:08,840 --> 00:08:13,080 Speaker 4: he entered Rachel's tent. He looked at her, then began 121 00:08:13,120 --> 00:08:17,239 Speaker 4: to ransack the room. Rachel remained still, for she sat 122 00:08:17,320 --> 00:08:20,040 Speaker 4: on a camel's saddle, which held the idols in them. 123 00:08:20,960 --> 00:08:23,800 Speaker 4: Forgive me for not getting up, Rachel said, in her 124 00:08:23,840 --> 00:08:26,760 Speaker 4: most dainty voice. It is my time of the month 125 00:08:26,760 --> 00:08:30,520 Speaker 4: and I cannot bear to stand. Laban continued his search 126 00:08:30,560 --> 00:08:35,200 Speaker 4: in vain, then left the tent. Jacob watched Laban exit 127 00:08:35,240 --> 00:08:40,080 Speaker 4: his wife's tent. For years, Jacob served under Laban for years. 128 00:08:40,160 --> 00:08:44,000 Speaker 4: He had watched Laban do business in the shadows for years. 129 00:08:44,080 --> 00:08:48,160 Speaker 4: He had taken the abuse and ridicule. He worked vigorously 130 00:08:48,240 --> 00:08:52,160 Speaker 4: for Laban. Jacob once feared him as a child does 131 00:08:52,200 --> 00:08:56,280 Speaker 4: his abusive father. Yet watching Laban's scare his family and 132 00:08:56,440 --> 00:08:59,800 Speaker 4: ransacked the living space of his wives awoke a deep 133 00:09:00,040 --> 00:09:06,000 Speaker 4: outrage within him. Jacob became indignant. Outraged, He buried in Laban, 134 00:09:06,120 --> 00:09:08,920 Speaker 4: saying what is my offense? What have I done as 135 00:09:08,960 --> 00:09:12,280 Speaker 4: a sin against you? You have pursued me like a criminal, 136 00:09:12,520 --> 00:09:15,400 Speaker 4: and now you have felt through all my goods? Have 137 00:09:15,520 --> 00:09:17,280 Speaker 4: you found your petty idols. 138 00:09:17,880 --> 00:09:18,200 Speaker 3: Have you? 139 00:09:19,120 --> 00:09:22,840 Speaker 4: Jacob's fumes grew higher and his voice trembled with anger. 140 00:09:23,400 --> 00:09:27,320 Speaker 4: For twenty years I have served you your sheep and 141 00:09:27,400 --> 00:09:30,880 Speaker 4: goats never once miscarried under my care. I have not 142 00:09:31,040 --> 00:09:34,720 Speaker 4: eaten of your flocks. Whatever was eaten by wild beasts. 143 00:09:34,800 --> 00:09:38,920 Speaker 4: I paid for myself. You showed me no grace. Day 144 00:09:39,000 --> 00:09:41,920 Speaker 4: by day, the heat consumed me, and in the cold 145 00:09:41,920 --> 00:09:45,600 Speaker 4: of night I worked, I lost sleep, and I lost 146 00:09:45,679 --> 00:09:49,800 Speaker 4: twenty years of my life under you. Laban's face grew 147 00:09:49,840 --> 00:09:53,520 Speaker 4: white as Jacob bled his heart's anguish before him. Jacob's 148 00:09:53,600 --> 00:09:57,240 Speaker 4: voice grew softer, yet it inspired more fear from all 149 00:09:57,280 --> 00:10:01,440 Speaker 4: those listening. He said, I, sir, seven years for Rachel, 150 00:10:01,840 --> 00:10:04,960 Speaker 4: and you deceived me and gave me Leah. Yet I 151 00:10:05,080 --> 00:10:09,480 Speaker 4: stayed and worked seven more. For six years I worked 152 00:10:09,480 --> 00:10:12,320 Speaker 4: for your flocks, and in those years you changed my 153 00:10:12,480 --> 00:10:17,240 Speaker 4: wage ten times. Jacob pointed to Laban and rebuked him, saying, 154 00:10:17,600 --> 00:10:21,079 Speaker 4: I serve the God of Abraham and the fear of Isaac. 155 00:10:21,440 --> 00:10:23,840 Speaker 4: If he was not on my side, you would have 156 00:10:23,880 --> 00:10:27,720 Speaker 4: sent me my way empty handed. He knows my affliction 157 00:10:28,040 --> 00:10:31,760 Speaker 4: and your oppression. That is why he warned you last 158 00:10:31,840 --> 00:10:36,640 Speaker 4: night Laban composed himself. He spoke again, as Jacob's equal. 159 00:10:37,679 --> 00:10:43,040 Speaker 4: Those are my daughters, and those are my grandchildren. Your 160 00:10:43,120 --> 00:10:46,400 Speaker 4: flocks are my flocks, and all that you see before 161 00:10:46,440 --> 00:10:51,480 Speaker 4: you is mine. A sigh emanated from Laban's lungs. He 162 00:10:51,600 --> 00:10:56,080 Speaker 4: looked behind Jacob, seeing his grandchildren listen from afar. But 163 00:10:56,200 --> 00:11:00,000 Speaker 4: what can I do now for them? He said? Come? 164 00:11:01,400 --> 00:11:05,040 Speaker 4: Let us make a final agreement, a covenant that cannot 165 00:11:05,080 --> 00:11:09,280 Speaker 4: be broken. So Laban and Jacob gathered stones to set 166 00:11:09,320 --> 00:11:13,440 Speaker 4: as a monument to their agreement. Laban spoke loud and saying, 167 00:11:14,160 --> 00:11:17,160 Speaker 4: let this be a witness between us today that we 168 00:11:17,240 --> 00:11:21,000 Speaker 4: will remain separated and forge our own paths, as long 169 00:11:21,040 --> 00:11:23,920 Speaker 4: as you agreed to deal kindly with my daughters and 170 00:11:24,000 --> 00:11:28,960 Speaker 4: take no more wives for yourself. So Jacob agreed. The 171 00:11:29,040 --> 00:11:32,360 Speaker 4: two ate dinner together, and early in the morning, Laban 172 00:11:32,440 --> 00:11:37,440 Speaker 4: kissed his daughters and grandchildren and went back to his land. Jacob, 173 00:11:37,679 --> 00:11:41,520 Speaker 4: accustomed to being a trickster with his words, was forced 174 00:11:41,640 --> 00:11:45,600 Speaker 4: to face Laban as an honest man, and Jacob, who 175 00:11:45,679 --> 00:11:49,839 Speaker 4: once stood idly as his wives destroyed one another, promised 176 00:11:50,000 --> 00:11:52,559 Speaker 4: to love them the way they were meant to be loved, 177 00:11:53,320 --> 00:11:58,199 Speaker 4: and God, remaining faithful to his chosen was working even 178 00:11:58,240 --> 00:12:00,600 Speaker 4: in the dysfunction and in perfection. 179 00:12:03,360 --> 00:12:07,240 Speaker 3: Well, despite the missteps, mistakes, and messiness, God has blessed 180 00:12:07,320 --> 00:12:11,320 Speaker 3: Jacob beyond what he could possibly imagine. But not everyone 181 00:12:11,480 --> 00:12:14,200 Speaker 3: was so thrilled with this prosperity, and his brothers in 182 00:12:14,280 --> 00:12:18,679 Speaker 3: law were very upset. Jacob once again decides to run. 183 00:12:19,040 --> 00:12:22,520 Speaker 3: That's what he does, only this time he's taking a 184 00:12:22,640 --> 00:12:26,000 Speaker 3: large household, but he doesn't want Laban to know he's leaving, 185 00:12:26,080 --> 00:12:28,720 Speaker 3: for he fears Laban's anger more than he trust in 186 00:12:28,760 --> 00:12:32,719 Speaker 3: the promises of God. Though his methods and motives are 187 00:12:33,040 --> 00:12:35,840 Speaker 3: certainly not perfect by any means, we do see Jacob 188 00:12:35,880 --> 00:12:39,360 Speaker 3: once again setting his attentions on the blessings of God, 189 00:12:40,400 --> 00:12:42,400 Speaker 3: just like when he tricked his father and brothers so 190 00:12:42,480 --> 00:12:46,600 Speaker 3: many years ago. Rachel and Leah commit to follow their husband, 191 00:12:46,720 --> 00:12:50,719 Speaker 3: but there remains a lot of distrust with Rachel, for 192 00:12:50,880 --> 00:12:54,920 Speaker 3: she takes three of her father's idols. When Laban finds 193 00:12:54,960 --> 00:12:58,080 Speaker 3: out Jacob is left with his daughters and grandkids, he 194 00:12:58,200 --> 00:13:02,120 Speaker 3: is now bent on retribution and gives Chase he's running 195 00:13:02,200 --> 00:13:07,280 Speaker 3: after Jacob, but God intervenes to protect Jacob. The patriarch 196 00:13:07,320 --> 00:13:10,600 Speaker 3: who is stuarding, though very poorly, God's plan of redemption 197 00:13:10,800 --> 00:13:13,959 Speaker 3: for the world. And remember, this is all about God's 198 00:13:13,960 --> 00:13:18,360 Speaker 3: plan of redemption. God warns Laban to proceed carefully and 199 00:13:18,559 --> 00:13:22,000 Speaker 3: watch his words. When he finally catches up to Jacob, 200 00:13:22,080 --> 00:13:25,480 Speaker 3: Laban's words are filled with rage, but more than anything, 201 00:13:25,640 --> 00:13:28,359 Speaker 3: grief for the loss of his daughters and his grandchildren. 202 00:13:29,320 --> 00:13:32,040 Speaker 3: As he unloads his feelings on Jacob, he reveals God 203 00:13:32,080 --> 00:13:34,920 Speaker 3: and warned him not to harm him. It truly is 204 00:13:34,960 --> 00:13:39,239 Speaker 3: a testament to the awesomeness and the sovereignty of our God, 205 00:13:39,360 --> 00:13:42,440 Speaker 3: for when he speaks, even those who do not follow him, 206 00:13:42,760 --> 00:13:48,160 Speaker 3: their hearts are changed. His sovereignty, his supremacy cannot be questioned. 207 00:13:49,000 --> 00:13:52,400 Speaker 3: Laban has wielded control over Jacob for a long time now, 208 00:13:52,920 --> 00:13:59,320 Speaker 3: often dishonest in his dealings and double talking, truly no integrity. 209 00:14:00,080 --> 00:14:01,920 Speaker 3: But when he was confronted with the truth of his 210 00:14:02,040 --> 00:14:06,160 Speaker 3: past manipulations and dishonesty, he addresses his son in law 211 00:14:06,240 --> 00:14:09,360 Speaker 3: as his equal. Though he knows he can lay claim 212 00:14:09,440 --> 00:14:12,040 Speaker 3: to much of what Jacob has, Laban knows he must 213 00:14:12,040 --> 00:14:15,760 Speaker 3: make peace with Jacob, just as God had commanded him 214 00:14:15,800 --> 00:14:20,680 Speaker 3: to do. Jacob and Laban, despite their differences and past grievances, 215 00:14:20,760 --> 00:14:23,160 Speaker 3: make a covenant between them to go their own way 216 00:14:23,680 --> 00:14:28,600 Speaker 3: in peace, and Laban still the loving Father charges Jacob 217 00:14:28,640 --> 00:14:30,920 Speaker 3: to take care of his daughters and to take no 218 00:14:31,040 --> 00:14:35,280 Speaker 3: other wives. It is a plea for Jacob. It is 219 00:14:35,320 --> 00:14:40,040 Speaker 3: an exhortation Jacob needed to hear. Sometimes, when you are 220 00:14:40,080 --> 00:14:44,680 Speaker 3: trapped in a dysfunctional situation or family or hurtful relationship, 221 00:14:45,200 --> 00:14:48,440 Speaker 3: the only kind of reconciliation that will work is a 222 00:14:48,520 --> 00:14:52,640 Speaker 3: peaceful separation. You just have to walk away, and that's 223 00:14:52,680 --> 00:14:56,200 Speaker 3: what we are seeing in today's reading. In the end, 224 00:14:56,320 --> 00:15:01,239 Speaker 3: this is a story of God's grace. Despite Jacob's sins, failures, 225 00:15:01,280 --> 00:15:06,160 Speaker 3: and mistakes, God remains faithful. God protected him and led 226 00:15:06,240 --> 00:15:12,040 Speaker 3: him to break free from Laban. Despite Laban's idolatrous pagan beliefs. 227 00:15:12,480 --> 00:15:15,680 Speaker 3: God appeared to him and spoke to him and helped 228 00:15:15,720 --> 00:15:18,680 Speaker 3: him to diffuse the situation that could have turned out 229 00:15:18,760 --> 00:15:23,440 Speaker 3: to be violent. So Jacob departs with his wives, committing 230 00:15:23,520 --> 00:15:25,760 Speaker 3: to love them and care for them as he should. 231 00:15:26,280 --> 00:15:29,000 Speaker 3: It's a new beginning, and, as in many times in 232 00:15:29,040 --> 00:15:32,440 Speaker 3: the case of God's story, with a new beginning comes 233 00:15:32,480 --> 00:15:35,400 Speaker 3: a new name. That's what we're going to look at 234 00:15:35,560 --> 00:15:40,240 Speaker 3: the next time. Let's pray, Dear God, how we thank 235 00:15:40,280 --> 00:15:43,240 Speaker 3: you for what this story is teaching us about breaking 236 00:15:43,320 --> 00:15:49,160 Speaker 3: free from hurtful, toxic, damaging relationships. Help us to know 237 00:15:49,320 --> 00:15:51,920 Speaker 3: that when we must break free, that you would give 238 00:15:52,000 --> 00:15:55,000 Speaker 3: us wisdom to do so with grace and humility, trusting 239 00:15:55,040 --> 00:15:57,560 Speaker 3: you to lead us all the way, and that there 240 00:15:57,560 --> 00:16:01,400 Speaker 3: could be peace in the midst of the separate Thank you, Lord, 241 00:16:01,920 --> 00:16:05,760 Speaker 3: that you are always faithful, faithful to us in every way, 242 00:16:06,360 --> 00:16:09,160 Speaker 3: just as you were faithful to Jacob, you are more 243 00:16:09,200 --> 00:16:33,640 Speaker 3: than faithful to us in Christ's name. Amen. Thank you 244 00:16:33,680 --> 00:16:37,680 Speaker 3: for listening to today's bibleing of your podcast. Before we go, 245 00:16:38,000 --> 00:16:40,440 Speaker 3: I want to let you know about a unique ebook 246 00:16:40,520 --> 00:16:45,360 Speaker 3: that's yours to download absolutely free today. It's called Breaking 247 00:16:45,400 --> 00:16:48,480 Speaker 3: Free from Stress, and my prayer is that it will 248 00:16:48,480 --> 00:16:51,560 Speaker 3: help you conquer the daily task and pressures and burdens 249 00:16:51,560 --> 00:16:55,280 Speaker 3: that bring stress into your life. Download your free copy 250 00:16:55,440 --> 00:16:59,200 Speaker 3: of Breaking Free from Stress today by visiting Jack Graham 251 00:16:59,280 --> 00:17:05,480 Speaker 3: dot org slash stress. That's Jagrahem dot org slash stress.