AS YOU LIVE YOUR LIFE TODAY . . . . . . THINK ABOUT THE EVENTS OF GENESIS 31 In particular, think about events that have happened in your life. Events in our lives are the providences of God in our lives. As we are being led by God, things happen to us, with us, for us, around us, and in us. In Genesis 31, there are five (5) events that sum up this chapter. 1. In verses 1-16 we have Jacob’s resolution to return to his homeland in order to raise and take care of his family. 2. In verses 17-21 we have Jacob’s secret and covert departure. 3. In verses 22-25 we have Laban’s pursuit of Jacob in his displeasure. 4. In verses 26-42 we have the heated argument between Laban and Jacob. 5. In verses 43-55 we have the cordial agreement between Laban and Jacob. I like the last event listed. The reason I like this event is because it is a lesson to all of us and the lesson is: “It is better to resolve a conflict than to dissolve a relationship.” Now, I understand that some relationships should be dissolved. If both parties don’t commit 100% then at best a relationship will be strained to the point of severing anyway. But, if both parties, especially Christians will forgive and commit 100% to doing the right thing, I believe that a relationship on the verge of dissolving can be restored. Resolve the conflict! This is what Matthew 18 teaches us to do. However, in Matthew 18, the Bible teaches us that if both parties will not act as Christians, then the relationship will be dissolved. Laban had done Jacob wrong for a long time but Jacob still resolved the conflict instead of dissolving the relationship. I have family in which our relationship isn’t dissolved as of yet, but it is strained to the point of severing because a conflict has not been resolved. This is hard on my family. This is hard on any family! Pride usually gets in the way and a long-lasting relationship is dissolved instead of a temporal conflict being resolved. Now, I know some conflicts can’t be resolved because the offender will not repent or the offended will not forgive. I understand this. I’m just saying here in Genesis 31 we have a wonderful example of how it can work out for the good! Laban and Jacob shared a meal together, they spent the night together on the side of a mountain and the next morning they affectionately with kisses said goodbye to each other and went their way in peace. This is what repentance and forgiveness will do for any relationship! I hope this has been a help and blessing to you! I would like to personally invite you to our LIFE BIBLE STUDY on Sunday mornings at 9:50am in the Gym at Parkview Baptist Church. This next Sunday, (September 1st) we will be studying Genesis 31. Hope to see you there! - Bro. Joey
Posted on: Sun, 25 Aug 2013 20:31:48 +0000
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