And the journey unfolds
by Pastor Tim Klein
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
Then Rebekah said to Isaac, ‘I loathe my life because of the Hittite women. If Jacob marries one of the Hittite women like these, one of the women of the land, what good will my life be to me?’ (Genesis 27:46)
What a way to move out of home and start your own journey – sent off by Mum, who doesn’t want you to marry one of ‘those’ women!
It’s happening again. God uses one of life’s dilemmas to set the path for his big plan. So, Jacob packs his life up and moves away. What an adventure and an amazing way God unfolds his plan for Jacob and all people – including you and me.
Jacob leaves with the blessing of God given through his father:
God Almighty bless you and make you fruitful and multiply you, that you may become a company of peoples. May he give the blessing of Abraham to you and to your offspring with you, that you may take possession of the land of your sojourning that God gave to Abraham!
On the way, he has an amazing dream where God speaks to him directly:
I am the Lord, the God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac. The land on which you lie I will give to you and to your offspring. Your offspring shall be like the dust of the earth, and you shall spread abroad to the west and to the east and to the north and to the south, and in you and your offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed. Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.
Jacob set up an altar in that place – called Bethel (around 11 miles north of Jerusalem) – and made promises to the Lord.
What an astounding start to an incredible journey! More about how the journey unfolds tomorrow.
But, for now, what might we learn? I believe the Lord sets us all off on a life-changing journey. Every day has the potential for joy and satisfaction – even if we encounter struggle and pain. God promises to be with us – to never leave us. We can trust in his promises. He will be at work in and through you and me.
Lord, open us to hear your guiding word, see the way you have promised, and serve – for Jesus’ sake. Amen.
Tim has served as a pastor for more than 30 years in Australia and New Zealand. He plans to retire on 12 January in 2025. Husband to his wife Joy, father of three and grandfather of more than 10, Tim says he is living in hope. He enjoys gardening (especially his orchard of more than 60 trees, succulents and flowering plants), making music (he loves to sing), beekeeping and taking photos.
- Click here to read previous devotions.
- We are also posting them on LCA Facebook, making it easy for you to share them with family and friends.
- Sign up to receive Daily Devotion in your inbox every morning. If you’re already doing that, please encourage others to sign up. Click here for the link.
