I woke up in bed with the wrong sister
GENESIS 29:1-30
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Jacob, Esau and Esau’s wives Judith and Basemath
“Esau became a skilful hunter, a man of the open country, while Jacob was a quiet man, staying among the tents.” (Genesis 25:27)
“When Esau was forty years old, he married Judith daughter of Beeri the Hittite, and also Basemath daughter of Elon the Hittite. They were a source of grief to Isaac and Rebekah.” (Genesis 26:34-35)
“Rebekah said to Isaac, “I’m disgusted with living because of these Hittite women. If Jacob takes a wife from among the women of this land, from Hittite women like these, my life will not be worth living.” (Genesis 27:46)
Jacob gets saved
“Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me and will watch over me on this journey I am taking and will give me food to eat and clothes to wear so that I return safely to my father’s house, then the LORD will be my God and this stone that I have set up as a pillar will be God’s house, and of all that you give me I will give you a tenth.” (Genesis 28:20-22)
Sanctification = “to make holy”
The fruit of the Spirit: “ love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Gal.5:22)
1) Sanctification changes our attitudes.
“ Leah had weak eyes, but Rachel was lovely in form, and beautiful. Jacob was in love with Rachel and said, “I’ll work for you seven years in return for your younger daughter Rachel.” (Gen.29:17-18)
“Then he ran to the herd and selected a choice, tender [TENDER = RAK = WEAK] calf and gave it to a servant, who hurried to prepare it.” (Gen.18:7) – But serving it to the Lord – this is a good calf not a weak one!
“Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart” (1Sam.16:7).
What attitudes/prejudices you hold need to change as the Lord sanctifies you?
“Just because you’re family, should you work for me for nothing? Tell me what your wages should be.” (Gen.29:15)
“So Jacob served seven years to get Rachel, but they seemed like only a few days to him because of his love for her. Then Jacob said to Laban, “Give me my wife. My time is completed, and I want to lie with her.” So Laban brought together all the people of the place and gave a feast.3 But when evening came, he took his daughter Leah and gave her to Jacob, and Jacob lay with her.” (Gen.29:20-23)
2) Sanctification changes our character.
“When morning came, there was Leah! So Jacob said to Laban, “What is this you have done to me? I served you for Rachel, didn’t I? Why have you deceived me?” Laban replied, “It is not our custom here to give the younger daughter in marriage before the older one. Finish this daughter’s bridal week; then we will give you the younger one also, in return for another seven years of work.” (Genesis 29:25-27)
Beware Hypocrisy
Beware Self-Righteousness
Be ready to reap what you sow!
“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.” Galatians 6:7
What aspect of your character is the Lord seeking to change at the moment?
3) Sanctification involves long obedience in the same direction.
Time passes faster in books than in real life.
The Lord’s 2 big interventions in Jacob’s life – Genesis 28 & 32 are 20 years apart!
What does RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD mean?
How does God speak?
Principally through the Bible, very occasionally, through dreams, visions, special means (and they NEVER contradict the Bible).
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I want to know more:
- To read: On Leah and her “weak eyes” https://bible.org/seriespage/i-led-two-wives-genesis-291-30
- On Perseverance. “Finishing Strong”, by Steve Farrar
- On sorting out your life: “Ordering your private world” by Gordon McDonald
- On Perseverance – to watch. “What is the perseverance of the Saints?” – By John Piper, http://theresurgence.com/2008/01/07/what-is-the-perseverance-of-the-saints
- For info: Check Out How Much More Often Beautiful Women Get Callbacks For Job Interviews http://www.businessinsider.com/beautiful-people-get-more-job-interviews-2013-9#ixzz2tNToJElt