Now Jacob heard that the sons of Laban were saying, “Jacob has taken all that was our father’s, and from what was our father’s he has gained all this wealth.” 2 And Jacob saw that Laban did not regard him with favor as before. 3 Then the LORD said to Jacob, “Return to the land of your fathers and to your kindred, and I will be with you.”
How often have you struck up a friendship with someone, only to witness them treat you cooly at some point. Sadly, we all have examples. So did Jacob. His uncle Laban had initially welcomed Jacob but, due to a reversal of fortune, namely, Laban’s fortune reversing to Jacob, the relationship was not as cozy as before. His love was very fluid, it turned out. The word steadfast occurs almost 100 times in the Bible, many of them in the psalms, and almost all of them describing God’s love. It is not mentioned here but it is definitely shown.
God’s steadfast love is the only thing we can count on when we encounter a reversal of fortune. Jacob began to fear for his family so God sent him back to the safety of his kindred. Then came the key words in verse 3 that guaranteed comfort to Jacob. I will be with you. He promised the same to Moses when he sent him into enemy territory in Egypt, and he said it to Joshua before sending him across the Jordan. He says it to us in Matthew 28:20. Jesus will be with you until the end of the age!
Dear Lord, thank you that, no matter our fortunes, you are always with us. Immanuel! Let us always remember your presence in our troubles. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Pastor Brad Boyer
Cape Community Church