(Genesis) Genesis 29:1-5
Jacob's journey to Haran highlights the importance of water management and his encounter with the shepherds and Laban.
In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jacob's journey to the land of Heron. Jacob arrives at a well where three flocks of sheep are gathered to be watered. The preacher emphasizes the importance of water in that region and how it needs to be protected. Jacob arrives before the stone covering the well is removed, showing his confidence. The sermon highlights the significance of this encounter in Jacob's journey and sets the stage for further events in his life.
Full Transcript
Now, will you note verse 1, chapter 29 of Genesis, "...then Jacob went on his journey, and came into the land of the people of the east." Now, he leaves Bethel, goes on his journey, and after a period of time, I do not know how long, why he arrived in the land of Haran, "...and he looked, and behold, a whale in the field, and lo, there were three flocks of sheep lying by it. For out of that well they watered the flocks, and a great stone was upon the whale's mouth. And thither were all the flocks gathered, and they rolled the stone from the whale's mouth, and watered the sheep, and put the stone again upon the whale's mouth in his plates." You see, water is a very important item in that country, and still is.
There's not too much of it in many places, and it has to be husbanded, and it has to be protected. And so here was the well that they watered the sheep and the people in that area. Now, a certain time during the day, the stone that was on top of the whale was removed, and everybody watered the sheep, everybody got the water, and the top was put back down.
Now, Jacob arrives there before they take the stone away from the whale. And here comes Jacob now, and believe me, he's as cocky as ever. Listen to him, verse 4, "...And Jacob said unto them, My brethren, whence be ye? And they said, Of Haran are we.
And he said unto them, Know ye Laban the son of Nahar? And they said, We know him. And they did, I guess. Jacob didn't, but he's going to get acquainted with him."
Sermon Outline
- Introduction
- Jacob's Journey to Haran
- The Well of Haran
- Jacob's Encounter with the Shepherds
- Jacob's Inquiry about Laban
Key Quotes
“Water is a very important item in that country, and still is.” — J. Vernon McGee
“And he said unto them, Know ye Laban the son of Nahar? And they said, We know him.” — J. Vernon McGee
Application Points
- We must carefully manage and protect our resources, just like the people of Haran did with their water.
- Confidence and self-assurance can be both positive and negative traits, depending on the situation.
- It's essential to be aware of our surroundings and the people around us, just like Jacob did when he asked about Laban.