(Genesis) Genesis 31:20-25
God intervenes to protect Jacob from Laban's anger and desire to harm him.
In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jacob fleeing from Laban. Jacob had secretly left Laban's house without informing him and traveled a great distance to Mount Gilead. Laban, upon discovering Jacob's departure, pursued him for seven days until he caught up with him. Laban's intentions were likely hostile, as he was angry enough to potentially kill Jacob. However, God intervened and warned Laban in a dream not to harm Jacob. This protected Jacob and his possessions from Laban's wrath.
Full Transcript
Now notice verse 20, "...and Jacob stole away unawares to Laban the Syrian, in that he told him not that he fled." Now, he waited until Laban went out to shear sheep. Probably he went quite a few miles away from home because the sheep grazed on a very large area in that day, and they still do for that matter. It takes a great area to feed them.
And so this man Laban is away from home. While he is, Jacob just forgot to tell him he was leaving, that he was going. "...So he fled with all that he had, and he rose up and passed over the river, and set his face toward the Mount Gilead.
And it was told Laban on the third day that Jacob was fled. And he took his brethren with him, and pursued after him seven days' journey. And they overtook him in the Mount Gilead." You see, they are moving now quite a distance.
They've come apparently all the way here to Mount Gilead, which is just on the east of the Jordan River. And it means that Laban has really been traveling fast, overtaking. And Laban doesn't mean any good as far as Jacob is concerned.
I'm of the opinion he was angry enough to kill him, and would have killed him had not God intervened. Verse 24, "...And God came to Laban the Syrian in a dream by night, and said unto him, Take heed that thou speak not to Jacob neither good or bad." In other words, you be very careful what you say and do. "...Then Laban overtook Jacob.
Now Jacob had pitched his tent in the mount, and Laban with his brethren pitched in the mount of Gilead." And now listen to Uncle Laban. He's a clever rascal, by the way. Here he's been coming, breathing out fire and brimstone, wanting to not only recover all these possessions of Jacob and take them back, but probably kill Jacob and take back his two daughters and their children.
But God had to intervene to protect this boy.
Sermon Outline
- Jacob's Departure
- Laban's Intentions
- God's Warning to Laban
- God appears to Laban in a dream
- God warns Laban to speak carefully to Jacob
Key Quotes
“He told him not that he fled.” — J. Vernon McGee
“Take heed that thou speak not to Jacob neither good or bad.” — J. Vernon McGee
“God had to intervene to protect this boy.” — J. Vernon McGee
Application Points
- We should trust in God's protection and care, even in difficult situations.
- We should be careful about our words and actions towards others, as they can have a significant impact.
- God can intervene in our lives to prevent harm and bring about good.