In Genesis 31 Jacob, the son of Isaac and grandson of Abraham, decided to leave his father in law's land and move his family back to his homeland. Jacob had spent twenty years in Laban's fields working for the permission to marry Laban's daughters (Rachel and Leah) and earning his flock. Now he is ready to take all he has worked for and settle back in Abraham's country. Rachel and Leah packed all of their possessions and prepared their children for the journey. While Rachel was packing her tent, she added her family's idols to her sack. As Jacob led his family out of Laban's countryside and into the desert, Laban and his servants caught up to them and demanded Jacob return the items stolen from him.
As we know from the story, Jacob did not steal anything from Laban.
Therefore he allowed him to search the tents of his family and servants. Leah passed the test - her tent was clear. When Laban entered Rachel's tent she sat on the idols she stole from her father then she lied, saying she couldn't stand due to her monthly cycle, in order to cover her odd behavior. Laban was satisfied with his search, having not found the idols, and left Jacob and his family. Then Jacob led his people to the land of his father's. It was a new chapter for each one of them.
We're not exactly sure why Rachel took the idols. We only know that she did and was not supposed to. So, in light of this, what can we take away from this story?
We are on a journey - each one of us. Each year that passes is a new opportunity for growth, adventure, struggle, and success. Some of us are looking forward to a new journey. Most of us are afraid of change and as much as we want a new start we want to bring a few things from the past with us. For some, there are portions of our lives that should have stayed in 2015 but we have placed them in our suitcase hoping God didn't notice. My friend, God knows all that we have packed in our suitcase. Even if we're sitting on it... He knows. So what are you hiding?
Is it a bad habit? A hidden sin? An open sin? Is is fear... doubt... worry? Did you bring a bad relationship with you? If God were to do a TSA check on your luggage would he find hidden contraband? Are there items you know cannot go on this journey with you but you are trying to bring anyway?
At this point we have two choices we can be like Rachel, sit uncomfortably as we attempt to hide our contraband from God with deceit. By doing this we continue to fumble through our lives carrying items that we do not need and God does not want us to be burdened by. Or we can turn those items over to Him and be free of the baggage. By doing so we walk free as we start our new journey.
I am deciding to turn my unnecessary baggage (my worry and fear) over to God. I have spent enough energy carrying that extra weight in 2015. This is a new year - a new journey - and I want to travel light as I follow God wherever He leads in 2016.
So, who's with me?
It's a simple action, really. All we need to do is hand it over to Jesus. Like this: "Jesus, I recognize that I have been carrying some things that You did not plan for me to carry. As I start 2016, I ask for Your help in leaving (fill in the blank) in the past. Help me to walk free as I follow You on this journey. Forgive me for trying to do things on my own and hiding these things from You. Thank you, Jesus. Amen.
As we know from the story, Jacob did not steal anything from Laban.
Therefore he allowed him to search the tents of his family and servants. Leah passed the test - her tent was clear. When Laban entered Rachel's tent she sat on the idols she stole from her father then she lied, saying she couldn't stand due to her monthly cycle, in order to cover her odd behavior. Laban was satisfied with his search, having not found the idols, and left Jacob and his family. Then Jacob led his people to the land of his father's. It was a new chapter for each one of them.
We're not exactly sure why Rachel took the idols. We only know that she did and was not supposed to. So, in light of this, what can we take away from this story?
We are on a journey - each one of us. Each year that passes is a new opportunity for growth, adventure, struggle, and success. Some of us are looking forward to a new journey. Most of us are afraid of change and as much as we want a new start we want to bring a few things from the past with us. For some, there are portions of our lives that should have stayed in 2015 but we have placed them in our suitcase hoping God didn't notice. My friend, God knows all that we have packed in our suitcase. Even if we're sitting on it... He knows. So what are you hiding?
Is it a bad habit? A hidden sin? An open sin? Is is fear... doubt... worry? Did you bring a bad relationship with you? If God were to do a TSA check on your luggage would he find hidden contraband? Are there items you know cannot go on this journey with you but you are trying to bring anyway?
At this point we have two choices we can be like Rachel, sit uncomfortably as we attempt to hide our contraband from God with deceit. By doing this we continue to fumble through our lives carrying items that we do not need and God does not want us to be burdened by. Or we can turn those items over to Him and be free of the baggage. By doing so we walk free as we start our new journey.
I am deciding to turn my unnecessary baggage (my worry and fear) over to God. I have spent enough energy carrying that extra weight in 2015. This is a new year - a new journey - and I want to travel light as I follow God wherever He leads in 2016.
So, who's with me?
It's a simple action, really. All we need to do is hand it over to Jesus. Like this: "Jesus, I recognize that I have been carrying some things that You did not plan for me to carry. As I start 2016, I ask for Your help in leaving (fill in the blank) in the past. Help me to walk free as I follow You on this journey. Forgive me for trying to do things on my own and hiding these things from You. Thank you, Jesus. Amen.
Good Word!
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