E-pistle for June 5, 2009
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E-pistle
Dr. Dan Hite, President FreeWay Foundation June 5, 2009
Mizpah
(Genesis 31:44-55)
Dr. Curt Scarborough
I. Concentration: on the parting of Jacob and Laban
1. Jacob's prosperity made him an object of jealousy and envy by
Laban's sons, v. 1.
2. Laban's attitude toward Jacob had changed . . . his countenance
"was not favorable toward him as before," v. 2.
3. The Lord told Jacob to return to Canaan, and he conferred with his
wives about the move, vv. 3-13.
4. Rachel and Leah advised Jacob to take their inheritance and leave
the country secretly, vv. 14-21.
II. Meditation: on the final confrontation between Jacob and Laban
1. After three days, Laban heard of Jacob's departure, and he pursued
and overtook him within a week, vv. 22-25.
2. Laban asked "Why?" . . . alleging that he would have given them a
nice going away" party, vv. 26-28.
3. Laban had been told by the Lord not to harm Jacob, v. 29.
4. Laban accused someone in Jacob's party of stealing his household
idols; in fact, Rachel had done so, but was not caught, vv. 30-35.
III. Revelation: on the resolution of this conflict
1. Jacob angrily rebuked Laban for what he believed to be his false
accusation about stealing household gods, vv. 36-37.
2. Jacob also rebuked Laban for the unfair treatment he had given during
20 years of service: "You have changed my wages ten times," vv. 38-41.
3. Jacob asserted that Laban would have sent him away empty-handed,
except for God's intervention, v. 42.
4. Laban and Jacob made a covenant and erected a stone pillar ("Mizpah"
meaning a "heap of witness") to mark the line between the two men,
which they swore never to cross, vv. 43-45.
IV. Applications: as a Christian, I need to . . .
1. Listen with spiritual discernment to receive the Lord's direction for my
life and family; wait for a word of confirmation from others who are
personally involved.
2. Discuss all major decisions with other members of the family . . . seeking
their insight and advice.
3. Deal immediately with inter-personal problems and disagreements;
communicate . . . rather than storing up frustrations for twenty years
and then exploding with anger!
4. Realize that God indeed does watch over his people while they are absent
one from another . . . "Mizpah," v. 49.
God Changes Jacob into Israel
(Genesis 32:1-32)
Dr. Curt Scarborough
I. Concentration: on the historical setting of this chapter
1. Jacob and Laban had erected Mizpah ("Watch"), and Jacob offered a
sacrifice before departing, Genesis 31:48-55.
2. Angels of God met Jacob and he said, "This is God's camp," naming the
place Mahanaim ("Double Camp"), vv. 1-2.
3. Jacob, the manipulator, sent messengers and gifts to pacify his brother
Esau, in an attempt to protect his family, vv. 3-8, 13-23.
4. Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed, and he prayed, vv. 7, 9-12.
II. Meditation: on Jacob's prayer unto the Lord
1. He identifies himself with Abraham and Isaac, reminding God of His
promise at Bethel (Genesis 28:12-22) to bring him back safely into
Canaan, v. 9.
2. He expressed deep humility before God: "I am not worthy," v. 10.
3. He thanked God for His mercies and blessings, v. 10.
4. He asked God for protection and deliverance from Esau, vv. 11-12.
III. Revelation: on Jacob's personal encounter with the Lord
1. Jacob was alone in a quiet place, where he spent several hours with
a "Man," v. 24 . . . "Man" is the Angel of the Lord (Hosea 12:4) . . . the
Pre-incarnate Christ.
2. Jacob "wrestled" (spiritually struggled, contended, grappled, strove with)
the "Man," and the struggle was so intense that it produced physical
injury and pain, v. 25; Luke 22:44.
3. Jacob persisted in asking for a blessing, v. 26.
4. The Lord heard and changed his name from Jacob ("Heel-catcher") to
Israel ("Prince with God") . . . and the name change symbolized the inner
transformation of Jacob's life.
IV. Applications: on my personal walk after I have encountered God
1. More than ever, I deeply will desire to come to know the Lord better . . .
"Tell me Your name, I pray," v. 29.
2. In humility and thanksgiving, I will memorialize the place of my spiritual
experience with God, v. 30 . . . Jacob called the place "Peniel," meaning
"Face of God."
3. Since I had my life-changing experience with God, I now will walk
differently; Jacob "limped," v. 31 . . . my spiritual steps also should testify
of my up-close-and-personal encounter with the Lord.
4. I need to fulfill my vows to his homeland, Genesis 28:22. (To whom did
Jacob give the tithe? He probably did not sacrifice to the Lord one out of
every ten animals he owned, but possibly Jacob gave that portion to his
brother, Esau vv. 13-15. Our gifts to others may be seen as gifts to the
Lord, Matthew 25:40.)
Have patience with all things but first with yourself. Never confuse
your mistakes with your value as a human being.
You're a perfectly valuable, creative, worthwhile person simply
because you exist. And no amount of triumphs or tribulations can
ever change that.
Unconditional self-acceptance is the core of a peaceful mind.
-St. Francis de Sales
(copied from "Good Stuff")
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