Jacob Worshipping

Scripture Reading: Genesis 31:29-42,32: 22-32 

 Key Verse: So Jacob called the place Peniel, saying It is because I saw God face to face, and yet my life was spared (Genesis 32:30)  

Meditation: We become almost tired of the continuing saga of this complicated family. Perhaps our society is just as complex today. When we read a story like this we wonder where the good people are. Jesus changed our world by making it possible for our hearts to be changed. We are forever different when we recognize him as the head of our household. Jacob was running from Laban but God was protecting Jacob.  

Rachel thought she would help. She could not leave behind the gods of her father. She took them and hid them without Jacob's knowledge. That is one time Jacob did not have to deceive Laban. He honestly did not know the gods were among his moving household. Rachel very cleverly concealed them during the search.

 Laban minded God's warning not to say good or bad to Jacob. They made a covenant with each other and parted Jacob learned he would have to face Esau. Now he must pay for more protection. He recalls the guidance of God to him from the time he headed for the country of Laban to the time of his present situation. He had only a staff when he started, and now he had great herds, flocks and family. Jacob admits his unworthiness before God.  

Thought for the Day: Crisis in our lives turn us to God. When we turn to him, we will find He has been there all along.  

Peniel- no shrine here!!