“Three days later Laban was told that Jacob had fled. He took his men with him and pursued Jacob for seven days until he caught up with him in the hill country of Gilead. In a dream that night God came to Laban and said to him, “Be careful not to threaten Jacob in any way”… I have the power to do you harm, but last night the God of your father warned me not to threaten you in any way.” Gen 31:22-24,29 GNT
After years of service in Laban’s house, Jacob had grown and experienced increase in all ways. Some of the increase came in ways he did not plan for and some came by his wisdom, diligence, hard work and others by cunny methods. In summary, increase came, and his increase began to attract hatred and enmity from Laban and his sons who believed that Jacob got his wealth from what their father owned. One sure way to have enemies is when your coast starts to enlarge. Your promotion, increase and enlargement will likely attract enmity; yet it is God’s design that we increase and advance in life.
However, Jacob actually labored for this increase; while Laban’s sons looked on. (vs 1-10) Jacob was sensitive to know that his stay in Laban’s domain was expiring; given the hatred that was already brewing. Even God observed all that Laban was doing and mentioned it to Jacob in a dream (vs 12-14). God instructed him to get ready to go back to the land where he was born. (vs 13). How interesting to know that God is interested in every detail of our lives and He cares! God does not want injustice which was a weapon that Laban was preparing to raise up. God had to arrange for Jacob to leave. How so wonderful to have God get so interested in our affairs as to instruct us step by step.
When Jacob was ready to move, he carried his wives along in the decision. He informed them and listened to their opinions because he respected them and their opinions as well. They mattered so much in the story of his life. He did not single handedly become a great man; the wives contributed in no small ways and when it was time to move, he discussed with them; while they, themselves supported the move. They said “Do whatever God has told you”. That was reciprocal respect! This made the move of Jacob easier as he enjoyed their cooperation, and so they set out on a journey back to the land of Canaan; a land of freedom. Meanwhile, Laban would have none of that and he set out to pursue them; not with a good intention.
At times, God may not stop our adversaries from coming near; but He sure would have incapacitated them before they arrive!
What stood out to me in this passage was the fact that God had to show up to intervene and abort Laban’s plan; who was coming to do more harm than good. Why would he pursue them so vigorously for seven days? God saw into his heart and knew the pursuit was not meant for good; hence He had to appear to, and warn Laban against treating Jacob harshly. God warned Laban before he got to Jacob! God stopped whatever plans he had before he could execute them; God took over the entire process such that Jacob and his household could not be harmed. At times, God may not stop our adversaries from coming near; but He sure would have incapacitated them before they arrive. Our GOD is He who comes ahead of whatever plans the enemy has laid out for us. Laban even boasted that he had the power to harm Jacob but God warned him not to. I wonder if he had any relationship with God as to know Him; but it appears God must have introduced Himself in such a way that Laban could not but comply. He said “the God of your Father warned me not to threaten you in any way”. That was wonderful!
In life, the enemy would not want us to progress; he would rather we remain on the same spot, merry-go-rounding and slaving it out. Every attempt to move forward and advance attracts its own opposition and threat, just like Laban designed against Jacob; and Pharaoh against the Israelites. But we must move onwards and forward at God’s divine timing, and so shall we. This is God’s design!
May everything and everyone that tend to stand on our way of progress and promotion experience the visitation of God. May God go ahead to stop whatever the enemy means for evil and turn them around for our good. May every weapon of threat and harm that the enemy has in plan for us be neutralized. May God introduce Himself to those that mean us harm and evil. May we move forward and advance in life. Amen!
©Funmi Adebayo