Youth DCLM Search the Scripture 8 May 2022 | Lesson 19 || JACOB’S SOJOURN IN LABAN’S HOUSE
Youth DCLM Search the Scripture 8 May 2022
Youth STS LESSON 19 | JACOB’S SOJOURN IN LABAN’S HOUSE
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TEXT: Genesis 29:1-35; 30:1-43; 31:1-55
MEMORY VERSE: ‘”And Laban said to him, Surely thou art my bone and my flesh. And he abode with him the space of a month’ (Genesis 29:14).
Youth DCLM Search the Scripture 8 May 2022 | Lesson 19 MESSAGE
Jacob left his family to seek for refuge with his uncle, Laban, as a result of the consequences of his deceptive conduct to obtain his father’s blessing. Esau hated Jacob and sought for his life (Genesis 27:41). This threat to his life made his parents resolved to send him away to his uncle, Laban, who lived in Haran. In the previous chapter, Jacob had an encounter with God, who promised to protect and prosper him in a strange land (Genesis 28:1-5; 28:10-22).
JACOB SERVES IN LABAN’S HOUSE (Genesis 29:1-30, Ecclesiastes 9: 10; 1 Kings 11 :28; Proverbs 22:29; Galatians 6:9)
When Jacob got to the land of the people of the east (Genesis 29: l), he saw a well in a field and three flocks of sheep lying by it (verse 2). In a polite, courteous and friendly manner, he made inquiries concerning Laban. The shepherds answered all his questions. Youths should be inquisitive about their environments and the people around their homes, schools and workplaces.
Question 1: Mention some good qualities found in Jacob.
It is essential to note that Jacob was polite to the shepherds in the field (verse 4). He was not rude, rash or unsociable in his communication. However, Christian youths should be careful in giving direction and personal information to strangers (verses 4-8). Jacob showed genuine concern about the total well- being of Laban and his entire family (verse 6). He helped Rachel to roll the stone from the mouth of the well and watered the flock of Laban (Genesis 29:6.9, 10).
Hence, Christian youths should cultivate the attitude of helping others both at home, church or in the society. It was the friendly and helpful disposition of Jacob that made him to get the necessary information that affected his future positively.
Some Christian youths find it difficult to give helping hands to elderly one around them. This might be one of the reasons they cannot get helpers when necessary. If you belong to this group, you have to learn from Jacob. Youth DCLM Search the Scripture 8 May 2022 | Lesson 19
There must be a thorough and satisfying investigation about the identities and backgrounds of strangers, classmates, peers who are of the same gender with us before we commit ourselves to them in friendship, while intimate friendship with opposite gender should be avoided by all means in order to avoid temptations.
Every youth should emulate the virtue of Rachel who kept her father’s flock. They must be willing to get involved in some domestic works. Rachel assumed a leadership position like David by taking care of her father’s flock. It is the responsibility of Christian youths to do task assigned to them by their parents without delay.
Jacob introduced himself to Rachel and greeted her with a kiss. This was in line with the culture of the people (verse 1 1,13). It was greeting devoid of immoral desire. Jacob did not hide his identity from his mother’s relations unlike many Youths today who are not willing to reveal their identity to other children of God.
JACOB SUCCEEDS IN LABAN’S HOUSE (Genesis 29: 15-35; Matthew 19:4-6; Genesis 2: 18)
After spending one month, Laban asked Jacob to be his hired labourer and he agreed. Youths must always be willing and ready to work with their hands (Genesis 29: 15,27; 2 Thessalonians 3:10-13)’ He decided to serve Laban for seven years for his daughter Rachel whom he loved. Jacob was focused. He knew why he was sent to Haran. It was for him not to marry from the children of inhabitants where Isaac sojourned and to avoid being killed by Esau his brother. At this time, the inhabitants of the land were godless. The same applies to Christian youths today.
The Bible says, “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Beliai? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?” (2 Corinthians 6: 14, 15). Saved youths should therefore, be focused on the necessary things whether on academic pursuit, work or marriage, they should put on their best to achieve it. After serving for seven years, Laban gave Leah to Jacob in marriage unknown to him.
Jacob was displeased with him when he discovered it. He decided to serve another seven years for Rachel. This was how Jacob went into Polygamy.
Question 2: What is polygamy?
Polygamy is marrying more than one wife. It was a common practice in the Old Testament. Some men still do the same today. But this is against the will of God. Christ revealed in the New Testament, “…that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female” (Matthew 19:4).
Polygamy brought Jacob into many troubles. His home was filled with rancour, rivalry, quarrel, frustrations, tension, jealousy, hatred and terrible wickedness (Genesis 18,20). No one who is heavenly-minded should practice polygamy. Meanwhile, Rachel was barren. From her barrenness, we should understand that marriage can sometime experience challenges.
It was through prayer that Rachel conquered. Any believer who may experience delay in child-bearing should seek the face of God fervently. And the God that answered Rachel will not disappoint (Genesis 30:2,23). Apart from marriage, Jacob also had many children in the house of Laban. It was from these children that the Patriarchs originated. These children with the two sons Of Joseph became the twelve tribes of Israel.
Working for Laban was not without challenge for Jacob. He changed his wages ten times. But he did not behave unseemly. He was still dedicated to his work. Christian youths should learn from it. Though Laban treated him unfaithfully, Jacob was later blessed by God. He had so many cattles and sheep. He became so rich in Laban’s house. “I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth, which thou hast shewed unto thy servant; for with my staff I passed over this Jordan; and now I am become two bands” (Genesis 32:10). Youth DCLM Search the Scripture 8 May 2022 | Lesson 19
Whenever you are hard working, coupled with fear and faith in God, certainly, He will prosper you. “And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper” (Psalm 1:3). Christian youths should know that God is interested in whatever they are going through (Genesis 31:12).
Laban thought to continue to exploit Jacob but God blessed his diligence and patience. God brought the many years of oppression, and servitude to an end. He generously and graciously complemented the losses he had suffered while serving Laban (1 Peter 2: 18; Colossians 3:23,24).
JACOB FLED FROM LABAN’S HOUSE (Genesis 31:1-55; Luke 15:11-13,18)
“And Jacob beheld the countenance of Laban, and, behold, it was not toward him as before. And the LORD said unto Jacob, Return unto the land of thy fathers, and to thy kindred; and I will be with thee” (Genesis 31:2,3). Jacob observed that Laban was no longer happy with him. And he felt it was dangerous to continue to live with him. As he thinks on this, the Lord told him to return home with a promise of being with him. How instructive for Christian youths to have all their lives under the guidance of God on their choice of career and in all their endeavours here on earth.
Having informed and obtained the support of the wives, he commenced the journey without informing Laban. “And it Was told Laban on the third day that Jacob was fled” (verse 22). And Laban pursued after him (Genesis 31:22-24). Later, he overtook them after seven days of pursuit. But God warned him in a dream not to hurt Jacob or to speak to him at all. Youth DCLM Search the Scripture 8 May 2022 | Lesson 19
God protected Jacob (Genesis 32:24). He knows how to deliver His children from troubles. Christian youths should not be afraid of the rage of man. As long as they remained on God’s side, no one can lay their hands on them. “For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city” (Acts 18: 10).
Question 3: What should be the posture of Christian youths when pursued by an enemy?
When saved youths are being chased by the enemies, they should maintain a fearless posture. The Bible says, “What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31). They should pray to God for protection and deliverance from the wicked. They should also know that God will fight their battles for them. They should trust God even if the situation at hand is frightful.
God is in control and will cause the storm to be over soon. As Jacob left with his wives and children, Rachel stole the idol of his father. This simply means that Rachel has no faith in the God of Israel. This is contrary to the case of Ruth who forsook her country’s god. She went with Naomi because of her faith in the God of Israel. Rachel paid for this. She told a lie of not stealing the idol. Jacob had placed a curse of death on whomsoever it would be found.
Though it was not found with anybody, Rachel died when she was about to be delivered of Benjamin.
Question 4: What is the implication of stealing?
It is sinful to steal, and anyone who steals will pay for it. “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23). Apart from eternal damnation in hell for the unrepentant thief, it brings shame, disgrace and imprisonment when found guilty in a law court.
Question 5: What do you learn from Jacob’s quick reaction to the accusation of Laban?
There must be thorough investigation into a matter before we jump into conclusion. Jacob was impatient and hasty in his response to Laban’s accusation of his missing idols (Genesis 31:36-42). After the rage of Laban over his missing idol, he reconciled with Jacob. This reconciliation ended up in a covenant between them (Genesis 31:43-55; 26:26-31; 21:22-32; Numbers 25:12).
When a Christian youth has any case with anyone, he should seek for reconciliation. He should not allow it to lead to hatred and withdrawal from such person. There should be complete forgiveness from the heart. True believers should strive to live in peace with everyone and follow peace with all men (Hebrews 12:14; Romans 8:21; Psalm 34:12-16; 1 Peter 3:10-13).
Youth DCLM Search the Scripture 8 May 2022 | Lesson 19