GENESIS 29 MOVE THE STONE I saw in my mind, a solitary figure walking miles each day, alone with only survival and distant hopes to give him incentive. Actually, there was more, much more, because he now had a promise from God as to his future. The motivation for Jacob to reach Padan-Aram had all the promises of God to keep him moving towards that distant unknown goal. How would he know when he reached the undescribed destination? Faith really does work in the unfolding of life's events. A well in a field with sheep all around did not seem a likely place to find a wife and for faith to claim the promises of God. The gathered men seemed bound by tradition and fear of each other - until Rachel came!
We may not know from day to day what lies beyond the next sunrise. When we know the will of God has led us to this particular place for this particular time, then we can be assured that God will give us further directions as He guides our steps and going each day. Some things may seem so common, so ordinary, that we overlook what God can do with common ordinary people, doing common ordinary things on a common ordinary day.
When Rachel came there was no question in Jacob's mind. He had found what he came for. He had no dowry with him like his father's servant had who came to that place before him. But he did show initiative and a great stone covering the well was not going to hinder his actions, tradition or not. He took action; he did what needed to be done. He made himself known. Moving the stone may not seem like much to us from this distant time, but to those whose lives followed a set pattern, even in daily living, it would have been a startling awareness that this man is different. He is able to go forward without fear and in confidence. He knows why he is here. He knows what is before him. He has all the actions of a man on a mission. These things are all true of those who trust God and live by faith in Him. All the side issues in the world around us do not need to turn us aside from the way we know the Lord has led us.
Apparently for the first time in his life, Jacob had a goal and to reach that goal he had to work. Love is a great motivator. The important goals and desires in life are worth working for. The problems in life may not be solved in a short time. Patience and faithful continuance are the keys to dealing with disappointments and deceptive people. The deceiver, Jacob, was now made to see what it is like to be deceived. In his anger and, what was to him injustice, he found out he could do nothing about it. He learned a lesson everyone should - our sin has a way of coming back to attack us.
What did he do and what should we do when we find out we have been deceived by someone we trusted? Revenge doesn't solve the problem; it just deepens the mistrust and makes lasting enemies. Even though we may have been deceived into a bad bargain, we still need to follow through and fulfill our part of the bargain. In everything we do we need to think about what is at stake and what are the alternatives we have to reach the goal before us. It is always wise to take time to look at any issue through God's eyes and see the results from His perspective.
Even in the years of work to attain his goal, Jacob was blessed with the birth of children. As children were born to Leah, he developed a change in character. Now there was an awareness of others beside himself. Now there were children being born who would look to him for leadership and parental guidance. During the years of his labor for Laban, Jacob was gradually learning how to honor God in unfavorable circumstances. He was learning the blessings of love. He was learning that every action has a consequence. He was learning that others have a right to expect him to meet their needs. He was learning also that fathers have no longer the right to live only for themselves. There are things we forfeit when we become parents.
As I followed in my mind the history of this family through whom blessing would eventually come to me, I was made to consider the effects of my decisions on my wife and my children. I realize others too, will be affected by what I do, so my seemingly personal decisions are not personal at all. How greatly I need God's guidance and direction in the course of everyday life, let alone the big decisions I make.
There are obstacles we have to face in the normal course of life. It may not just be the moving of a stone that initiates some strife. The culture differences, national differences, personality differences too,
Can create blocks in the path of life hindering what I'm called to do. But when I know God has led me to a specific place and time - Then I can deal with the obstacles, they are involved in God's will not just in mine. It is up to me to have clearly defined the goals I want to reach. And I can trust the Lord to guide me when it is His will I really seek.
To remove the great stone of prejudice is not always understood By those who have already decided what should be done, and never should Depending on what people's nationality is, or their race or creed. The great stone of prejudice will never be moved if to them I pay much heed. By God's grace I must be able and willing to see everyone through God's eyes. That will keep me from pride and prejudice, or else pare me down to size. I need to consider if I allow the stone of prejudice to stumble me - Others won't listen to what I say to them, they will believe only what they see.
The great stone of materialism rises up right in front of my path. It is possible to be successful and get a lot more than what I have. After all, say some, isn't that what most people now measure personal success by - The number of things you can gather around you, or the things you are able to buy Are often the measure of what is important but I know it is a great stone - That blocks the real success in life; what really counts when I am gone Won't be the amount of money, but the example of faith I have left behind. In the words I said and the things I did, is where the most joy my family will find.
The great stone of rejection has to be removed before people understand grace. Often that huge barrier just stays in the road, blocking the path of faith. How to move that stone is a puzzle to me because usually I don't know the cause. But I can't allow my objective to be changed, even though rejection sometimes gives me pause. Thus far the best thing I know I can do is try to win people to me - And then perhaps the Lord who I serve, the rejecter will begin to see Is not going to ruin their life or their home, He will make them brand new. And when that great stone is removed from them, a whole new creation comes into view.
"Lord God, my Father, I am here before Thee today with a great desire to see some of these coming to these meetings saved by Thy grace. I really don't know the obstacles that are keeping them from Christ. I only know they need Thee and seem so unhappy and lost. May Thy saving power be manifest here at this time is my earnest prayer. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."