Devotional: Move On

Genesis 31:43-55

“Then the LORD said to Jacob, ‘Return to the land of your fathers and to your relatives, and I will be with you” (Gen. 31:3, NASB).

One of the mistakes that people make is that they stay in a place too long trying to make things turn out right; which is to what they perceive to be their advantage. Sometimes it is best to count your losses, take what the Lord gives you and move on. This is what is taking place in the text today.

Jacob had fled home because of his fear that his brother Esau would take his life (Gen. 27:41). His father, Isaac, sends him to his kinsman Laban. Jacob marries the daughters of Laban and works for Laban twenty years (31:28). The day comes when the relationship reaches a point of ill will by Laban’s sons towards Jacob (31:1). The Lord instructs Jacob to return to his father’s land; to his relatives. Jacob obeys God and sets out toward home. Laban discovers that Jacob has gone. He sets out to catch up to him. On the way the Lord tells Laban in a dream not to do anything to Jacob (31:24). Laban catches up to Jacob and the two talk with each other about the past twenty years (v. 38).

Genesis 31:43-55 is an account of the covenant that Laban and Jacob make with each other. The covenant stipulates that neither man will cross the boundary set up to harm each other (vv. 48-49). Jacob offers a sacrifice and spends the night on the mountain. “Early in the morning Laban arose, and kissed his sons and his daughters and blessed them. Then Laban departed and returned to his place” (31:55, NASB).

This story in the life of Jacob teaches us that sometimes we should be willing not to fight for our rights, but we should be willing to move on when God tells us to. God has us to move on so that He can bless us more and use us in His service. Jacob reconciles with his brother Esau and becomes the father of twelve sons that become the twelve tribes of Israel.

Prayer: Lord, we thank you for the blessings that you give to us. I pray that when it is your time and you’re calling that I will be willing to move on. Amen.