Be Fruitful!

Genesis 29

God is able to replicate His plan in successive generations. He has the power to make anyone who follows His plans great and prosperous. We see here that Jacob finds a spouse, increases and perpetuates God’s agenda of making Abraham’s descendants as many as the dust of the sea. It may seem like an ordinary story unfolding but God was making history happen. God’s decrees may appear simple and ordinary in reality but when it is all done, it stands out as profound in our eyes.

What can we learn?

#1. There is blessing in obeying parents. (Genesis 29:1-14)

From the previous chapter, we learnt that Jacob obeyed the instructions of his parents to go to his Uncle Laban to marry from his mother’s family. This obedience granted him a successful journey and meeting with Rachel. Indeed, what paved the way for Jacob was that he was helpful to Rachel. When you are obedient and helpful, it opens unusual doors of favour for you. Galatians 6:10 says, “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.”

#2. God can use any human system for His plans. (Genesis 29:15-30)

After Jacob started working for his Uncle, he was offered to marry Rachel. It turned out that the tradition demanded the first daughter (Leah) had to marry before the second (Rachel) even though he had worked 7 years for the latter. As a persistent man, he pursued the love of his heart by working for another 7 years to marry Rachel. He had two wives now. The uncle was not straight with him but God was with him to fulfill His promises. God’s men and women can face unsuitable systems meant for their bad but God can turn it around. Jacob was a persistent man who did not let the unstraight ways of his uncle affect him. God who was with him gave him the grace to endure all those years of working for two women.

#3. Be fruitful. (Genesis 29:31-35)

We see a fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham being pursued by Jacob when he started bringing forth children with Leah. Though unloved, the Lord had mercy on her and opened her womb to give birth to the first 4 children of Jacob. Our relationships may not be perfect but God can always use that same relationship to fulfill His divine agenda. He makes the impossible possible by opening the barren womb. There is nothing too hard for Him to do.

God can use any situation for His good plan for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). Jacob fell prey to a cultural system that took advantage of him but God still used that for His original promise to Abraham to make him a great nation and people. God’s ways are truly not our way.

Take Action: Thank God that His plan will prevail and not that of man.