Jacob

Ministering to the Greater Body of Jesus Christ

Jacob

By Rose Andrews

Dearest Co-laborers,

I have much to testify to you of this morning. Your prayers for the provision for this ministry have released a measure of the favor of God that wasn’t released before.

Pondering on the life of Jacob, one of the great patriarchs, we see a man under a financial stronghold for many years. Jacob basically got himself into the agreement with Laban his uncle with a bit of help from his mother, I would say. Nevertheless, he is in a STRONG-HOLD with the spirit of Laban.

Jacob wanted something, Rachel, so he struck up a bargain with his own arrangements. Filled with self –confidence, he thought he was capable of handling his own affairs. We see no record of him asking God about the marriage or the exchange that should take place. God stepped out of the center and patiently watches Jacob for seven years. He was industrious and clever and God’s anointing rested upon him in many ways, but not in full measure. There was a restraint and the agreement made with Laban that he thought would bring him fulfillment held him from the fulfillment for 20 years.

The story continues, and we see Jacob reaping the deception that he had sowed with his brother years before through the sad trick his uncle plays on him in marring Leah instead of Rachael. His heart is torn but we don’t see him going to God and asking him what to do. Instead he strikes up another deal to get Rachael, the one he really wants. No repentance just another idea. It’s sad to watch the pain that stays with this family all through their lives because of Jacobs’s sin. Nevertheless, I find the mercy of God all over Jacobs’s life. His family is a mess, but God relentlessly stands on the sidelines waiting for Jacob to be broken so that He can step back into Jacobs’s life and fulfill His destiny for him. There are very similar circumstance occurring in the church at large today.

Invaluable lessons reside in this story. I would like to look at one other point in Jacobs’s life for this morning and than pray.

Years after Jacobs entrapment to the spirit of Laban, he seeks the Lord for a way out. God gives him a strategy in order from him to leave with tons of provision. Sort of liken to the Israelites when they leave Egypt. God tells them to ask for gold and silver articles, puts His favor upon them and they leave Egypt with the wealth of their enemy. As Jacob turns to God, much of the same favor that rested on the Israelites rests upon him.

Joseph the deliverer is born. Jacob has plenty of provision so he leaves without any advance notice given to “Uncle Laban.” The only two forewarned are Jacob’s wives. Rachel and Leah agree with Jacob that their father has used them for his own selfish gain. They feel cheated of their inheritance as well. Rachael steals her father’s household gods. It’s important here to shed some historical light on the meaning of this theft in order for us to agree in prayer. Archaeological discoveries in the area where Jacob, lived show that possession of those idols were thought to guarantee a double portion of the inheritance when the father died. It appears as though Rachael took those idols not for worship purposes, but as a way to get the inheritance she perceived she was cheated out of (Life in the Spirit Study Bible pg. 58. Zondervan 2003). I find this so interesting. You would think that Rachael would have learned her lesson but watching her own husband try and strike up bargains in his own initiative. Instead of going to God with the injustice, a she takes matter into her own hands and almost gets herself killed for it.

I love reading the word of God. I have spent the summer studied the patriarchs and praying from the revelation I received from their lives.

1-I would like us to join together and pray that the Lord releases the church of the Hudson Valley from our own ideas, brings us to a place of brokenness so that we hear all of God’s strategy for the this hour.

2-I believe the Lord wants to release great provision to the church up and down the Hudson River Valley & Kansas City.

3-I believe He has a visitation of provision planned and it’s vital not to be like Jacob and keep right on making mistakes and coming up with just another idea. God is capable to bring His plan about beyond or wildest dreams and thoughts.

4-Let’s ask God for a fresh awakening of humility and brokenness so that we can be released from the Spirit of Laban and receive a transference of provision from the world to be used for the Kingdom.

It’s a great time to shout AMEN!

I love you all with an everlasting Love

Co-laboring With You,

Rosey Andrews