JACOB HAD ENEMIES; they were not only from outside, but those whom he called his ‘own’ had also become his foes. Who were they?

• His elder brother Esau - Jacob had surreptitiously stolen away his brother’s blessings by feeding his father Isaac with a mouthwatering dish. Genesis 27:41.
• The people of Shechem - When God began blessing Jacob, the people of Shechem became envious of him; they began persecuting him.
• His uncle Laban - Jacob suffered much at the hands of Laban. He had promised to give Rachel his younger daughter to Jacob, but deceived him by giving Leah, his elder one. The cattle that Jacob was supposed to get as a wage for his 14 years of service was also manipulated by his uncle. Genesis chps. 29-31.
• Esau waiting for revenge - Even though Jacob was away from his home for more than 10 plus years, still Esau was waiting to strike back at his brother. Hence, even in his uncle’s house, Jacob wasn’t exactly safe.

Inspite of all this Jacob was grateful for all the struggles and difficulties God helped him to win. Jacob crosses Jordan twice. One while running away from his house to Padanaram and then coming out from Padanaram to go back to Bethel, his house. Both the times he says one ☝️ thing in particular - he had a staff in his hand which was there with him before and even now. Finally, when Jacob was about to die, he leaned on the staff and gave up his spirit.

Staff refers to Promises of God. River Jordan refers to the struggles, reproaches and difficulties that come against our life. Moses had a staff in his hand and with that he divided the Red Sea into two parts. Therefore, as Jacob and Moses let us also proclaim the Promises of God in our life and overcome every battle that comes up against us. The God who has promised us will definitely help us overcome!!

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

May God help us! ❤️