Apprehended At Last -- 6/28/09

Sunday, June 28, 2009

APPREHENDED AT LAST
Gen. 28:10-22; 31-32

God’s timing is amazing. This week I ran across a young lady who is 18. I recognized her last name and told her I knew her. She assured me I knew her sister. As it turned out, she was right. When I was around her family, she hadn’t yet been born. Before she departed, I asked her to give a message to her dad. I told her to tell him, “Ron says ‘Hi,” and the Hound of Heaven is still after him.” Some 20 years ago I saw this man under conviction. It was during those days that I gave him that poem, “The Hound of Heaven.” To tell you the truth, I don’t know the poem at all, but I can never forget that title – “The Hound of Heaven.”

Jacob was always pursuing a great deal, and he was willing to employ whatever means necessary to get what he wanted. We first see this in the way he swindled his brother Esau out of the birthright. And when his mother Rebekah instructed him concerning how to get the blessing as well, he went along. Last week we saw how he matched wits with his Uncle Laban and eventually came out the winner, leaving Haran as a very wealthy man. Yes, Jacob was always pursuing whatever he could get.

That is only part of the story. In reality, it is the small part. The bigger truth is that the pursuer was being pursued by the Hound of Heaven. Long before Jacob had any knowledge of it, the Lord was after Jacob. This morning we are going to focus on that truth as we continue looking at the life of Jacob.

I. The First Real Contact – The Dream at Bethel (Gen. 28:10-22)

Last week we looked at the account of God appearing to Jacob at Luz, which Jacob named “Bethel,” meaning “the house of God.” Let’s do a quick review here at the end of Genesis 28 (verses 10-22). It’s about 50 miles from Beersheba and Bethel. It appears that he made it to Bethel the first night, arriving after dark. That could explain why he was able to sleep with a rock as his pillow. That’s quite a trip in one day.

Let me remind you that this is the first time the Lord spoke to Jacob. Of course, He knew all about Jacob. Nothing had escaped the Lord’s notice, but this is the first time He has actually appeared to Jacob. Notice three things about this dream in which God appeared to Jacob…
… There was a ladder with the angels of God ascending and descending upon it, with the Lord standing above the ladder.
… God renewed to Jacob the promises He had made to Abraham.
… God gave Jacob great promises of protection and provision, assuring him that He would do what He said.

Last week I said we would wait until this week to consider Jacob’s response. Let’s do that now. How would Jacob respond to a direct word from Almighty God? As you might expect, the Lord certainly had his attention. He correctly acknowledged, “Surely the Lord is in this place; and I knew it not” (28:16). He realized that he had just received more than a good night’s sleep. Notice in verse 17 that Jacob was afraid. What else could we expect? It is no small thing to hear from the living God. Listen to his words in verse 17, “How dreadful is this place! This is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.” How right he was! God was dwelling in that place, and the ladder Jacob saw was truly the gate of heaven.

After Jacob took his stone pillow and set it up erect as a pillar and poured oil on it, he then made a vow to God. Let’s read it again in Gen. 28:20-22…

And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on, 21. So that I come again to my father's house in peace; then shall the LORD be my God: 22. And this stone, which I have set for a pillar, shall be God's house: and of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee.
After hearing the promises of God, Jacob makes some promises of his own.

Now let’s pause right here and reflect upon the quality of Jacob’s response to God. I think it is best to put it in the context of some questions. Was Jacob genuinely following the Lord at this point? Was this the kind of vow the Lord was looking for from Jacob? If we were going to put this in New Testament terms, would this mark Jacob’s conversion, or would we look to chapter 32 for his conversion, when he wrestled with the angel?

I must tell you that people differ in their answer to these questions. I will simply tell you where I am, and you can make up your own mind. I don’t believe this experience marks a change in Jacob. Rather, I think he is still wheeling and dealing, but this time he is bargaining with God.

Let me give you my reasons. First of all, notice the word “if.” “If God will be with me and will keep me in this way that I go and will give me breat to eat and clothes to wear and bring me back home safely, then you, Lord, will be my God. And to show my appreciation, I will give you a little tip, a tenth of all you give me.” Why the “if.” Surely this points to Jacob’s lack of faith. God said He would do these things; He did not give any conditions. Though he recognizes that the Almighty has spoken to him, he isn’t sure that God can or will do what He has promised. “If He does, that’s great; then I’ll let Him be my God.” Now it is true that some commentators tell us it is possible to translate it as, “Since God will be with me” or “Seeing that God is with me.” However, the argument is not very convincing. I know of only one translation that renders it differently than “if” (Young’s Literal). In light of what we know of Jacob and the other arguments I am about to give, the evidence seems overwhelming that Jacob meant “If God…” He did not trust God to do what He said He would.

It is also interesting to note how Jacob refers to God. Beginning way back in chapter 27, when he was in the process of deceiving his father Isaac in order to get the blessing, Jacob said, “Because the Lord thy God brought it to me” (28:20). He can speak of his father’s God, but does not refer to Yahweh as his own God. Remember what he said in 28:21, “If God will do all these things for me, then shall the Lord be my God.” As late as Gen. 32:9, Jacob refers to Him, “O God of my father Abraham and God of my father Isaac…” But after Jacob wrestled with the angel, never again does he use that terminology. The only possible exception might be in Gen. 48:15, "And he blessed Joseph, and said, God, before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac did walk, the God which fed me all my life long unto this day." While Jacob refers to his fathers Abraham and Isaac as walking before God, he speaks of God Himself as the one who “fed me all my life long unto this day.” What a change. I suggest that it was when he wrestled with the angel at the end of chapter 32 that God became his God.

We must also notice the very strong language we find at the end of chapter 32. After wresting with the angel and prevailing, Jacob says, “I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved” (Gen. 32:30). Whatever Jacob meant by that statement, it goes far beyond anything we see here in chapter 28. Also note the references to the sun in 28:11 and 32:31. Here in 28:11 we read, “And he lighted upon a certain place and tarried there all night, because the sun was set…” I don’t want to over-spiritualize, but it is hard to ignore the comparison between these words and what we find in 32:31, “And as he passed over Penuel the sun rose upon him, and he halted upon his thigh.” There is a sense in which the sun was setting on the old Jacob in chapter 28. God has spoken to him and He will not let go of Jacob until He has made a fundamental change in him. That change is seen in chapter 32, when the sun rises upon a new man, a man who will always walk with a limp because of his encounter with the living God.

And what about the name change? Though God speaks to Jacob in chapter 28, his name is not changed until 20 years later at the end of chapter 32. It is then that his name becomes “Israel,” which means “prince of God.” This change of name parallels the change within. It wasn’t until Jacob wrestled with the angel in chapter 32 that he was truly a changed man, as his name change demonstrates.

Now if that is so, what do we make of the events here in chapter 28? I am not saying that this appearance of God to Jacob is not important; it is vitally important. However, it is only the beginning. It is not the beginning in the sense that Jacob became a new person and then needed to grow. Rather, it was a beginning in God revealing Himself and His plan to Jacob. Though Jacob was amazed and afraid, we see no change in Jacob over the following years. We explored that truth last week. Though his residence changed, his way of life did not. He was still the swindler, living up to his name “Jacob.”

We can find parallels in the New Testament. Let’s read John 2:23-25…
Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did. 24. But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men, 25. And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.

These people were amazed at Jesus miracles. The Word of God tells us that they believed. However, it is clear that this was not a saving belief. It is very likely that some of these people would later become true believers, but at this time (as in chapter 6, when they followed Jesus after He fed the 5,000) they were impressed only with a miracle-worker.

Go to the very next chapter. You remember Nicodemus, the ruler of the Jews who came to Jesus at night, declaring his belief that Jesus was truly sent from God. But Jesus said to him, “Unless you are born again, you cannot see the kingdom of God.” Was Nicodemus interested in Jesus? Absolutely. Did he become a believer at that time? No. Would he become a believer later on? Yes. He is one of the men that came forward and buried Jesus. We see a vital starting point in John 3, when Jesus told him He must be born again.

So it was with Jacob. The Lord is patient. He wasn’t surprised at Jacob’s selfish and untrusting response. The Lord wasn’t done with Jacob, as we will see. Aren’t you glad God didn’t give up on you when He first began to reveal Himself to you?

II. Hot on the Trail (Gen. 31)

The fourteen years following this word from God is what we looked at last week. Jacob spent those fourteen years in the vicinity of Haran, serving his Uncle Laban in exchange for his two daughters in marriage. They were wonderful years in that Jacob was blessed with a large family. Nevertheless, those years were filled with conflict and strife, as a result of Jacob’s character.

So where was God all this time? There is no reason to think that God spoke to Jacob during this time; there is certainly no record of it. As a matter of fact, from the time Jacob left Bethel here in chapter 28 until Joseph was born toward the end of chapter 30 (about fourteen years), the mere mention of God is rare. At the end of chapter 29, the term LORD is used four times, all in relation to Leah. We are told that the Lord had mercy on her, and then she uses His name three times in explaining why she named her sons what she named them. In 30:6, Rachel uses the name “God” in explain the name of her son Dan. We find the name “God” used three times in 30:17-20, again in relation to Him giving Leah conception and the naming of her children. Then in 30:22-24, we find “God” used three times and “Lord” once, all in relation to God remembering Rachel, giving her children, and in her naming of those children. So during this entire time, God is never mentioned a single time in relation to Jacob. There is no record that he worshipped God, that he prayed to God, that he questioned God.

So where was God? He was still on the throne. He Lord was not biting his nails and wondering if He should have been more firm with Jacob back at Bethel. You can rest assured that He knew exactly what was going on during this time. The Lord was patiently waiting. Time is always on God’s side, you know!

It is after the birth of Joseph that things begin to change. As we saw last week, it was after Joseph was born, at which time Jacob had served his required 14 years, that he told Laban it was time for him to take his family and make a start on his own. You will remember that both Laban and Jacob recognized that the Lord had blessed Laban while Jacob had been working for him. Yes, that’s right. In 30:30, Jacob actually confirms Laban’s statement with these words, “For it was little thou hadst before I came, and it is now increased unto a multitude; and the Lord hath blessed thee since my coming…” Yes, Jacob mentions the Lord and gives Him credit for blessing Laban. Perhaps Jacob has been doing some thinking over the past 14 years.
Now let’s come to chapter 31 and read 31:1-16…
And he heard the words of Laban's sons, saying, Jacob hath taken away all that was our father's; and of that which was our father's hath he gotten all this glory. 2. And Jacob beheld the countenance of Laban, and, behold, it was not toward him as before. 3. And the LORD said unto Jacob, Return unto the land of thy fathers, and to thy kindred; and I will be with thee. 4. And Jacob sent and called Rachel and Leah to the field unto his flock, 5. And said unto them, I see your father's countenance, that it is not toward me as before; but the God of my father hath been with me. 6. And ye know that with all my power I have served your father. 7. And your father hath deceived me, and changed my wages ten times; but God suffered him not to hurt me. 8. If he said thus, The speckled shall be thy wages; then all the cattle bare speckled: and if he said thus, The ringstreaked shall be thy hire; then bare all the cattle ringstreaked. 9. Thus God hath taken away the cattle of your father, and given them to me. 10. And it came to pass at the time that the cattle conceived, that I lifted up mine eyes, and saw in a dream, and, behold, the rams which leaped upon the cattle were ringstreaked, speckled, and grisled. 11. And the angel of God spake unto me in a dream, saying, Jacob: And I said, Here am I. 12. And he said, Lift up now thine eyes, and see, all the rams which leap upon the cattle are ringstreaked, speckled, and grisled: for I have seen all that Laban doeth unto thee. 13. I am the God of Bethel, where thou anointedst the pillar, and where thou vowedst a vow unto me: now arise, get thee out from this land, and return unto the land of thy kindred. 14. And Rachel and Leah answered and said unto him, Is there yet any portion or inheritance for us in our father's house? 15. Are we not counted of him strangers? for he hath sold us, and hath quite devoured also our money. 16. For all the riches which God hath taken from our father, that is ours, and our children's: now then, whatsoever God hath said unto thee, do.

Chapter 30 ended by telling us that Jacob had become a wealthy man, apparently because he was a shrewd and crafty businessman. Just as we might expect, Laban was not happy with Jacob’s newfound wealth, because it was at his own expense. No, Laban wasn’t hurting by any means, but he could have had more, if Jacob hadn’t got the best of him in the last round. Being a man of intelligence, Jacob noticed that Laban and his sons were now taking a different attitude toward him. After verse 2, we might expect the record to tell us what Jacob planned to do about it. Instead, we read in verse 3, “And the Lord said unto Jacob.” After all these years, God speaks to Jacob again. This time it is a direct command: “Return to the land of your fathers and to your kindred.” But after the command comes a comforting promise, “And I will be with you.” The Lord was there all the time, but now He has chosen the perfect time to speak to Jacob again.

Jacob’s next move is to talk this over with his wives. Apparently for some privacy, he tells them to meet him out in the field. As he speaks to them, Jacob says, “But the God of my father hath been with me” (5b). He still refers to the Lord as “the God of my father,” but he does acknowledge that the Lord has been with him, just as He promised. After reminding them how their father has tried to cheat him, he then says, “But God suffered him not to hurt me” (7b). Now he simply says “God” and admits that He has protected him from the schemes of Laban. Knowing something about Laban, there is little doubt in my mind that the account of verse 8 is true, that Laban did try to cheat him. But notice verse 9, “Thus God hath taken away the cattle of your father and given them to me.” Now Jacob is coming around to the idea that God is the one who is behind his newfound wealth.

Now in verses 10-13 Jacob relates to his wives a dream he had. In that dream the angel of God spoke to Jacob. The angel pointed out to Jacob that all the animals which were mating were the ringstraked, speckled, and grisled. That is, they were the unusual animals that would yield offspring for Jacob rather than Laban. Then the angel said, “For I have seen all that Laban does to you.” Jacob had laid out his peeled branches, but the angel says, “Jacob, your scheming has nothing to do with it. I am the one who is increasing your flock, because I have seen how Laban has tried to cheat you, and I am taking care of you.” No doubt, Jacob has been thinking a great deal about that dream in relation to all that has happened. Then in verse 13 the angel identifies Himself as the God who appeared to Jacob at Bethel. Now the command is, “Get out of this land and return to your homeland.”

Now bear in mind that it was over a six-year period that Jacob’s flock was increased. 31:41 reminds us that Jacob served 14 years for his two wives and then six years for his cattle. As he watched this increase during those six years, he had lots of time to think. On the one hand, he had some understanding that God was blessing him. On the other hand, he still felt the need to give God a lot of help.

Now allow me to summarize the next section of this passage, beginning in verse 17. Jacob gathered up everything that was his and took off as quietly as he could. After three days, Laban discovered that he was gone and was highly offended. He didn’t get to say goodbye to his family. So he gathered up some men and pursued. When he caught up with Jacob, the Lord Himself came to Laban in a dream and delivered this message: “Take heed that you speak not to Jacob either good or bad” (31:24). Later, in the conversation between Laban and Jacob, Laban said to Jacob, “It is in the power of my hand to do you hurt; but the God of your father spoke unto me last night, saying, ‘Take thou heed that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad’” (31:29). Laban didn’t hurt Jacob, but neither did he take to heart what God actually told him, because Laban said plenty. When he asked Jacob why he had left so quickly, Jacob admitted that he was afraid, afraid that Laban would refuse to let his daughters go with him.

So now let’s understand that although Jacob has been doing some thinking about God and how He has blessed him, he is also a man who is scared. He does not trust Laban and knows he is a man to be feared. But that is only half the story. Where is Jacob now headed? Back home. And what is waiting for him at home? Don’t forget about his brother Esau. The last time we saw Esau, he was so angry with Jacob that he wanted to kill him. What did Rebekah tell her son Jacob before he departed from home? Do you remember? She told Jacob that she would send for him when Esau’s anger had cooled off. We have no record that Rebekah ever sent for Jacob. We don’t know why. She may have died, as she is never mentioned again after she sent Jacob away, except the note about where she was buried (49:31). So Jacob has no assurance that Esau has softened toward him. Jacob was between a rock and a hard place, between a pursuing Laban and a waiting Esau..

Now fear can be a powerful motivator. I believe it was so for Jacob. When a man fears for his life, certain things lose their importance. Other things become more important. As Jacob was fleeing from Laban, he had plenty of time to think. That fact is reflected in what he told Laban. Let’s read it in Gen. 31:38-42…
This twenty years have I been with thee; thy ewes and thy she goats have not cast their young, and the rams of thy flock have I not eaten. 39. That which was torn of beasts I brought not unto thee; I bare the loss of it; of my hand didst thou require it, whether stolen by day, or stolen by night. 40. Thus I was; in the day the drought consumed me, and the frost by night; and my sleep departed from mine eyes. 41. Thus have I been twenty years in thy house; I served thee fourteen years for thy two daughters, and six years for thy cattle: and thou hast changed my wages ten times. 42. Except the God of my father, the God of Abraham, and the fear of Isaac, had been with me, surely thou hadst sent me away now empty. God hath seen mine affliction and the labour of my hands, and rebuked thee yesternight.

Notice that last verse. Jacob speaks openly of how God has been taking care of him. Fear is not the best motivation, but God can certainly use it to get our attention and turn our mind in the direction of the eternal things. I believe that was the case with Jacob. Gradually the Lord is bringing Jacob to see that there are some problems he can’t fix. Nevertheless, Jacob is still trying.

Ultimately Laban and Jacob came to a peaceful solution. They agreed not to harm one another and even set up a physical monument to mark their covenant of peace. At the end of chapter 31 we find Laban kissing his family goodbye and returning to his home. Now Jacob can turn all of his attention to facing Esau. That is where we pick up the story in chapter 32, with the Hound of Heaven hot on Jacob’s trail.

III. Finally Captured (Gen. 32)

It is here in chapter 32 that everything comes to a head. Notice Gen. 32:1-2, "And Jacob went on his way, and the angels of God met him. 2. And when Jacob saw them, he said, This is God's host: and he called the name of that place Mahanaim." “Mahanaim” means “two camps.” Jacob saw two camps, his own camp and the camp of the angels. Surely the Lord sent the angels to encourage Jacob, to show Jacob that he was not alone; the angels of God were there with him.

So how does Jacob respond to this reassurance from the Lord? Let’s read it in 32:3-5…
And Jacob sent messengers before him to Esau his brother unto the land of Seir, the country of Edom. 4. And he commanded them, saying, Thus shall ye speak unto my lord Esau; Thy servant Jacob saith thus, I have sojourned with Laban, and stayed there until now: 5. And I have oxen, and asses, flocks, and menservants, and womenservants: and I have sent to tell my lord, that I may find grace in thy sight.

Jacob sends out a team to seek peace with Esau. Of course, he is eager to find out how Esau is feeling about him, after twenty years. So what did he find out? Verse 6, “And the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, We came to thy brother Esau, and also he cometh to meet thee, and four hundred men with him.” You can imagine what is going through Jacob’s mind: “He heard that I was coming and now he has rounded up an army of fighting men.” No wonder we read in verse 7 that “Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed.” He has jumped from the frying pan into the fire!

It is at this point that we see the turmoil within Jacob. The angels of God have appeared to him. He referred to them as the Lord’s army and called the name of that place “two camps.” I am reminded that later on one angel of the Lord would destroy 185,000 fighting men of the Assyrians (II Kings 19:35). We might expect Jacob to say, “Lord, thank you that you have sent your angels. I am trusting you to protect me, regardless of the circumstances.” But remember that this is Jacob. Look again at verses 7-8, "Then Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed: and he divided the people that was with him, and the flocks, and herds, and the camels, into two bands; 8. And said, If Esau come to the one company, and smite it, then the other company which is left shall escape." He figured that if Esau attacked, perhaps one group would be able to escape. When the crisis comes, Jacob immediately retreats to what he has always known – his own craftiness. It is the crisis that reveals that in which we are trusting.

Praise God that isn’t the end of the story. Now let’s read the following verses… (32:9-12)
And Jacob said, O God of my father Abraham, and God of my father Isaac, the LORD which saidst unto me, Return unto thy country, and to thy kindred, and I will deal well with thee: 10. I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth, which thou hast showed unto thy servant; for with my staff I passed over this Jordan; and now I am become two bands. 11. Deliver me, I pray thee, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau: for I fear him, lest he will come and smite me, and the mother with the children. 12. And thou saidst, I will surely do thee good, and make thy seed as the sand of the sea, which cannot be numbered for multitude.

Jacob prayed to the Lord. Yes, he should have prayed before he did anything else, but at least he prayed. This is the first record of Jacob ever praying, unless you consider his words at the end of chapter 28 a prayer. As I have said, that appears to be more of a deal. And even in those words, Jacob says, “If God…” and not, “If you…” Only at the end, does he speak to God in the second person: “And I will surely give the tenth unto you” (28:22). But now there is no question that Jacob is praying; he is crying out to God. Jacob is scared and he cries out for deliverance from the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac. Notice also his words in verse 10, “I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth, which thou hast showed unto thy servant…” Wow! Jacob’s heart is certainly softening.

On the one hand, Jacob is scheming. On the other hand, he is praying. He knows he needs the Lord, but he doesn’t trust Him enough to cease from his own planning and manipulation. Like his mother Rebekah, he figures that God will help those who help themselves. By the way, that is absolute contrary the teaching of the scriptures. The Lord works in those who realize there is no help in themselves. The Lord transforms those who abandon themselves – who deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Jesus.

After Jacob finishes praying, he goes back to planning. Verses 13-20 give details of the present he would offer to Esau. Not only would he give to him generously, but he would put space between each group of animals and the servants who accompanied them. So Jacob would have his servants meet Esau with a series of gifts. Why? We find the answer at the end of verse 20, “… For he said, I will appease him with the present that goeth before me, and afterward I will see his face; peradventure he will accept me.” Jacob was hoping that as Esau came across each gift, his anger would gradually cool off and he would be willing to reconcile.

Now let’s read 32:21-24a… (please allow me to read from the Amplified)
So the present went on before him, and he himself lodged that night in the camp. But he rose up that [same] night and took his two wives, his two women servants, and his eleven sons and passed over the ford [of the] Jabbok. And he took them and sent them across the brook; also he sent over all that he had. And Jacob was left alone...

For some reason, in the middle of the night, Jacob hurriedly took all his family and possessions across the river. We are not given the reason. Whatever the reason, he was alone. Was it deliberate on his part? Was he desiring to get alone with God? Or did he go back over one more time to get one last thing? We don’t know. What we do know is that he was in turmoil. Jacob was frightened. Though he had cried out to God, he was still scared to death.

Now let’s come to the incident we have been anticipating. Everything has been leading up to what we read about in Gen. 32:24-30…
And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day. 25. And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob's thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him. 26. And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me. 27. And he said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob. 28. And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed. 29. And Jacob asked him, and said, Tell me, I pray thee, thy name. And he said, Wherefore is it that thou dost ask after my name? And he blessed him there. 30. And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.

Even if Jacob had gone back over for the specific purpose of seeking the Lord, it is clear that it was God Himself who took the initiative in this encounter, for “there wrestled a man with him.” The initiative is with the man, not with Jacob. I love the way one pastor puts it…

It must have been terrifying for Jacob. He was already nervous about Esau’s approach. He had sent ahead his elaborate gift of hundreds of animals. Then he tried to bed down for the night. But he couldn’t sleep, so he woke up his family and moved them across the ford of the Jabbok. Then Jacob went back alone for a final check, to make sure nothing had been left behind. It’s dark and spooky on the desert at night. Suddenly, out of the dark, a hand grabbed Jacob. Jacob must have just about had a heart attack! Who was this? A bandit, trying to rob him? An assassin, sent by Esau? Instinctively, Jacob began to wrestle with this mysterious assailant, struggling for his very life.

We need to be clear that God was the aggressor here. Jacob was defending himself. Some preachers develop this text as a fine example of wrestling all night in prayer with God. But that is not the lesson behind the struggle. Jacob wasn’t laying hold of God to gain something from Him; God was laying hold of Jacob to gain something from him, namely, to bring Jacob to the end of his self-dependence. (Stephen J. Cole, in sermon “Broken, But Blessed”)

Some take this as vivid language to describe a spiritual conflict. While it was certainly a spiritual conflict, it was truly a physical wrestling match, as demonstrated by the fact that Jacob walked with a limp that day forward. It demonstrated a spiritual brokenness, but it was nevertheless a true physical limp received in this wrestling match.

And who is this man with whom Jacob wrestled? Earlier the angels of God met Jacob, but who is this man who wrestled with him? Was it an angel? Do we know? Indeed we do. In Hosea 12 this “man” is referred to as an angel (Hos. 12:4). Many see Him as the angel of the Lord, a preincarnate appearance of the Lord Jesus Himself. I have no problem at all with that view. It seems to follow from Jacob’s statement in 32:30, “I have seen God face to face.” So you may find me referring to this wrestler as a man, as an angel, or as God Himself.

Up until this time, Jacob thought his greatest enemies were out there. Surely his great enemies were Laban and Esau and the threat they posed to him. But suddenly he is fighting for his life, and it isn’t Esau who is opposing him; it is God. Jacob had to learn what all of us must learn, the outward problems we experience are not the enemy. “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Eph. 6:12). Jacob’s great enemy was his own independence. His greatest problem was that he trusted himself. Only God could deal with that problem, and this is where He did it.

You will notice that this one wrestled with Jacob until the break of day. They wrestled all night long. Why? Wasn’t God able to get the best of Jacob? We know they were not evenly matched, because when the angel decided to do so, he inflicted tremendous pain upon Jacob and left him with a permanent limp. Why didn’t he do it in the first minute and be done with it? We must understand that God was not simply trying to show Jacob who was boss; He was gently but firmly brining Jacob to a place of brokenness and submission. By wrestling with him all night, He was showing Jacob the great power of his flesh. Have you ever been in a real wrestling match on the mat? I guarantee you that two or three minutes will be all you want. But Jacob wrestled with God all night. He wouldn’t give up. Just as he continued to scheme before meeting Esau rather than simply trusting God, he continued to wrestle with all his power.

Finally, when the angel saw that Jacob was not going to give up, he simply touched the socket of his hip and put it out of joint. As wrestling matches go, the Lord had just been toying with Jacob. But when he acted, Jacob knew that this was no mere man. This was no small injury. It was so serious that at the end of his life, Jacob would still be leaning on his staff (Heb. 11:21).

Isn’t it interesting that right after the angel dislocates Jacob’s hip, he asks Jacob to let him go. As one commentator put it, “Jacob, at the very point of being incapacitated, seemed to gain the upper hand” (Bob Deffinbaugh, in sermon “How to Win with God and Men”). This reveals that it was not God’s purpose to win the wrestling match, but to win the man Jacob, to make him a prince of God. His request to be let go implies that Jacob now has the edge in the contest, even though all Jacob can do is hang on. He cannot take the fight to the angel, because a wrestler with a dislocated hip is done. When the angel says, “Let me go,” it is like an invitation for Jacob to ask whatever he wants. Jacob could have said, “I will let you go, when you strip Esau of all his men,” or “I’ll let you go, when you guarantee me safe passage back to my home.” Instead, Jacob says, “I will not let you go until you bless me.” Surely Jacob has finally realized that all the riches in the world can’t substitute for the blessing of God. As we read in Prov.10:22, "The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it."

Then the angel asked Jacob, “What is your name?” He responded simply, “Jacob.” Why did he ask Jacob’s name? Remember that there is great significance in a name. His answer was “Supplanter, heel grabber, schemer, deceiver, con man.” Surely the tone of his voice revealed no pride or self-confidence. Jacob was not just giving his name; he was confessing the kind of man he was. Was this not the response of a broken man? Jacob was clinging to the Lord, though his hip was out of joint. He could have become bitter and said, “Now look what you’ve done. You have crippled me, so that I can neither fight nor run.” Instead, he was clinging to God with his little bit of strength. In his brokenness, he begged the Lord to bless him.

Now notice the words of verse 28, "And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed." “Israel” means “one who strives with God” (commonly shortened to “prince with God”). Because of what the Lord had done in his life, Israel would indeed have power with God and with men. But in what sense had Jacob/Israel prevailed with God? How does any man overcome God? He had power with God, he prevailed with God, he overcame God only because that is what God wanted. A boy can prevail against his dad in a wrestling match, when his dad desires that outcome. Dad could take control of the match at any time, but he is more interested in the development of his son. So it was with the Lord and Jacob. Jacob overcame God only in the sense that he submitted to Him and trusted Him. If anyone would have power with God, this is the secret. As long as Jacob fought with his own strength, he made no headway. It was only in his brokenness and submission that he found the blessing of God.

Conclusion

There is so much more that could be said about this passage. Much can’t be said, because there is a great mystery about it. Nevertheless, this is the turning point in the life of Jacob. He will not suddenly become a perfect man, but he is clearly a changed man.

What can we learn from Jacob? If you are here this morning and are not sure you truly know the Lord, please hear me. Just because you have heard the truth of God’s Word, just because you have been greatly blessed by God, don’t think that means you are a child of God. Just look at Jacob. He had great blessings. He even admitted that God was the one who had blessed him. But he was still running his own life. Maybe he could use a little help from God, but ultimately he called the shots. It wasn’t until he admitted his own sinfulness and submitted to God that his life was changed. You are no different. Jacob could even boast that unlike Esau, he was seeking the things of real spiritual value. Nevertheless, he was far from God because he was independent. You may have received great blessings from God, but your life is still all wrong. Know that His goodness is designed to lead you to repentance (Rom. 2:4). Repent and believe. All Jacob’s power could not move God, but his brokenness did. That is why David said, “The Lord is near to them who are of a broken heart, and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit” (Ps. 34:18).

Christian, listen to me. Jacob is a great illustration of the futility of trying to achieve spiritual goals through fleshly means. The things Jacob seemed to desire were right. He desired the birthright and the blessing. He desired to return to Canaan, the land God had promised him. He desired many descendants, for that is what God had promised him. But up until this crisis in chapter 32, he was depending upon himself to get those things. No doubt, he was able to justify his actions. Perhaps he claimed that the end justifies the means. Or maybe he rationalized that God gave him a mind to use, therefore he was acting on behalf of God. The bottom line is this – ultimately Jacob trusted himself.

Aren’t you glad that God loves us enough to break us, to gently but firmly strip us of our independence? Aren’t you glad that He patiently reveals to us that we cannot trust Jesus and trust self at the same time? Aren’t you glad that the Hound of Heaven kept on pursuing Jacob and refused to let him go?

Perhaps when thinking about Jacob’s wrestling match with the Lord, we could make application to our own lives by coming to Phil. 3:12-14…
Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. 13. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14. I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

These were the words of a New Testament Israel, a man striving with God. May it be true of us.

Father's Day with Jacob -- 6/21/09

Sunday, June 21, 2009

SPENDING FATHER’S DAY WITH JACOB
Gen. 27:41-30:43

Read it in sections… Gen 27:41-28:22
Gen. 29
Gen. 30
** Perhaps first section at the beginning of the service. Then read the second and third during the scripture reading time.

[Ask one of the kids] What is today? That’s right; it’s Father’s Day. We observed Mother’s Day six weeks ago, and now we have Father’s Day. Now if you had a wish, a desire, for your father, what would it be? What would you want for your dad? If you could give him anything, what would you give him?

With those questions in mind, we are going to look at Jacob this morning. In our study of Genesis we have come to the end of chapter 27. The last time we looked at Genesis, we looked at how Jacob swindled his brother Esau out of the birthright and the blessing. Listen again to the words of a disappointed and angry Esau in Gen. 27:36, “Esau said, ‘Is he not rightly named Jacob? For he has cheated me these two times. He took away my birthright, and behold, now he has taken away my blessing…’” (ESV).

Of course, we remember well that the parents of Jacob and Esau also played a role in the process. After the twins were born, we learn immediately that Isaac loved Esau and Rebekah loved Jacob. When Isaac felt it was time to give the blessing, there is absolutely no mention of a blessing for Jacob. While it was proper for him to give the greater blessing to Esau, who was the oldest, it was also proper to give a blessing to the other sons. Later, when Jacob came to the end of his life, he would call all of his sons so that he could bless them (Gen. 49:1-2). Nevertheless, Isaac only thought of his favorite, Esau. But when Rebekah heard her husband tell Esau to go out and kill an animal and bring the meat in preparation for the blessing, she immediately went into action. She called Jacob and told him what to do in order to steal the blessing from his brother. You might say, “But God had told her that the older would serve the younger.” It may well be that this was her motive, but even if that was the case, God didn’t need her help. She was guilty of undermining her own husband. She was jealous for Jacob, because he was her favorite.

What a mess. Nevertheless, in the midst of it all, we see God working out His plan. In these incidents, we can point the sins of Esau, Jacob, Isaac, and Rebekah. But even in the midst of their sin, God was working out His own will. That did not excuse their sin, but it would bring glory to God.

But now let’s come to Jacob, who now has both the birthright and the blessing. Surely things will be better for him. He was not a father at this time, but he would become a father. So let’s look at him as a father. What would it take to make him happy, to make him the ideal father? Well, let’s look at what he achieved and see if that made him the ideal father. Let’s see if what he attained would bring joy and contentment?

I. Not Only the Birthright and the Blessing, but Also Wonderful Promises from God

We have already read the story this morning. Right now we want to focus on Gen. 27:41-28:22. It begins with the attitude of Esau, after he had been cheated by Jacob. Let’s read again 27:41, “And Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing wherewith his father blessed him; and Esau said in his heart, The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then will I slay my brother Jacob.” Esau was so angry that he vowed to kill his brother. In order not to grieve his father, he would wait until after Isaac died. (Little did he know that his dad would live another 35 years!)

So what would Jacob do? But wait, verse 41 tells us that Esau spoke these words in his heart. Well, it is obvious that at some point he began to share his thoughts more openly, because verse 42 tells us that Rebekah got wind of what he said. Notice again that it is Rebekah who took the initiative. Remember that Jacob is 75 years old, but Mama is still taking care of him. So again, she comes up with a scheme to get him out of harm’s way. Ultimately it is Isaac who sends Jacob away to Padanaram to find a wife, but it was Rebekah who hatched the scheme and manipulated her husband to carry it out.

We do have to give Isaac credit at this point. When he sends Jacob back to the homeland to choose a wife from the daughters of his Uncle Laban, Isaac also gives Jacob a word of encouragement, a restating of the blessing he had given him earlier. Let’s read it in Gen. 28:3-4, "And God Almighty bless thee, and make thee fruitful, and multiply thee, that thou mayest be a multitude of people; 4. And give thee the blessing of Abraham, to thee, and to thy seed with thee; that thou mayest inherit the land wherein thou art a stranger, which God gave unto Abraham."

So Jacob is off to find a wife, having been freshly blessed by his father. What could be better? Watch and see. The first night on the road Jacob bedded down at a place called Luz (imagine that). He wanted a good night’s sleep, but he got far more than that. Let’s read again 28:12-15…
And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it. 13. And, behold, the LORD stood above it, and said, I am the LORD God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed; 14. And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south: and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed. 15. And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of.

Wow! Jacob has heard some wonderful things from his father, but now he is hearing from the LORD God of his grandfather Abraham and his father Isaac. This is the first time the Lord has ever spoken to Jacob. But in this dream, God Himself does indeed speak to him. What wonderful promises! God tells Jacob that He will give the land to him and his descendants. We’ve heard that before. That was the promise God gave to Abraham in Gen. 12:7 and 13:15. God tells Jacob that his descendants will be as numerous as the dust of the earth, spreading in every direction. Does that sound familiar? Listen to what the Lord said to Abraham in Gen. 13:16, "And I will make thy seed as the dust of the earth: so that if a man can number the dust of the earth, then shall thy seed also be numbered." The Lord then tells Jacob, “And in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed.” That is exactly what God told Abraham in Gen. 12:3. What God promised Abraham, He now promises to his grandson Jacob. Imagine that! God gives great and precious promises to this swindler named Jacob!

And then God gives Jacob a series of very personal promises: “I am with you and I will guard you wherever you go and I will bring you back to this land. Furthermore, I will never leave you until I have fulfilled these promises.” Notice that there are no conditions attached. The Lord says that He will do these things… period.

What a blessed man Jacob was. He possessed the birthright and blessing from his father. But that was not the half of it. He also had a direct message from God. He had wonderful personal promises from God.

II. A Wife from God

Now all of those promises are great, but what is a man, if he doesn’t have a wife? Of course, we know better than that. Ultimately, a person’s needs are to be met in Jesus Christ, and the Lord Jesus is able to make a person content even without a mate. On the other hand, “he who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor of the Lord” (Prov. 18:22). Well, as we have seen, Jacob is on his way back to the homeland to find a wife. How did he do?

When he arrived in the vicinity of Haran, he found a well with three flocks of sheep gathered around it. He asked the shepherds where they were from and if they knew Laban, the son of Nahor. They indeed knew him and reported that he was doing well. They also informed that his daughter Rachel was bringing his sheep to be watered at the well. All the details are not given, but we do know that as soon as she arrived, Jacob removed the large stone and watered her sheep for her. Understand that Jacob knew this was Laban’s daughter (his own first cousin). Then we read the words of 29:11, “And Jacob kissed Rachel, and lifted up his voice, and wept.”

Exactly what is intended by verse 11 is debated. Some would say that it was love at first sight. However, we must remember that a kiss did not mean the same thing in that culture as in our culture. Such a kiss was a normal greeting. Someone might object that it was normal for a man to kiss a woman as a greeting. However, it was a natural thing for close relatives. And why did Jacob weep? Was he weeping with joy that God had brought him safely on his journey to the household of Laban and to the woman who might very well become his wife? Or was he struck by the physical beauty of Rachel and longed to have her as his wife? We read down in verse 17 that Leah, her older sister, was tender eyed, while Rachel was “beautiful and well favored.” This does not necessarily mean that Leah was ugly or couldn’t see well. Exactly what it means is debated, but there is no debate over the fact that Rachel was a beautiful young lady.

What strikes me is the contrast between Genesis 24 and Genesis 29. In both cases, a man has returned to Haran to find a wife. In chapter 24, it is the servant of Abraham who has come to find a wife for Isaac. Here, it is Jacob seeking a wife for himself. Abraham’s servant came with prayer, but there is no record that Jacob prayed. When the servant found Rebekah, he bowed his head and worshipped the Lord (24:27). Then we are told that he blessed the Lord (28). Surely it is no accident that such references to the Lord are absent from chapter 29. Notice also that the servant in chapter 24 identified Rebekah as Isaac’s future wife by her act of service in not only giving him a drink, but also giving water to his animals. But Jacob sees only the outward beauty of Rachel. We are not saying anything bad about Rachel, simply that all Jacob had seen at this point was her outward beauty. Some believe that when Jacob moved the heavy stone from the well, he was showing off for Rachel. I do believe there is reason to believe that this was indeed a case of love at first sight. In other words, Jacob was physically attracted to Rachel and that is what mattered most to him. Since she was a daughter of Laban and beautiful to look upon, he longed to have her as his wife. One commentator put it like this: “Rebekah’s beauty was an additional plus, an unexpected fringe benefit; Rachel’s beauty was the essence of her selection” (Bob Deffinbaugh, I Led Two Wives).

Things moved pretty fast from that point. Jacob told Rachel who he was and she ran and told her father. Laban ran to meet him, greeted him, and welcomed Jacob into his home. After Jacob had been there a month, Laban suggested they come to some official arrangement. By this time, Laban must have realized that Jacob was a good worker. As we will learn, Laban was a very shrewd man and he was always looking for ways to better himself. During that month Jacob found nothing to discourage him from pursuing beautiful young Rachel. We are told directly in verse 18 that Jacob loved Rachel. So in response to Laban’s question concerning wages, Jacob told him he would serve him seven years for the hand of Rachel in marriage. Notice Laban’s reply in verse 19, “It is better that I give her to thee, than that I should give her to another man; abide with me.” Notice that Laban does not directly say that he will give her Rachel in marriage; he only implies it. Jacob, of course, reads into the statement what he wants to hear. Seven years is a long time, but because of his love for Rachel, it seemed only a few days to Jacob (vs. 20).

After he worked the seven years for Laban, the time for the wedding finally arrived. Laban made a big feast. As was customary, this feast of celebration would last a full week. On the first night, Laban gave Jacob his daughter and they came together as husband and wife. The next morning Jacob made an amazing discovery – it wasn’t Rachel, but Leah, her older sister. Of course, we say, “How was it possible that he didn’t know?” Rest assured there was some deception involved! When Jacob confronted Laban and accused him of trickery, his uncle simply said, “ It isn’t customary for a father to give his younger daughter in marriage before the older.” But never fear, Laban had a plan. He told Jacob to complete the week of celebration with Leah and then he would give him Rachel as well, provided he was willing to serve another seven years for her.

So everything was wonderful. Laban had figured out a way to get another seven years of free labor from Jacob, and now Jacob had two wives instead of one. But this was the beginning of some real problems for Jacob. Think about the rest of the week with Leah. While Laban is celebrating his own shrewd victory, Jacob is trying to come to grips with the fact that he loves Rachel, but he is married to Leah. It is hard not to wonder how he treated Leah the rest of the week, knowing that at the end of the week he will have his beloved Rachel as a wife.

So now the man who has the birthright, the blessing, and wonderful promises from God also has a wife (make that two wives).

III. Children from God

So what about children? In that culture, it was a shame for a man not to have children, especially sons. Like any man, Jacob longed for children. The birth of children was also critical for God’s plan, because He had told Jacob that his seed would be like the dust of the earth. Surely the birth of children wouldn’t be a problem, since Jacob now had two wives.

The end of chapter 29 and the first 24 verses of chapter 30 give us the record of the sons that were born to Abraham (also one daughter, Dinah, 30:21). What a blessing to have eleven sons. Aren’t we beginning to see that Jacob had it all? He had the promises of God, two wives, and eleven sons. Surely his life was overflowing with joy and contentment!

However, there is much more to the story than the simple fact that Jacob had eleven sons. Things have already been complicated by the fact that Jacob had two wives. That problem is only compounded by the birth of children. Let’s take up the story where we left off and read 29:30-31, “And he went in also unto Rachel, and he loved also Rachel more than Leah, and served with him yet seven other years. 31. And when the LORD saw that Leah was hated, he opened her womb: but Rachel was barren.”

Jacob loved Rachel more than Leah. That may be the sense of verse 31, where we are told that Leah was hated. It may mean that she was less loved that Rachel. Or, it may mean that she was hated by Rachel (remember the animosity between Sarah and Hagar). Either way, the Lord saw Leah’s condition and had mercy on her, giving her the ability to bare children. In short order, she bore four sons to Jacob – Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah. The names of these sons are very significant. For instance, look at the naming of Reuben in verse 32, “And Leah conceived and bare a son, and she called his name Reuben; for she said, Surely the Lord hath looked upon my affliction; now therefore my husband will love me.” The name “Reuben” actually means “Behold, a son.” Leah had high hopes that the birth of this son would win the heart of her husband and he would truly love her. When the second was born, she said, “Because the Lord hath heard that I was hated, he hath therefore given me this son also; and she called his name Simeon” (33). Do you see the turmoil?

By the way, the last of these eleven sons was Joseph. Did Jacob have any more sons? Yes, he did. What was his name? Benjamin. But Benjamin wouldn’t be born until later. These were all born while Jacob was working for Laban. The birth of Joseph is recorded in 30:24. The very next verse records Jacob’s request of Laban, “Send me away, that I may go unto mine own place and to my country. Give me my wives and my children, for whom I have served thee, and let me go…” (30:25b-26a). Now listen to what Jacob would later say in Gen. 31:41, "Thus have I been twenty years in thy house; I served thee fourteen years for thy two daughters, and six years for thy cattle: and thou hast changed my wages ten times." The placement of the birth of Joseph just before the arrangement for Jacob to serve longer suggests strongly that Joseph was born after Jacob had been in the country 14 years. That would mean that these eleven sons were born in the space of 14 years (minus 9 months, before the first was born). Because of the short time span, there are some who do not believe they were born in the order recorded here in these chapters. However, I have gone through the timing more than once and am still convinced that this is the proper birth order, just as recorded. (If you want to pursue that, we will sit down and work on it.)

So Leah bore four sons to Jacob. That’s great for Leah and it’s wonderful for Jacob, but what about Rachel? We have already read that Rachel was barren. How do you think she felt during this time, as she watches her husband hold that child that Leah has borne him? 30:1, “And when Rachel saw that she bare Jacob no children, Rachel envied her sister; and said unto Jacob, Give me children, or else I die.” If you want to feel the tension in this triangular family, just read verse 2, “And Jacob’s anger was kindled against Rachel: and he said, Am I in God’s stead, who hath withheld from thee the fruit of the womb?” Do you hear Jacob? “Don’t blame me; it’s God who has kept you from bearing children.” Of course, Jacob wasn’t hurting like Rachel was. After all, he had four sons. It’s interesting to contrast Jacob’s cutting words to the attitude of his father Isaac. Remember that Jacob’s mother Rebekah had not been able to bear children either. It was twenty years after she married Isaac that Esau and Jacob had been born. But we must also remember that Isaac prayed for his wife Rebekah, and she conceived. We find nothing of that attitude in Jacob.

Now the situation becomes even more complicated. Back in 29:24 we are told that Laban gave unto his daughter Leah a woman named Zilpah to be her handmaid. He did the same for Rachel, giving her Bilhah, as recorded in 29:29. Rachel took matters into her own hands and decided to make Bilhah’s use extend beyond that of a normal servant girl. Rachel suggested to Jacob that he take her servant Bilhah and have children by her. In other words, Bilhah would be substitute. She would be actually bear the children, but they would belong to Jacob and Rachel. Does this sound a bit familiar? Of course, it does. This is exactly what Sarah did when she wasn’t able to bear children to Abraham. It wasn’t a good idea then, and it wasn’t a good idea now, but Jacob went along with it. Bilhah did indeed have children by Jacob, bearing him Dan and Naphtali. Notice that it was Rachel who named them. 30:6,8… “And Rachel said, God hath judged me, and hath also heard my voice, and hath given me a son: therefore called she his name Dan… 8. And Rachel said, With great wrestlings have I wrestled with my sister, and I have prevailed: and she called his name Naphtali."

So now the score is 4 to 2, in favor of Leah. But there is a problem. It has been a while since Leah has been pregnant. She can’t seem to have any more children. Still seeking the love of her husband, she follows the example of her sister Rachel. Leah too has a servant girl, and she gave Zilpah to Jacob. It worked. Zilpah bore two sons – Gad and Ahser. Now it’s 6 to 2.

The next portion of the story reveals just how sick this family was. Let’s read it in Gen. 30:14-18…
And Reuben went in the days of wheat harvest, and found mandrakes in the field, and brought them unto his mother Leah. Then Rachel said to Leah, Give me, I pray thee, of thy son's mandrakes. 15. And she said unto her, Is it a small matter that thou hast taken my husband? and wouldest thou take away my son's mandrakes also? And Rachel said, Therefore he shall lie with thee to night for thy son's mandrakes. 16. And Jacob came out of the field in the evening, and Leah went out to meet him, and said, Thou must come in unto me; for surely I have hired thee with my son's mandrakes. And he lay with her that night. 17. And God hearkened unto Leah, and she conceived, and bare Jacob the fifth son. 18. And Leah said, God hath given me my hire, because I have given my maiden to my husband: and she called his name Issachar.

I don’t think I need to expound much on that. This shows just how messed up these relationships were. The question I want to ask is this: What happened to the scheming Jacob? He was quick to take the initiative in swindling his brother out of the birthright, but how he looks like a ping pong ball being batted around between four women. As he bowed to the wishes of his mother at age 75, now in his mid 80’s he bows to the whims of his two warring wives.

Well, Leah then bore another son named Zebulun. And after that, she gave Jacob a daughter named Dinah. It certainly looks like Leah got the best of the Rachel in the kid race: 6 of her own and 2 by her servant girl, while all Rachel could manage was two by her servant girl Bilhah. But that isn’t the end of the story. Now let’s read 30:22-24, "And God remembered Rachel, and God hearkened to her, and opened her womb. 23. And she conceived, and bare a son; and said, God hath taken away my reproach: 24. And she called his name Joseph; and said, The LORD shall add to me another son." Other translations render that last statement, “May the Lord add to me another son.” She was either praying for another son or expressing confidence that she would have another son. Indeed, she would.

There you have it. Jacob is the father of eleven sons and one daughter, but I don’t get the idea that a family picture would have revealed a joyful and content Jacob.

IV. Plenty from God

I have a question for you. How was Jacob living all this time? After all, it takes a bit to feed four women and twelve children. The bargain was simple – years of hard work for the privilege of having Leah and Rachel as wives. But did that include food and other basic needs for the family? It obviously did. Remember that Jacob’s family consisted of the daughters and grandchildren of Laban. Laban would be sure that his kids and grandkids were well taken care of. On the other hand, you can rest assured that Jacob earned his keep.

But did Jacob have anything beyond his basic needs? What if he decided to leave Haran and go back to Canaan? Did he have any resources? How would his family live, if he left the security of Laban’s wealth? I imagine Jacob asked some of those questions. At any rate, we see in verses 25 and 26 that Jacob told Laban he was ready to leave. Notice that he asked only for his wives and children. That was the bargain, and Jacob would keep up his end. It might be hard for them to get started again, but he had to start somewhere. He had stayed long enough in Haran (14 years; see 41:31) and it was time to get on with life.

What about Laban? He has made out pretty well in all of this. Not only has he received 14 years of hard labor, but he now has 12 grandchildren. Nevertheless, Laban didn’t want Jacob to leave. His motives are not written here. Perhaps much of his reason had to do with the fact that when Jacob left, his two daughters and 12 grandchildren would be leaving as well. On the other hand, notice the words at the end of verse 27, “For I have learned by experience that the Lord hath blessed me for thy sake.” I don’t know how sincere Laban was, but he certainly understood that he had prospered while Jacob had been with him, and he didn’t want to lose that. So he is ready to strike another bargain: “Jacob, stay here, and just name your wages.” At this point, Jacob confirms that Laban has indeed prospered greatly through his work. But he also reminds Laban that it’s time for him to provide for his own family. Laban quickly responds, “What do you want me to give you?” Jacob makes it clear that he doesn’t want Laban to give him anything. Rather, he has a little bargain of his own.

We aren’t going to take time to go through the deceptive battles that are detailed in 30:32-42. I will let you work through that for yourself, but here is the bottom line. Jacob and Laban matched wits, both trying to get the better of the other. Jacob met his match in Laban, as we saw from the “bait ‘n switch” bride give away. At the end of the livestock battle, it was Jacob who came out on top. The conclusion is stated in 30:43, “And the man (Jacob) increased exceedingly, and had much cattle, and maidservants, and manservants, and camels, and donkeys.” Jacob would leave Haran as a wealthy man.

The big question is this: Who was responsible for giving Jacob all that wealth? No doubt, Jacob thought that it was due to his own scheming. Jacob thought that when the sheep and goats mated, the color offspring could be influenced by what they saw at the time. Jacob was wrong; that was nothing but superstition. But it seemed to get results. Why? Because God is God, and He can do whatever He wants to do. He produced the desired offspring, but it had nothing to do with what Jacob did.

So now on top of everything else, Jacob has great riches. He went to Haran with nothing, except a desire to escape Esau and to start a new life with a new wife. That was it. Now he has wives, children, riches, along with great promises from God.

Conlcusion

So what do we make of all this? There is a sense in which Jacob had it all. How many men in our world would love to have promises of great blessing, a wife as beautiful as Rachel, children, and great riches? Surely a man would be sitting pretty, if he had all that. What about Jacob? Do you think that by this time he was a man full of joy and contentment?

The answer to that question is, “No, Jacob was not a man of joy and contentment.” But how do we know that? First of all, we know it from what we have seen this morning. After receiving great promises from God, do we see him bowing and worshipping, blessing God, even as Abraham’s servant had done? No. After receiving the beautiful wife that he had longed for and fathering many children, do we find him a happy family man? No. Isn’t it amazing that we don’t find Jacob giving any leadership at all to his family. In the naming of all the kids, Jacob is entirely absent. When his wives offer him their servant girls, not only is there no protest, but there is not even a record of any verbal response from Jacob. After Rachel told him to have relations with Bilhah, we read that “Jacob went in unto her” (30:3-4). Then when it comes to Leah, the record doesn’t even say that much, only that Leah gave him Zilpah and Zilpah bore him a son. As a matter of fact, only one comment of Jacob is recorded over a 14-year period, and that is when he sharply rebuked his beloved Rachel with the words of 30:2, “Am I in god’s stead, who hath withheld from thee the fruit of the womb?” That’s it. Jacob’s home was a place of turmoil, conflict, envy, and strife.

But surely riches will cover a multitude of sorrows. We quit reading at the point where God blessed Jacob with great riches. Can we expect chapter 31 to begin to tell us how wonderful everything was for Jacob? Let’s go ahead and read Gen. 31:1-2, "And he heard the words of Laban's sons, saying, Jacob hath taken away all that was our father's; and of that which was our father's hath he gotten all this glory. 2. And Jacob beheld the countenance of Laban, and, behold, it was not toward him as before." Now that Jacob has riches, he has an additional problem. The riches he received were at the expense of his Uncle Laban, and he is not happy with Jacob. As we will see, his riches did not alleviate any of his other problems, but they added another.

Do you remember the meaning of the name Jacob? It means “heel grabber,” “supplanter,” etc. Jacob was a swindling con artist, just as his name implied. Of course, that isn’t the end of the story. Jacob’s name would be changed. Changed to what? To Israel, which means “prince of God.” Had Jacob’s name been changed at this point? Though he had the promises of God, wife and family, and great riches, had his name been changed? No. Jacob was still Jacob. He was still the deceitful, scheming swindler he had always been. Praise God that this isn’t the end of the story, but understand that none of the things we have looked at this morning changed Jacob.

Dads, let’s not be deceived into thinking that any of these things will make us what we ought to be? Let’s not let anyone tell us that they will bring joy and contentment. But what about the promises of God? As great as those promises were, they didn’t change Jacob. Next time we will talk more about Jacob’s response to those promises. There are many who want to use God’s promises to make Him like a Santa Claus. God will not be used, not by Jacob or anyone else.

How could God possibly be glorified through all the history we went through this morning? After He appeared to Jacob at Bethel (Luz), He seems to be absent from the rest of the proceedings, except as a tool to be used by Leah and Rachel in their kid competition.

Don’t miss the big picture. God was at work in every circumstance. Was it right for Jacob to have two wives? No. That wasn’t God’s design from the beginning. Nevertheless, through that whole mess, God is working to give to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob descendants like the dust of the earth. Eleven sons is a pretty good start. We know that those sons will each be the head of a tribe and each tribe will multiply greatly. We have just come to the point where Laban is upset with Jacob. The tension will be one of the factors that leads Jacob to return to face Esau. That is God’s plan, because He has promised Jacob and his descendants the land of Canaan.

And what about Jacob himself? He is a mess, but God isn’t done with him yet. We are going to see that the Lord is preparing to change the swindler into the prince of God. Every event that we have looked at is a piece of the puzzle. We may not understand how it all fits together, but God will not waste anything.

So it is in our lives. God hasn’t made any mistakes. He created people who turned against Him and became God-hating rebels, and that includes everyone of us. The Lord sent His prophets to warn those rebels, but they mistreated His prophets, even killing some of them. Finally, He sent His only Son Jesus into this world. “He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not” (John 1:10-11). That beloved Son was crucified, as the Romans carried out the desire of the Jewish leaders. But that is only the outward appearance. We read these words from the prayer of God’s persecuted people in Acts 4:27-28, "For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, 28. For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done."

Did the world kill Jesus? Yes, the world is responsible for killing Jesus, because Peter said in Acts 2:23, "Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:" They/we crucified Jesus by wicked hands. Nevertheless, they only did what God had determined beforehand would be done, because Jesus is the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. He Himself had said, “No man takes my life from me; I lay it down of myself” (John 10:18). It pleased the Lord to bruise Him and to make His soul an offering for sin (Isaiah 53:10). God had a plan for the greatest injustice that has ever occurred in all of history.

Dads, and everyone else, God is still working His plan, and that plan is centered in His Son Jesus Christ. You can have everything the world offers, even the most wholesome things, but nothing outside of Jesus Christ has lasting value. But when we are following Jesus, nothing else will ultimately matter. As we are beholding the magnificent Son of God, we are being changed into His likeness, from one degree of glory to another. God is working all things together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose, that we might be conformed to the image of Christ (Rom. 8:28-29).

So what should a father do on Father’s Day. Give glory to God! Praise His holy name. We are weak, so let’s depend upon Him who is strong. We have sinned, so let’s confess our sin to Him who is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. And having done that, let’s not dwell on our sin, but let’s abide in Christ, who invites us to come to Him for rest. We have failed as fathers and are weak even now, so let’s throw ourselves upon the Father who is ever faithful to do in us what we cannot do for ourselves.

Let’s close with Psalm 91:1. Can anyone quote it for us? “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” I love that language. A little boy loves to walk in his dad’s shadow. The shorter he is, the better he can stay in the shadow. When he is that close to his dad, he knows he is safe and all is well. As the sun rises higher in the sky, the day becomes hotter and there is greater need for the shadow. But as the heat increases, the length of the shadow shortens. In order to stay in his dad’s shadow, that little boy has to get really close to his dad, until finally he is right next to him. That is God’s invitation and promise to us. When we dwell in the secret place with Him, we will abide under His shadow. Nothing can touch us there. What a Father we have!

Jesus: King of Kings & Lord of Lords -- 6/14/09

Sunday, June 14, 2009 (Slide Campground)

JESUS: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS
Phil. 2:5-11

God’s truth is often two-sided. Many times we look for an either/or, when it is both/and. For example, we read in John 1:17 that grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. Randy Alcorn has written a little book about grace and truth, emphasizing that we must see both of them, not just one. Truth without grace can be very destructive; grace without truth can be very deceptive. And what about the sovereignty of God and the responsibility of man? We don’t choose between the two. Rather, we must embrace both truths because both are taught in the Word of God. Those who forget the sovereignty of God fall off on the side of saying that ultimately whether a man is saved or not depends upon that man’s own decision. Those who forget the responsibility of man give the impression that it doesn’t matter what a man does, since God has already decided. Both views are wrong. God’s sovereignty does not relieve anyone of responsibility.

Now consider the idea of friendship with Jesus Christ. Just yesterday we heard the truth that Jesus is the friend of sinners. No one can deny that; it is the clear teaching of God’s Word. However, we are living in a day when religion is plagued with the notion that the whole truth can be stated in the concept that Jesus is our friend. While that is true for the Christian, it is only part of that truth. Jesus is our friend, but He is much, much more than that.

Surely we would have to say that of all people on earth, Jesus’ apostles were the ones who could truly call Him friend. They walked with Him day in and day out for three years. They were not perfect men, but neither were they proud men. They had some understanding of their need for a Savior. Yes, Jesus was their friend. But let me remind you of a little incident that was recorded in Luke 5. Let’s read Luke 5:1-9…
And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret, 2. And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets. 3. And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon's, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship. 4. Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. 5. And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. 6. And when they had this done, they enclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake. 7. And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink. 8. When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord. 9. For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken:

Jesus would even lay down His life for those friends (and for us). Nevertheless, those apostles were well aware that Jesus was more than friend. This concept of Jesus our friend cannot be adequately explained by comparing it to human friendship, even as the fatherhood of God goes far beyond the example of a human father. Jesus is friend in that He stoops to help us, even to lay down His life for us. Though he is friend, we must not reduce that friendship to the idea that we are buddy-buddy. While there is the tenderest relationship of friendship, Jesus is still God, the One through whom the universe was created. He is still worthy of our worship. Though He is friend, we bow down to Him and adore Him as King and Lord.

This morning let’s take up where Justin left off last night. Jesus is a Mighty Savior! Praise God! [May want Justin to give a two-minute review of his message.]
Jesus died, and He also rose from the grave…
Low in the grave He lay – Jesus my Savior!
Waiting the coming day – Jesus my Lord!

Vainly they watch His bed – Jesus my Savior!
Vainly they seal the dead – Jesus my Lord!

Death cannot keep his prey – Jesus my Savior!
He tore the bars away – Jesus my Lord!


Up from the grave He arose, with a mighty triumph o’er His foes;
He arose a victor from the dark domain, and He lives forever with His saints to reign.
He arose! He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose!

Now let’s read from Phil. 2:5-8…
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6. Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7. But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8. And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

What a powerful summary of what the Lord Jesus did in coming into this world, living as a servant, and dying on the cross, but this is not the end of the story. Now let’s read Phil. 2:9-11…
Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10. That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11. And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Why this exalted name? Because Jesus faithfully finished the work which the Father gave Him to do. Jesus was made sin for us, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him. Praise God for the cross. As Paul said, “God forbid that I should glory save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ…” (Gal. 6:14). This morning let’s look beyond the cross.

I. He Rose

Did Jesus really rise from the grave? Oh yes, we can sing the song, but is it based upon the truth. Thomas was certainly asking that question. It was a look at the resurrected Christ that answered that question for Thomas. And when the Holy Spirit brings the Word to life, a person today can see the risen Christ. If Jesus didn’t rise from the grave, then we have no hope. If God didn’t raise Him up from the dead, our faith is in vain.
Let’s read Rom. 1:1-4…
Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, 2. (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,) 3. Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; 4. And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:
Jesus did not become the Son of God at His resurrection, but it was through the resurrection that He was declared to be the Son of God with power. It was the resurrection that turned common sense on its ear. The common sense of the world said that Jesus was smitten of God. The world regarded Him as a criminal who deserved to die. The Jewish leaders regarded Him as a blasphemer against God. But make no mistake about it, God had the final Word when He raised Jesus from the grave, victorious over death and sin and hell.

If Jesus didn’t rise from the grave, our faith is vain, and we are yet in our sins, as Paul says in I Cor. 15:17. But what if Jesus did rise from the dead? I Cor. 15:20, “But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.” As Jesus put it earlier, “Because I live, ye shall live also” (John 14:19). God has predestined His children to be conformed to the image of Christ, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren (Rom. 8:29). And if we are His children, we have the results of Jesus resurrection in Col. 3:1-4…

If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

For those of us who have been raised with Christ, we can seek those things which are above, where Christ sits on the right hand of God. That’s right! We are not bound to this world that is seen with our eyes. Rather, we can actually set our mind (affection, KJV) on things above. Why is that? Because we died and our life is hid with Christ in God. That is because we have not only been made alive with the risen Christ, but God has raised us up with Christ and seated us in the heavenly places with Him (Eph. 2:6). Our citizenship is now in heaven (Phil. 3:20). Christ’s resurrection is glorious, not just for Him, but also for us who are in Christ.

I serve a risen Savior; He’s in the world today.
I know that He is living whatever men may say.
I see His hand of mercy; I hear His voice of cheer.
And just the time I need Him, He’s always near.

He lives; He lives; Christ Jesus lives today.
He walks with me and talks with me along life’s narrow way.
He lives; He lives; salvation to impart!
You ask me how I know He lives. He lives within my heart.

II. He Reigns

Earlier we sang “Our God Reigns.” Yes, He does. Then we sang “He’s alive… and that’s why our God reigns.” So let me ask you a question. Of course, we know that God reigns. He always has and always will. But what about Jesus. Does He reign now? Or, is it more accurate to say that he will reign?

Perhaps it is best that we start with the simple question: Where is Jesus now? After the resurrection, Jesus appeared to His apostles and others for 40 days. He wasn’t with them during that whole period; He appeared to them from time to time. After those 40 days, He was taken up out of their sight into heaven. As Jesus disappeared into the cloud, two angels appeared and said, “Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven” (Acts 1:11). So Jesus was taken up into heaven.

In the next chapter of Acts we have further information. Listen to the words Peter spoke to the crowd gathered at Pentecost. Acts 2:32-33, "This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. 33. Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear." Quite a number of translations render it “to the right hand of God” or “at the right hand of God.” The Greek can be translated either way, but “to” seems more likely. But if there is any question, plenty of other passages confirm that Jesus has indeed been exalted to the right hand of God, the place of honor and authority. Come over to chapter 7, where we read of Stephen before his executioners. Acts 7:55-56, "But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, 56. And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God." By the way, this is the only time we see Jesus standing at the right hand of God. The other references speak of him seated at the right hand of God, as in that great passage of Heb. 1:1-4…
God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, 2. Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; 3. Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; 4. Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.

Or we could read Eph. 1:19-20, "And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, 20. Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places." And we have already read Col.3:1, “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.” And Heb. 8:1, "Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens." And Heb. 10:12, "But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God." Heb, 12:2, "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."

Surely you get the idea that Jesus is now at the Father’s right hand. But what is He doing there? What is His activity at the present time? [Give time for answers]. Yes, Jesus is making intercession for us. This truth is revealed in both Rom. 8:34, "Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us" and Heb. 7:25, "Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them." You will note that Rom. 8:34 specifically tells us that Christ is at the right hand of God and that He is making intercession for us. Praise God for that truth.

But that is not the end of the story. I count at least 20 verses in the New Testament that make reference to Jesus being at the right hand of God. If we take out the parallel accounts in the gospels, we still have 16 or so. Yet only one of these (Rom. 8:34) speaks of Jesus making intercession for us. So what is the force of all the other references? They make no reference to Jesus’ intercession, but they do speak of Him being at the Father’s right hand. Is He doing something more than interceding?

This idea of Jesus sitting on the right hand of God is rooted in Psalm 110:1, "The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool." You will note the difference in the two words “Lord,” as the first is in all caps. The idea is this: “Yahweh (Jehovah) said to my Lord, ‘Sit here at my right hand until I make your enemies your footstool.’” David somehow heard God the Father saying these words to Christ the Son. You will notice that the focus here is not upon intercession, but rather upon power. The rest of the Psalm bears this out.

Now when we come to the first New Testament reference to Jesus being at the right hand of God, we find that it is Jesus Himself quoting from Ps. 110:1. Let’s read it in Mat 22:44, "The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool?" The next reference also focuses on this power. Matt. 26:63-64, "But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God. 64. Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven." Of course, they would not see Jesus sitting on the right hand of power in this lifetime.

Now let’s read some other New Testament references to Jesus at the right hand of God. Eph. 1:19-23…
[Paul prayed that the eyes of their understanding might be openend, that they might know] “What is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, 20. Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, 21. Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: 22. And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, 23. Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.”

Did you hear that? In seating Christ at His own right hand, God has set Him above all rule and authority and power and dominion (NASV, NIV). Yes, He is above every name that is named both in this world and the world to come. God has put (past tense) all things under his feet and has given Him to the church to be head over all things. In short, God the Father has given Jesus a place of great power at His own right hand.

We find this same theme in Hebrews. In Hebrews we have five references to Jesus being at the right hand of God…
Heb 1:3 "Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;"
Heb 1:13 "But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool?"
Heb 8:1 "Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens;"
Heb 10:12-13 "But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool."
Heb 12:2 "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."

I believe this idea of power and rulership is found in every one of these references. Two of them make reference to Ps. 110, which unquestionable speak of the power of our Lord at the right hand of the Father. Two more tell us that Jesus has sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high (in the heavens). This word “Majesty” is built upon a root word that means “great.” It speaks of power and majesty associated with rulership. We find this same word used in Jude 25, "To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and for ever. Amen." Notice the words with which “majesty” is associated – glory, dominion, and power. Here the word “majesty” is used to describe the Father in all His glory and power. In Hebrews it is used to describe the Son. The other right-hand reference in Hebrews is in 12:2, where we are told that Jesus is at the right hand of the throne of God. Again, the throne speaks of power. Remember that one of the underlying themes of Hebrews (especially chapter 1) is Jesus’ superiority over the angels.

And finally come to 1 Pet 3:22, "Who [Jesus Christ] is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him." Just as we saw in Ephesians 1, Peter emphasizes the truth that Jesus’ place at the right hand of the Father is a place which places Him over all other powers. Isn’t this exactly what we would expect of the one who was declared to be the Son of God with power at the resurrection? Let me remind you of what Jesus said after He rose and before He ascended back to heaven. Matt. 28:18, "And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth." Literally, “All authority is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” That is quite a sweeping statement. Having conquered death and now anticipating His place at the Father’s right hand, Jesus asserts that He now has all authority in both heaven and earth. Numerous times in the Old Testament it is stated that God made heaven and earth. For example, Ps. 121:2, "My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth." And Is. 37:16, "O LORD of hosts, God of Israel, that dwellest between the cherubims, thou art the God, even thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth: thou hast made heaven and earth." We also read that the Lord is the possessor of heaven and earth (Gen. 14:19,22). The Lord God Himself said, “Do I not fill heaven and earth?” (Jer. 23:24). All of these are ways of emphasizing the greatness, power, authority, and majesty of Almighty God. But now Jesus that same phrase “heaven and earth” to speak of His own authority.

Brothers and sisters, Jesus is reigning now. He is ruling from the right hand of the Father. Yes, He is making intercession for His own, but He is also ruling over all power and authority that exist in heaven and earth. You say, “But how can that be? We can’t see Him ruling. The kings and authorities of this world don’t seem to know it. Satan himself is alive and well and is the god of this world. How can we say that Jesus is ruling?” We can say it because the Word says it, and because Jesus Himself says it. Don’t confuse the reality with what we can see with these physical eyes. Remember, we live by faith, not by sight. How can we believe Him, when we can’t see Him? How can we love someone we have never seen with these eyes? 1 Pet. 1:8, "Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:"

Come back to Matt. 26:64, "Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven." Notice how the high priest and the others responded in Matt. 26:65-66, "Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy. 66. What think ye? They answered and said, He is guilty of death." How dare this man speak in such a way, claiming that He would some day sit on the right hand of power at the throne of God! They said He was guilty of blasphemy and deserved to die. But now come back again to Stephen, who was about to be stoned to death. Acts 7:55-56, "But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, 56. And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God." Stephen rendered a verdict that contradicted the high priest and the Sanhedrin. He used the exact same term “Son of man” and said that he saw that Son of man standing on the right hand of God. Stephen, being filled with the Holy Spirit, confirmed what Jesus had said. Of course, the high priest and the Sanhedrin still didn’t see Him there, but they will.

Yes, our Lord Jesus is reigning from heaven, where He is at the right hand of God.

III. He Is Coming

If Jesus is reigning now, but some day the whole universe is going to recognize His reign, what is it that will make the difference? His coming. Jesus is coming again. He came 2,000 years ago as a babe in the manger, but soon He will come again as Ruler of all. We read of His coming in Rev. 1:7, "Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen." Though He wasn’t recognized by many people at His first coming, rest assured that all will know Him at His second coming, for every eye will see Him.

Rev. 1:7 is a frightening verse, as it speaks of all kindreds of the earth wailing (weeping) because of His coming, but it will not be so for true believers. We have the great promise of Heb. 9:27-28, "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: 28. So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation." We are looking for the coming of our Lord Jesus. And why is that? Because He was offered once for all to bear our sins. Our sin and guilt has been paid by the Lord Jesus. We no longer dread His coming; we welcome His coming. As the old hymn puts it…
O that will be glory for me, glory for me, glory for me.
When by His grace I shall look on His face,
That will be glory, be glory for me.

Let’s read again those familiar passages that are becoming dearer to us as His return comes nearer. Tit. 2:11-14…
For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12. Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13. Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14. Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

And Phil. 3:20-21…
For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: 21. Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

Also John 14:1-3…
Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

Where He is, there we will be also. That is the glory of His coming. He is coming for His own. He will take us to Himself and we will ever be with the Lord. That is glory!

And what about those who died before His coming? I Thes. 4:13-17…
But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 14. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 15. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17. Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

We comfort one another with these words. Yes, we miss those Christians who have died, but we don’t sorrow as the world sorrows. We take comfort in the truth that they are with the Lord. Praise God!

IV. He Is Lord

Now let’s come back and read again those glorious words of Phil. 2:5-11…
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6. Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7. But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8. And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10. That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11. And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

As Israel dragged the name of the Lord through the mud, as described in Ezekiel 36, so people of our world profane the name of Jesus. Some use His name as a curse word. Some declare their hatred for Him. All the world opposes Him. He is ignored by most of our society, even by many who speak His name. He is mocked, ridiculed, and hated. Why does the Almighty God allow it to be so? Brothers and sisters, don’t ever forget that God will have the last Word. And here we find the last Word. God has already highly exalted Jesus and given Him a name which is above every name. Remember that Jesus is now at the right hand of the Majesty on high. But that isn’t the end of the story. He has done so in order that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Don’t miss it – every knee and every tongue. That includes those who are in heaven and in earth and under the earth. No one will escape. Everyone will bow down to King Jesus. There will be no exceptions. Why? That God may be glorified. Yes, He will have the last word.

We read these words about our coming King in Rev. 19:11-16…
And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. 12. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. 13. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. 14. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. 15. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16. And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.

Listen to the words of Ps. 86:8-10, "Among the gods there is none like unto thee, O Lord; neither are there any works like unto thy works. 9. All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee, O Lord; and shall glorify thy name. 10. For thou art great, and doest wondrous things: thou art God alone." When God Almighty brings everyone to bow down to His Son, all will be in order. And how shall we respond? The next three verses tell us. Ps. 86:11-13, "Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name. 12. I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore. 13. For great is thy mercy toward me: and thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell."

Some day every creature in the universe will bow down before the Lord Jesus and acknowledge that He is Lord of Lords and King of Kings, but we don’t have to wait until that day. We can praise Him as Lord here and now. 1 Pet. 2:9-10, "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: 10. Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy."

Conclusion

Well, we could go on and on, but it’s time to wrap up this message (not time to wrap up our praise of King Jesus, but time to wrap up this message). We have read Phil. 2:5-11 more than once this morning. Let me ask you a question. Where did Paul get those words about every knee bowing and every tongue confessing? Yes, He received those words from the Holy Spirit. Yes, the Holy Spirit was His teacher, but what are the teaching materials of the Spirit? The Word of God. Paul got those words from the 45th chapter of Isaiah. Let’s read it in Is. 45:23, "I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear." That is the Lord God Himself speaking. He said He would do it, and He will. It is as good as done, as confirmed by what we have read in Philippians 2.

For some of you that may be a scary thought. It is very sobering to think of standing before Jesus, who is King of Kings and Lord of Lords. When they came out to arrest Him, Jesus simply said “I AM,” and His enemies “went backward and fell to the ground” (John 18:5-6). So what will you do, when you actually have to stand there in the presence of this Most Holy One?

Please hear me. Never has context been any more beautiful than here in Isaiah 45. I want to show you the words that are sandwiched around this sobering statement about every knee bowing and every tongue confessing. Isaiah 45:21-25…
Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? who hath told it from that time? have not I the LORD? and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside me. 22. Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else. 23. I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear. 24. Surely, shall one say, in the LORD have I righteousness and strength: even to him shall men come; and all that are incensed against him shall be ashamed. 25. In the LORD shall all the seed of Israel be justified, and shall glory.

Look unto me and be saved, all the ends of the earth. Yes, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord, but it is God’s desire that you kneel and confess before Him with joy, as one justified, made right before Him. Look to the Lord and be saved. Every one here deserves to be destroyed, to melt before the One who is perfect righteousness. But it pleased the Lord to crush that holy one, in order that you might be saved. Look to Jesus and be saved.