Laban, Jacob's uncle, was not someone you would want to do business with. He always had something up his sleeve. He was controlling and manipulative, even or we could say especially with member of his own family. If you have or have had someone like that in your family you know firsthand how difficult it can be.
Laban did not need to use divination to reach the conclusion, "The LORD has blessed me because of you." (v.27) It didn't take a CPA to figure that out. Stay away from fortune tellers, Tarot Card readers, horoscopes and the like. When it comes to decisions and the future, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart..." Seek first His Kingdom. Look to God's Word. His Spirit will guide you. Jesus never fails.
Laban was materially blessed because of Jacob. God was fulfilling His Promise of 28.13-14 to Jacob.
All peoples on earth will be blessed through you and your offspring.-v.14
The LORD is faithful to all His Promises.
The Jewish people make up 1/2 percent of the world's population but their contributions have been astounding to say the least. The ultimate blessing is Jesus Christ. He is a descendant of Jacob. Salvation is through Jesus Christ and none other. He is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Nothing/ no one can compare to Him.
However a secondary meaning/fulfillment to this promise of God here is the contribution of the Jews, Jacob's descendants, his offspring, to the human race. In areas of science, literature, music, medicine, finance and many others the Jews have blessed the world.
Let's look at medicine alone:
A Jew:
*created the first polio vaccine
*discovered insulin
*discovered aspirin relieves pain
*discovered chloral hydrate for treating convulsions
*discovered streptomycin
*identified the first cancer virus
just to mention a few
In other areas:
Albert Einstein- Physics
Galileo- discovered the speed of light
Isaac Singer- invented the sewing machine
Levi Strauss the largest manufacturer of blue jeans in the world
Back to Laban's statement: The LORD has blessed me because of you
Jacob's wisdom, which he received from the LORD, enabled him to make money by being successful in raising livestock. God blesses us materially. As long as we keep ourselves free from the love of money and the things it can buy and we are thankful to our Father in Heaven Who gave them to us and ask, "How can I use them for God's glory?", we are safe with the good things.
The LORD has blessed me because of you- from God and for God's glory
Jacob was a source (servant) of blessings to Uncle Laban, materially. How we can we be a source of blessing in all ways to others for thew glory of Our Father In Heaven?
1. Pray For Others James 5.16
pray for each other so that you may be healed
Keep a list, as we do in the bulletin-program each week
Pray privately - in your prayer closet
Pray personally with them- Ken Morrison 32 year old nephew died this week after a 2 year battle with brain cancer.
Pray publicly- Something wonderful happens when I hear my name and my family brought before God's throne by you my people.
2. Encourage Others Hebrews 10.25
lit. "spur each other on" A kind kick
This is cooperating with the Holy Spirit. Part of His ministry is encouragement.
Encouragement is not talking about yourself. It is the godly entering into someone else's' world and blessing them with words that affirm what they are doing for Jesus, or who they are in Him. You guys are good at it with me! Do unto others!
Be a blessing to others by praying for them, and encouraging them... and
3. Listen to Others Psalm 5.1-2
This is an area of godliness we all need to grow in.
Encouragement is words. Listening is silence. Shut your mouth and open your ears and heart. Don't think about what you are going to say. Listen to what they are saying.
I am growing in appreciation these days for the times the LORD shuts my mouth.
4. Giving To Others Philemon 7
I know some people with lots of money with this gift but I know a lot people with little money that have it! My grandmother was one of those. Many of you are like her. It is a spiritual grace. It is unseen. It requires sensitivity and discernment. Properly done it can do much for the receiver and even more for the giver!
When you think of all these things they are all what God is doing for us- do to others this week- on your journey- pray Make Me A Blessing.
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