Rebekah, Jacob’s mother had asked Jacob to go to her brother Laban in Haran and stay there a few days until his brother, Esau’s fury had turned away (Genesis 27:43-46). Through the journey we learn that Jacob encounter’s God in a dream, and is assured of God’s presence, provisions and protection (Genesis 28:13-16). Genesis 29:1 reads “Then Jacob went on his journey, and came into the land of the people of the east.” In other words, it was after Jacob’s encounter with God, he continued on his journey, that he was set out to, and arrived at the place where he was asked to go. He enquires of the people (shepherds) that he met there and confirmed that it was indeed the destination that he was to arrive at.
Points to ponder:
While this may seem like a natural set of events on the periphery, we must recognize that Jacob’s arrival in the land where he was sent to, was indeed a testament of God’s promises coming true – the promise of God’s presence, provisions and protection. In like manner, after our encounter with Jesus Christ, we are on a spiritual journey and the very fact that we will arrive at our destination (a city whose architect and builder is God himself – Hebrews 11:10) is a testament to God being faithful and true (Revelation 19:11). For Jesus will never leave us nor forsake us, and it is only he who is wise and Savior, who can keep us from falling and present us faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy (Jude 1:24-25). We can arrive at our destination because God is with us – He is Emmanuel (Matthew 1:23).
Genesis 29:1-6 (KJV)
1 Then Jacob went on his journey, and came into the land of the people of the east.
2 And he looked, and behold a well in the field, and, lo, there were three flocks of sheep lying by it; for out of that well they watered the flocks: and a great stone was upon the well’s mouth.
3 And thither were all the flocks gathered: and they rolled the stone from the well’s mouth, and watered the sheep, and put the stone again upon the well’s mouth in his place.
4 And Jacob said unto them, My brethren, whence be ye? And they said, Of Haran are we.
5 And he said unto them, Know ye Laban the son of Nahor? And they said, We know him.
6 And he said unto them, Is he well? And they said, He is well: and, behold, Rachel his daughter cometh with the sheep.
