WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:19.219 So our reading this morning is Genesis chapter 29, and we're going to be reading verses 1 00:00:19.219 --> 00:00:28.199 to 30 as we continue our studies looking at the life of Jacob and all that we can learn 00:00:28.199 --> 00:00:35.460 from him and his God. So Louise and Kirsty are going to read this morning. Thank you. 00:00:40.320 --> 00:00:47.120 Then Jacob continued on his journey and came to the land of the eastern peoples. Then he 00:00:47.120 --> 00:00:53.460 saw a well in the open country with three flocks of sheep lying near it, because the flocks 00:00:53.460 --> 00:00:58.880 were watered from that well. The stone over the mouth of the well was large. When all 00:00:58.880 --> 00:01:03.000 the flocks were gathered there, the shepherds would roll the stone away from the well's 00:01:03.000 --> 00:01:08.780 mouth and water the sheep. Then they would return the stone to its place over the mouth 00:01:08.780 --> 00:01:16.200 of the well. Jacob asked his shepherds, My brothers, where are you from? We're from Haran, they 00:01:16.200 --> 00:01:24.200 replied. He said to them, Do you know Laban, Nahar's grandson? Yes, we know him, they answered. 00:01:25.219 --> 00:01:33.060 Then Jacob asked them, Is he well? Yes, he is, they said. And here comes his daughter Rachel 00:01:33.060 --> 00:01:39.960 with the sheep. Look, he said, the sun is still high, and it is not time for the flocks to be 00:01:39.959 --> 00:01:47.000 gathered. Water the sheep and then take them back to pasture. We can't, they replied, until 00:01:47.000 --> 00:01:51.379 all the flocks have been gathered and the stone has been rolled away from the mouth of the 00:01:51.379 --> 00:01:57.799 well. Then we will water the sheep. While he was still talking with them, Rachel came 00:01:57.799 --> 00:02:05.619 with her father's sheep, for she was a shepherd. When Jacob saw Rachel's daughter of his uncle 00:02:05.620 --> 00:02:11.599 Laban and Laban's sheep, he went over and rolled the stone away from the mouth of the well and 00:02:11.599 --> 00:02:18.500 watered his uncle's sheep. Then Jacob kissed Rachel and began to weep aloud. He had told 00:02:18.500 --> 00:02:24.240 Rachel that he was a relative of her father and a son of Rebekah. So she ran and told her 00:02:24.240 --> 00:02:30.460 father. As soon as Laban heard the news about Jacob, his sister's son, he hurried to meet 00:02:30.460 --> 00:02:37.180 him. He embraced him and kissed him and brought him to his home. And there Jacob told him all 00:02:37.180 --> 00:02:41.920 these things. Then Laban said to him, you are my own flesh and blood. 00:02:46.200 --> 00:02:52.200 After Jacob had stayed with him for a whole month, Laban said to him, just because you 00:02:52.200 --> 00:02:57.920 are a relative of mine, should you work for me for nothing? Tell me what your wages should 00:02:57.919 --> 00:03:05.219 be. Now Laban had two daughters. The name of the elder was one Leah and the name of the 00:03:05.219 --> 00:03:11.359 younger was Rachel. Leah had weak eyes, but Rachel had a lovely figure and was beautiful. 00:03:12.579 --> 00:03:18.659 Jacob was in love with Rachel and said, I'll work for you seven years in return for your younger 00:03:18.659 --> 00:03:24.979 daughter, Rachel. Laban said, it's better that I give her to you than to some other man. 00:03:24.979 --> 00:03:32.679 Stay here with me. So Jacob served seven years to get Rachel, but they seemed like only a few 00:03:32.679 --> 00:03:39.339 days to him because of his love for her. Then Jacob said to Laban, give me my wife. My time 00:03:39.339 --> 00:03:44.839 is completed and I want to make love to her. So Laban brought together all the people of the 00:03:44.839 --> 00:03:50.799 place and gave a feast. But when evening came, he took his daughter Leah and brought her to 00:03:50.800 --> 00:03:57.939 Jacob. And Jacob made love to her. And Laban gave his servant Zilpah to his daughter as her 00:03:57.939 --> 00:04:05.540 attendant. When morning came, there was Leah. So Jacob said to Laban, what is this you have 00:04:05.540 --> 00:04:12.939 done to me? I served you for Rachel, didn't I? Why have you deceived me? Laban replied, it 00:04:12.939 --> 00:04:18.900 is not our custom here to give the younger daughter in marriage before the elder one. Finish this 00:04:18.899 --> 00:04:24.819 daughter's bridal week. Then we will give you the younger one also in return for another seven 00:04:24.819 --> 00:04:31.419 years of work. And Jacob did so. He finished the week with Leah and then Laban gave him his daughter 00:04:31.419 --> 00:04:37.519 Rachel to be his wife. Laban gave his servant Bilhah to his daughter Rachel as her attendant. 00:04:38.579 --> 00:04:43.199 Jacob made love to Rachel also and his love for Rachel was greater than his love for Leah. 00:04:43.199 --> 00:04:46.379 And he worked for Laban another seven years. 00:04:58.379 --> 00:05:06.599 Thanks very much, Louise and Kirsty. Let's keep our Bibles open. As we look at this 00:05:06.600 --> 00:05:14.560 account together, we're going to pray and ask for God's help. So let's do that now. 00:05:22.900 --> 00:05:30.360 Father, again, we thank you for your word. Thank you for its truthfulness. Thank you for its 00:05:30.360 --> 00:05:40.580 honesty. And we pray that your word would search our hearts so that we would respond as we should 00:05:40.580 --> 00:05:50.360 in a way that is filled with humility and honours you. Father, would you change us this morning 00:05:50.360 --> 00:05:57.720 to be a people who are dependent on you for all things? Amen. 00:06:00.620 --> 00:06:08.340 Well, Jacob is on the run, isn't he? Having deceived his father and cheated his brother, he's running for 00:06:08.340 --> 00:06:17.060 his life. And when we think Jacob is down and out, God in his kindness intervenes. If you go back to 00:06:17.060 --> 00:06:28.019 chapter 28, God meets Jacob in a vision, in a dream, and he shows him grace and promises Jacob his presence. 00:06:29.120 --> 00:06:37.779 And so with this great vision, Jacob is on a spiritual high. Look at chapter 28, verse 16. 00:06:39.139 --> 00:06:45.779 When Jacob woke from his sleep, he thought, surely the Lord is in this place, and I wasn't aware of it. 00:06:45.779 --> 00:06:54.939 He was afraid and said, how awesome is this place. This is none other than the house of God. This is the gate 00:06:54.939 --> 00:07:04.139 of heaven. And he called it Bethel, which means house of God. So this great experience that he's had 00:07:04.139 --> 00:07:11.599 with God has given Jacob a renewed encouragement and hope. And so chapter 29, verse 1, 00:07:11.600 --> 00:07:20.320 Jacob continued on, Jacob continued on his journey and came to the land of the eastern peoples. We can see him 00:07:20.320 --> 00:07:28.800 there brightly, jumping along as he walks his journey, perhaps singing a song. His mercy is more. 00:07:30.240 --> 00:07:34.080 My sins, they are many. His mercy is more. 00:07:34.079 --> 00:07:44.339 Well, it seems like we have a new Jacob. God's grace offers him a new beginning and a fresh start. He's a new man. 00:07:45.639 --> 00:07:53.419 Well, not so fast. Jacob may have made great progress in his journey, but it seems that change 00:07:53.420 --> 00:08:04.040 is a slow process. Like Jacob will see that we need to learn that as we journey through life, we are always in need 00:08:04.040 --> 00:08:15.740 of God's grace. We never move on from grace. You see, pride is never far from us, and pride trips us up. 00:08:15.740 --> 00:08:23.759 We have this natural disposition to go it alone in life, which will only lead to disaster. 00:08:25.519 --> 00:08:31.759 Sadly, that's what we're going to see this morning. Three things that cause us to fall 00:08:31.759 --> 00:08:36.659 and show us our desperate need of grace. 00:08:36.659 --> 00:08:51.659 First, tempted by desire. The story begins, doesn't it, with Jacob at a well. And it seems we're to note a particular detail 00:08:51.659 --> 00:09:00.539 about this well. We see it at the end of verse 2. The stone over the mouth of the well was large. It was a very heavy stone. 00:09:00.539 --> 00:09:11.839 So heavy, in fact, verse 3, that when all the flocks were gathered there, the shepherds would roll the stone away from the well's mouth and water the sheep. 00:09:12.139 --> 00:09:19.919 So it took a communal effort. This wasn't a one-man job. All the shepherds would push the stone away. 00:09:21.000 --> 00:09:26.719 Then they would return the stone to its place over the mouth of the well. 00:09:26.720 --> 00:09:30.360 What's with this heavy stone? 00:09:31.899 --> 00:09:38.160 Well, Jacob gets chatting with some of the shepherds who've gathered there, and to his delight, 00:09:38.580 --> 00:09:41.960 they seem to know his uncle Laban, his mother's brother. 00:09:42.580 --> 00:09:47.560 But it seems he's more interested in why all the shepherds are hanging around the well. 00:09:47.920 --> 00:09:51.220 Why is nobody moving this great big stone? 00:09:51.779 --> 00:09:52.779 Verse 8. 00:09:54.160 --> 00:09:56.700 We can't, they replied. 00:09:56.720 --> 00:10:02.639 Until all the flocks are gathered and the stone has been rolled away from the mouth of the well, 00:10:02.980 --> 00:10:05.540 then we will water the sheep. 00:10:07.399 --> 00:10:10.320 Who could they possibly be waiting for? 00:10:11.960 --> 00:10:14.360 Ah, verse 9. 00:10:15.300 --> 00:10:17.740 While he was still talking with them, 00:10:18.379 --> 00:10:21.040 Rachel came with her father's sheep, 00:10:21.700 --> 00:10:22.920 for she was a shepherd. 00:10:22.919 --> 00:10:26.179 They're waiting for Rachel. 00:10:26.839 --> 00:10:29.199 And as we discover in verse 17, 00:10:29.699 --> 00:10:32.740 Rachel has a lovely figure and was beautiful. 00:10:33.159 --> 00:10:37.759 It seems the testosterone levels were hitting 90 at the well. 00:10:38.899 --> 00:10:41.459 It's what I observe when I go to the gym. 00:10:41.899 --> 00:10:44.399 It might look like it, but I do go, yes. 00:10:44.399 --> 00:10:49.220 And all the lads are there posing in front of the mirror, 00:10:49.360 --> 00:10:50.559 flexing their pecs. 00:10:50.959 --> 00:10:54.279 And they're hovering, waiting for some young damsel 00:10:54.279 --> 00:10:57.039 who needs help manoeuvring some weights. 00:10:58.620 --> 00:11:02.039 Well, it seems something similar is happening down at the well. 00:11:02.039 --> 00:11:05.839 They all know that Rachel is going to be arriving soon, 00:11:05.959 --> 00:11:09.500 but there's no way she's going to move that stone. 00:11:11.639 --> 00:11:16.199 Opportunity arises, perhaps to earn a date night. 00:11:17.319 --> 00:11:19.879 Jacob has been observing, verse 10, 00:11:19.879 --> 00:11:25.120 when Jacob saw Rachel, daughter of his uncle Laban, 00:11:26.019 --> 00:11:27.539 and Laban's sheep. 00:11:28.139 --> 00:11:31.460 He went over and rolled the stone from the mouth of the well 00:11:31.460 --> 00:11:33.200 and watered his uncle's sheep. 00:11:33.600 --> 00:11:35.419 This was meant to be done by many, 00:11:35.799 --> 00:11:38.100 but here he is, he man himself, 00:11:38.500 --> 00:11:40.960 a demonstration of great strength. 00:11:43.019 --> 00:11:44.379 What's going on? 00:11:44.379 --> 00:11:48.419 Well, back at Bethel, 00:11:48.539 --> 00:11:51.019 where Jacob had had his vision and dream 00:11:51.019 --> 00:11:52.720 and his encounter with God, 00:11:53.480 --> 00:11:55.580 remember God had promised him 00:11:55.580 --> 00:11:58.840 that he would be a great nation 00:11:58.840 --> 00:12:02.179 and that he would have a great land. 00:12:03.240 --> 00:12:06.600 So when Jacob puts his eyes on Rachel 00:12:06.600 --> 00:12:09.139 and when he sees the sheep, 00:12:09.139 --> 00:12:13.419 he sees nation and land. 00:12:14.379 --> 00:12:16.899 Someone who's going to give him children 00:12:16.899 --> 00:12:19.580 and someone who has property. 00:12:20.100 --> 00:12:21.340 Now's his chance. 00:12:21.639 --> 00:12:23.299 He seizes the opportunity. 00:12:23.740 --> 00:12:25.740 He steps up and with all his strength, 00:12:25.840 --> 00:12:27.100 he moves that stone. 00:12:27.659 --> 00:12:29.939 I'm going to have my nation 00:12:29.939 --> 00:12:31.899 and I'm going to have my land. 00:12:33.720 --> 00:12:37.259 Jacob sees and he wants. 00:12:38.320 --> 00:12:41.039 He's tempted by desire. 00:12:41.039 --> 00:12:45.139 You see, we all have desires, don't we? 00:12:46.000 --> 00:12:49.839 We're all shaped and motivated by what we want. 00:12:50.879 --> 00:12:53.759 Desires drive our choices and decisions. 00:12:54.240 --> 00:12:56.539 It might not be a nation and a land, 00:12:56.939 --> 00:13:00.519 but it might be a desire for a partner and a career. 00:13:01.519 --> 00:13:03.799 Or it might be that we so want 00:13:03.799 --> 00:13:07.240 a home of our own or a better pension. 00:13:07.240 --> 00:13:10.879 We set our eyes on what we want 00:13:10.879 --> 00:13:13.740 and we will do whatever is required 00:13:13.740 --> 00:13:16.039 to get what we want. 00:13:18.120 --> 00:13:22.899 You see, Jacob has a history of seeing and wanting. 00:13:23.919 --> 00:13:27.820 He saw his brother's blessing and he took it. 00:13:28.480 --> 00:13:32.519 He sees Rachel and sheep and he's after it. 00:13:32.519 --> 00:13:36.419 But God's blessings are not to be taken. 00:13:36.899 --> 00:13:38.519 They are to be received. 00:13:39.100 --> 00:13:41.539 God's promises are not to be forced, 00:13:41.980 --> 00:13:43.399 but to be trusted. 00:13:44.220 --> 00:13:46.659 They are always given by grace 00:13:46.659 --> 00:13:48.919 and received by faith. 00:13:50.199 --> 00:13:52.159 You would hope that Jacob has learned, 00:13:52.379 --> 00:13:55.679 but it seems that change is slow. 00:13:55.679 --> 00:13:59.099 And we need to be careful. 00:14:00.439 --> 00:14:04.599 Desires that go unchecked are dangerous. 00:14:06.019 --> 00:14:10.239 Paul's words to a young Timothy are helpful here. 00:14:10.459 --> 00:14:11.839 You can read it on the screen. 00:14:13.139 --> 00:14:15.959 Those who want to get rich 00:14:15.959 --> 00:14:19.139 fall into temptation and a trap 00:14:19.139 --> 00:14:22.839 and into many foolish and harmful desires 00:14:22.840 --> 00:14:26.940 that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 00:14:28.620 --> 00:14:30.879 So let's ask ourselves the question, 00:14:31.080 --> 00:14:33.899 what is it that you want? 00:14:34.840 --> 00:14:37.759 What have you set your eyes on 00:14:37.759 --> 00:14:40.560 that is controlling you 00:14:40.560 --> 00:14:42.560 and consuming you? 00:14:44.860 --> 00:14:46.580 Look at that verse again. 00:14:47.080 --> 00:14:48.400 Those who want, 00:14:49.879 --> 00:14:51.840 you fill in the blank for yourself. 00:14:51.840 --> 00:14:53.139 Those who want 00:14:53.139 --> 00:14:57.440 fall into temptation and a trap 00:14:57.440 --> 00:15:01.220 and into many foolish and harmful desires 00:15:01.220 --> 00:15:02.759 that plunge people 00:15:02.759 --> 00:15:05.240 into ruin and destruction. 00:15:06.780 --> 00:15:08.080 Be careful. 00:15:09.340 --> 00:15:11.300 Jacob saw and wanted, 00:15:11.700 --> 00:15:12.740 and as we will see, 00:15:12.860 --> 00:15:16.460 it plunged him into a very destructive life. 00:15:17.540 --> 00:15:19.960 So as we journey through life, 00:15:19.960 --> 00:15:24.259 be careful about being tempted by desire. 00:15:25.580 --> 00:15:28.759 We are always in need of grace. 00:15:30.259 --> 00:15:32.200 So, tempted by desire. 00:15:32.780 --> 00:15:36.900 Second, blinded by love. 00:15:38.060 --> 00:15:41.720 The story deepens as Jacob meets Laban. 00:15:41.720 --> 00:15:43.740 In fact, it becomes very clear to us 00:15:43.740 --> 00:15:46.680 that Jacob doesn't tell the whole story 00:15:46.680 --> 00:15:50.980 and Laban doesn't disclose all the story either. 00:15:51.940 --> 00:15:54.440 After all the greetings in verse 13, 00:15:55.259 --> 00:15:58.139 Laban embraced Jacob and kissed him 00:15:58.139 --> 00:15:59.440 and brought him to his home 00:15:59.440 --> 00:16:03.560 and there Jacob told him all these things. 00:16:03.559 --> 00:16:06.219 Now, we're not given any detail. 00:16:06.219 --> 00:16:08.639 It's just kind of like all these things. 00:16:08.819 --> 00:16:10.399 You get the impression that 00:16:10.399 --> 00:16:13.199 Jacob isn't telling the whole story here. 00:16:14.319 --> 00:16:17.919 He's just telling them the bits he wants them to hear. 00:16:18.939 --> 00:16:21.839 I mean, would Laban really have been so happy 00:16:21.839 --> 00:16:24.319 if he knew the mess Jacob had left behind? 00:16:25.659 --> 00:16:27.419 Would he want that kind of character 00:16:27.419 --> 00:16:28.879 hanging around his daughters? 00:16:28.879 --> 00:16:33.600 Well, it seems Jacob's careful deception 00:16:33.600 --> 00:16:35.480 has been working. 00:16:36.600 --> 00:16:38.379 Look at verse 14. 00:16:38.480 --> 00:16:39.840 Then Laban said to him, 00:16:40.580 --> 00:16:43.820 You are my own flesh and blood. 00:16:45.059 --> 00:16:46.700 You're in the family now. 00:16:46.779 --> 00:16:47.879 You're one of us. 00:16:48.620 --> 00:16:51.259 It seems being economic with the truth 00:16:51.259 --> 00:16:52.899 can be rather prosperous. 00:16:53.159 --> 00:16:56.840 It's a bit like altering your grades on your CV 00:16:56.840 --> 00:17:00.300 or misleading with details of experience. 00:17:01.259 --> 00:17:03.879 Rather than be truthful and trust God, 00:17:03.980 --> 00:17:07.259 we find it more advantageous to deceive 00:17:07.259 --> 00:17:09.740 so we get what we want. 00:17:11.240 --> 00:17:12.640 Let's make no mistake. 00:17:12.840 --> 00:17:14.400 Jacob is ruthless. 00:17:14.660 --> 00:17:16.120 He sees what he wants 00:17:16.120 --> 00:17:18.259 and he's going to get it. 00:17:19.039 --> 00:17:20.400 Look at verse 15. 00:17:21.940 --> 00:17:23.059 Laban said to him, 00:17:23.160 --> 00:17:25.420 Just because you are a relative of mine, 00:17:25.420 --> 00:17:27.600 should you work for me for nothing, 00:17:27.740 --> 00:17:29.400 tell me what your wages should be. 00:17:31.120 --> 00:17:33.140 Well, Laban had two daughters. 00:17:34.039 --> 00:17:35.720 The name of the elder one was Leah. 00:17:36.320 --> 00:17:38.759 The name of the younger was Rachel. 00:17:39.800 --> 00:17:41.560 Leah had weak eyes 00:17:41.560 --> 00:17:43.360 or soft and tender eyes. 00:17:43.360 --> 00:17:47.460 They were soft, compassionate eyes. 00:17:49.019 --> 00:17:50.880 But that's as far as it went. 00:17:51.100 --> 00:17:52.860 Rachel had a lovely figure 00:17:52.859 --> 00:17:53.799 and was beautiful. 00:17:55.219 --> 00:17:57.119 Jacob was in love with Rachel 00:17:57.119 --> 00:17:57.759 and he said, 00:17:58.240 --> 00:18:00.039 I'll work for you seven years 00:18:00.039 --> 00:18:02.779 in return for your younger daughter, Rachel. 00:18:04.059 --> 00:18:07.299 Now it all seems kind of quite normal, doesn't it? 00:18:07.399 --> 00:18:09.579 Jacob is in love with this girl, Rachel, 00:18:09.759 --> 00:18:12.119 and well, he's going to do whatever it takes. 00:18:12.219 --> 00:18:14.519 He'll work seven hard years. 00:18:14.519 --> 00:18:20.400 But isn't this just Jacob pursuing his own agenda? 00:18:21.519 --> 00:18:26.119 Doesn't it strike you that God doesn't enter into the equation? 00:18:27.400 --> 00:18:31.339 We don't find Jacob here reading his Bible 00:18:31.339 --> 00:18:32.859 and praying about it. 00:18:32.879 --> 00:18:36.460 He doesn't take time out to ask some wiser grey beard, 00:18:36.920 --> 00:18:38.139 what should I do? 00:18:38.140 --> 00:18:42.180 He's blinded by love. 00:18:42.680 --> 00:18:43.360 Verse 20. 00:18:44.160 --> 00:18:46.920 So Jacob served seven years to get Rachel 00:18:46.920 --> 00:18:49.680 but they seemed like only a few days to him 00:18:49.680 --> 00:18:51.000 because of his love for her. 00:18:55.000 --> 00:18:58.060 Now you may think that there's something familiar 00:18:58.060 --> 00:18:59.880 about this story of Jacob 00:18:59.880 --> 00:19:01.759 because it's very similar 00:19:01.759 --> 00:19:04.400 to a parallel story 00:19:04.400 --> 00:19:06.680 of his own father Isaac. 00:19:06.680 --> 00:19:09.299 If you go back to chapter 24 with me, 00:19:10.920 --> 00:19:13.180 we'll see there that Jacob, 00:19:14.060 --> 00:19:16.580 Jacob's father Isaac, 00:19:17.480 --> 00:19:19.080 has no wife 00:19:19.080 --> 00:19:21.880 and his father Abraham 00:19:21.880 --> 00:19:24.580 sends his servant off to his people 00:19:24.580 --> 00:19:26.900 to find a suitable partner. 00:19:28.320 --> 00:19:30.340 But what I want us to see here is 00:19:30.340 --> 00:19:34.700 just look at the God involvement in this. 00:19:34.700 --> 00:19:37.259 We're going to pick it up in verse 12, 00:19:37.380 --> 00:19:39.039 chapter 24, verse 12. 00:19:39.500 --> 00:19:41.460 So the servant is going out 00:19:41.460 --> 00:19:44.440 to look for a wife for Isaac 00:19:44.440 --> 00:19:46.980 and just look at the God involvement. 00:19:47.519 --> 00:19:48.559 Then he prayed, 00:19:49.700 --> 00:19:51.779 Lord God of my master Abraham, 00:19:52.000 --> 00:19:53.720 make me successful today 00:19:53.720 --> 00:19:57.039 and show kindness to my master Abraham. 00:19:57.600 --> 00:20:00.160 See, I am standing beside this spring 00:20:00.160 --> 00:20:01.960 and the daughters of the townspeople 00:20:01.960 --> 00:20:03.519 are coming out to draw water. 00:20:04.160 --> 00:20:06.779 May it be that when I say to a young woman, 00:20:07.320 --> 00:20:08.920 please let down your jar 00:20:08.920 --> 00:20:10.180 that I may have a drink. 00:20:10.680 --> 00:20:11.540 And she says, 00:20:11.640 --> 00:20:13.620 drink and I'll water your camels too. 00:20:14.140 --> 00:20:15.620 Let her be the one 00:20:15.620 --> 00:20:18.259 you have chosen for your servant Isaac. 00:20:18.640 --> 00:20:19.320 By this, 00:20:19.400 --> 00:20:20.300 I will know 00:20:20.300 --> 00:20:22.300 that you have shown kindness 00:20:22.300 --> 00:20:23.940 to my master. 00:20:23.940 --> 00:20:26.180 And sure enough, 00:20:26.279 --> 00:20:27.360 he meets Rebecca. 00:20:27.759 --> 00:20:28.820 She does everything 00:20:28.820 --> 00:20:30.320 the servant had prayed about. 00:20:30.860 --> 00:20:32.100 And when the servant then 00:20:32.100 --> 00:20:33.640 recounts the whole story 00:20:33.640 --> 00:20:35.200 back to Rebecca's brother, 00:20:35.640 --> 00:20:37.680 the same Laban as we're looking at, 00:20:38.340 --> 00:20:39.240 and to her father, 00:20:39.360 --> 00:20:40.340 look at verse 50. 00:20:42.279 --> 00:20:43.200 Verse 50, 00:20:43.340 --> 00:20:44.860 Laban and Bethuel answered, 00:20:45.400 --> 00:20:47.680 this is from the Lord. 00:20:48.580 --> 00:20:50.380 We can say nothing to you 00:20:50.380 --> 00:20:51.400 one way or the other. 00:20:51.400 --> 00:20:53.000 Here is Rebecca. 00:20:53.180 --> 00:20:54.060 Take her and go 00:20:54.060 --> 00:20:55.960 and let her become 00:20:55.960 --> 00:20:57.700 the wife of your master son 00:20:57.700 --> 00:21:00.660 as the Lord directed. 00:21:02.019 --> 00:21:02.640 You see, 00:21:02.740 --> 00:21:03.880 in this whole account, 00:21:04.420 --> 00:21:06.540 there's a humble dependence 00:21:06.540 --> 00:21:08.140 on God. 00:21:09.060 --> 00:21:10.320 They're praying. 00:21:10.580 --> 00:21:11.200 They're talking. 00:21:11.720 --> 00:21:13.680 They're committing it all to God. 00:21:13.960 --> 00:21:15.540 You get the clear impression 00:21:15.540 --> 00:21:16.980 that they don't trust 00:21:16.980 --> 00:21:18.060 their own hearts. 00:21:18.820 --> 00:21:20.720 They're trusting God. 00:21:22.360 --> 00:21:23.860 Now let's go back 00:21:23.860 --> 00:21:24.960 to chapter 29. 00:21:26.660 --> 00:21:28.360 Do you see the difference? 00:21:30.100 --> 00:21:32.140 Jacob can't even muster 00:21:32.140 --> 00:21:33.540 a God, 00:21:33.720 --> 00:21:34.840 please help me here 00:21:34.840 --> 00:21:35.960 as I make a decision. 00:21:37.240 --> 00:21:39.280 He just dives straight in, 00:21:40.180 --> 00:21:42.000 blinded by love. 00:21:43.060 --> 00:21:45.120 Jacob is doing life his way, 00:21:45.560 --> 00:21:46.580 trying to secure 00:21:46.580 --> 00:21:47.840 the blessings of God 00:21:47.840 --> 00:21:49.700 by his own initiative. 00:21:49.700 --> 00:21:53.980 Now we too 00:21:53.980 --> 00:21:55.640 can be blinded by love. 00:21:57.340 --> 00:21:58.440 Young people, 00:21:58.620 --> 00:21:59.500 wakey, wakey, 00:22:00.100 --> 00:22:01.000 listen up. 00:22:02.220 --> 00:22:03.080 Of course, 00:22:03.180 --> 00:22:04.720 it might be love for you, 00:22:05.720 --> 00:22:07.080 love for a young man 00:22:07.080 --> 00:22:07.960 or a young woman. 00:22:08.900 --> 00:22:09.779 We see 00:22:09.779 --> 00:22:12.279 and we want. 00:22:13.220 --> 00:22:14.319 We don't bother 00:22:14.319 --> 00:22:15.660 to inquire of 00:22:15.660 --> 00:22:17.960 what's their Christian faith? 00:22:17.960 --> 00:22:20.420 What's their commitment 00:22:20.420 --> 00:22:22.240 to the local church like? 00:22:23.039 --> 00:22:24.759 Do they give to mission? 00:22:26.100 --> 00:22:27.079 Are they devoted 00:22:27.079 --> 00:22:28.720 to learn from God's word? 00:22:29.920 --> 00:22:33.140 We just like what we see. 00:22:33.140 --> 00:22:34.440 I mean, 00:22:34.640 --> 00:22:37.100 I always knows best. 00:22:38.160 --> 00:22:39.280 It seems that 00:22:39.280 --> 00:22:40.480 beautiful figures 00:22:40.480 --> 00:22:41.700 are more important 00:22:41.700 --> 00:22:43.580 than godly character. 00:22:44.540 --> 00:22:46.120 And successful careers 00:22:46.120 --> 00:22:47.400 are more important 00:22:47.400 --> 00:22:49.820 than a servant heart. 00:22:49.819 --> 00:22:54.599 but for maybe 00:22:54.599 --> 00:22:56.059 others of us, 00:22:56.159 --> 00:22:57.379 it's other loves 00:22:57.379 --> 00:22:58.799 that have blinded us. 00:22:59.700 --> 00:23:01.099 Love for a job 00:23:01.099 --> 00:23:01.379 or 00:23:01.379 --> 00:23:03.019 love for your hobby. 00:23:04.099 --> 00:23:05.319 Love for a comfortable 00:23:05.319 --> 00:23:06.259 and easy life. 00:23:06.679 --> 00:23:07.379 Love for money. 00:23:07.559 --> 00:23:08.599 Love for popularity. 00:23:08.899 --> 00:23:09.539 Love for 00:23:09.539 --> 00:23:11.159 what's 00:23:11.159 --> 00:23:12.539 what's your love? 00:23:12.539 --> 00:23:14.539 love for God. 00:23:14.539 --> 00:23:16.019 You see, 00:23:16.139 --> 00:23:16.839 our pursuit 00:23:16.839 --> 00:23:18.019 of these things 00:23:18.019 --> 00:23:19.779 can just 00:23:19.779 --> 00:23:21.119 blind us 00:23:21.119 --> 00:23:22.379 to our true 00:23:22.379 --> 00:23:23.639 love for God. 00:23:24.399 --> 00:23:24.980 We just 00:23:24.980 --> 00:23:25.980 plough on ahead. 00:23:26.319 --> 00:23:27.039 My life, 00:23:27.599 --> 00:23:28.599 my choice. 00:23:29.759 --> 00:23:30.460 It seems 00:23:30.460 --> 00:23:32.000 that Proverbs 3 00:23:32.000 --> 00:23:33.899 goes out the window. 00:23:35.319 --> 00:23:35.779 Look at it 00:23:35.779 --> 00:23:36.539 on the screen. 00:23:36.759 --> 00:23:38.099 Trust in the Lord 00:23:38.099 --> 00:23:39.639 with all your heart 00:23:39.640 --> 00:23:41.700 and lean not 00:23:41.700 --> 00:23:42.560 on your own 00:23:42.560 --> 00:23:43.340 understanding. 00:23:44.460 --> 00:23:45.540 In all your ways 00:23:45.540 --> 00:23:46.780 submit to him 00:23:46.780 --> 00:23:48.360 and he will 00:23:48.360 --> 00:23:49.259 make your path 00:23:49.259 --> 00:23:49.860 straight. 00:23:51.300 --> 00:23:51.740 You see, 00:23:51.860 --> 00:23:53.060 we do very well 00:23:53.060 --> 00:23:54.160 not to trust 00:23:54.160 --> 00:23:55.840 our own hearts. 00:23:56.920 --> 00:23:57.660 Our hearts 00:23:57.660 --> 00:23:59.020 are deceitful. 00:24:00.020 --> 00:24:00.900 It's wise 00:24:00.900 --> 00:24:01.520 when we 00:24:01.520 --> 00:24:02.120 submit 00:24:02.120 --> 00:24:03.500 all things 00:24:03.500 --> 00:24:04.160 to God. 00:24:05.440 --> 00:24:06.000 And if we 00:24:06.000 --> 00:24:06.700 are Christians, 00:24:07.220 --> 00:24:07.920 God has given 00:24:07.920 --> 00:24:08.500 to us 00:24:08.500 --> 00:24:09.580 the church 00:24:09.579 --> 00:24:10.319 he's given 00:24:10.319 --> 00:24:10.819 to us 00:24:10.819 --> 00:24:11.699 his word, 00:24:12.019 --> 00:24:13.019 his Holy Spirit, 00:24:13.439 --> 00:24:14.199 we would do 00:24:14.199 --> 00:24:15.279 well not to 00:24:15.279 --> 00:24:16.279 follow Jacob's 00:24:16.279 --> 00:24:16.679 path. 00:24:17.220 --> 00:24:17.879 Inquire 00:24:17.879 --> 00:24:19.139 of the Lord. 00:24:20.980 --> 00:24:22.039 Talk to an 00:24:22.039 --> 00:24:22.419 old 00:24:22.419 --> 00:24:23.500 grey beard 00:24:23.500 --> 00:24:24.559 or grey haired. 00:24:24.819 --> 00:24:25.319 They have 00:24:25.319 --> 00:24:26.359 experience. 00:24:28.000 --> 00:24:29.279 Be accountable 00:24:29.279 --> 00:24:30.019 to those 00:24:30.019 --> 00:24:30.619 around you. 00:24:31.019 --> 00:24:31.579 Stop 00:24:31.579 --> 00:24:32.240 making 00:24:32.240 --> 00:24:33.179 independent 00:24:33.179 --> 00:24:33.859 decisions. 00:24:35.859 --> 00:24:36.480 It just 00:24:36.480 --> 00:24:37.319 might save 00:24:37.319 --> 00:24:37.659 you 00:24:37.659 --> 00:24:38.939 a very 00:24:38.939 --> 00:24:39.579 destructive 00:24:39.579 --> 00:24:40.220 life. 00:24:42.480 --> 00:24:43.279 So as 00:24:43.279 --> 00:24:43.879 we journey 00:24:43.879 --> 00:24:44.519 through life, 00:24:44.619 --> 00:24:45.200 be careful 00:24:45.200 --> 00:24:45.720 that we are 00:24:45.720 --> 00:24:46.740 not blinded 00:24:46.740 --> 00:24:47.439 by love. 00:24:47.839 --> 00:24:48.279 We are 00:24:48.279 --> 00:24:49.200 always in 00:24:49.200 --> 00:24:49.599 need 00:24:49.599 --> 00:24:51.000 of grace. 00:24:54.179 --> 00:24:54.819 So, 00:24:55.099 --> 00:24:55.539 third, 00:24:56.119 --> 00:24:56.759 tempted by 00:24:56.759 --> 00:24:57.259 desire, 00:24:57.379 --> 00:24:58.019 blinded by 00:24:58.019 --> 00:24:58.339 love, 00:24:58.480 --> 00:24:59.099 deceived 00:24:59.099 --> 00:25:00.639 by pride. 00:25:00.640 --> 00:25:02.520 after seven 00:25:02.520 --> 00:25:03.060 years of 00:25:03.060 --> 00:25:03.940 hard work, 00:25:04.840 --> 00:25:05.480 Jacob and 00:25:05.480 --> 00:25:06.240 Rachel were 00:25:06.240 --> 00:25:06.780 ready to 00:25:06.780 --> 00:25:07.340 get married. 00:25:07.460 --> 00:25:08.220 Verse 21, 00:25:09.000 --> 00:25:09.800 Jacob said to 00:25:09.800 --> 00:25:10.080 Laban, 00:25:10.259 --> 00:25:11.080 give me my 00:25:11.080 --> 00:25:11.440 wife, 00:25:11.540 --> 00:25:12.240 my time is 00:25:12.240 --> 00:25:13.040 completed and 00:25:13.040 --> 00:25:13.580 I want to 00:25:13.580 --> 00:25:14.220 make love to 00:25:14.220 --> 00:25:14.440 her. 00:25:15.140 --> 00:25:16.020 It's time to 00:25:16.020 --> 00:25:17.200 consummate the 00:25:17.200 --> 00:25:17.500 marriage. 00:25:17.500 --> 00:25:18.340 Let's make it 00:25:18.340 --> 00:25:19.540 legal and 00:25:19.540 --> 00:25:20.000 official. 00:25:20.000 --> 00:25:21.940 But old 00:25:21.940 --> 00:25:23.559 Laban has 00:25:23.559 --> 00:25:24.480 grown cunning 00:25:24.480 --> 00:25:25.140 over the 00:25:25.140 --> 00:25:25.500 years, 00:25:25.559 --> 00:25:25.900 hasn't he? 00:25:25.920 --> 00:25:26.359 He's got 00:25:26.359 --> 00:25:27.099 two daughters 00:25:27.099 --> 00:25:28.740 and he 00:25:28.740 --> 00:25:29.099 doesn't have 00:25:29.099 --> 00:25:29.880 any concerns 00:25:29.880 --> 00:25:30.680 about marrying 00:25:30.680 --> 00:25:31.359 off Rachel. 00:25:31.779 --> 00:25:32.079 I mean, 00:25:32.140 --> 00:25:32.500 she was 00:25:32.500 --> 00:25:32.940 gorgeous. 00:25:33.119 --> 00:25:33.539 That's not 00:25:33.539 --> 00:25:33.859 going to be 00:25:33.859 --> 00:25:34.359 a problem. 00:25:34.859 --> 00:25:35.160 Leah, 00:25:35.460 --> 00:25:36.000 on the other 00:25:36.000 --> 00:25:36.220 hand, 00:25:36.299 --> 00:25:36.420 well, 00:25:36.500 --> 00:25:36.839 she has 00:25:36.839 --> 00:25:37.740 tender eyes 00:25:37.740 --> 00:25:38.000 and 00:25:38.000 --> 00:25:38.960 compassionate 00:25:38.960 --> 00:25:39.460 eyes, 00:25:39.559 --> 00:25:40.259 but that's 00:25:40.259 --> 00:25:40.880 as far as 00:25:40.880 --> 00:25:41.440 it went. 00:25:42.680 --> 00:25:43.160 Who's 00:25:43.160 --> 00:25:43.700 going to 00:25:43.700 --> 00:25:44.339 marry Leah? 00:25:46.920 --> 00:25:47.619 Laban has 00:25:47.619 --> 00:25:48.200 a plan. 00:25:48.660 --> 00:25:49.500 Verse 22, 00:25:50.000 --> 00:25:51.920 Laban brought 00:25:51.920 --> 00:25:52.660 together all 00:25:52.660 --> 00:25:53.259 the people of 00:25:53.259 --> 00:25:53.859 that place 00:25:53.859 --> 00:25:54.480 and gave a 00:25:54.480 --> 00:25:54.740 feast. 00:25:54.900 --> 00:25:55.440 It's wedding 00:25:55.440 --> 00:25:55.940 time. 00:25:56.460 --> 00:25:57.220 Plenty of 00:25:57.220 --> 00:25:57.740 food, 00:25:58.259 --> 00:25:59.039 plenty of 00:25:59.039 --> 00:25:59.420 wine. 00:26:00.819 --> 00:26:01.579 But when 00:26:01.579 --> 00:26:02.539 evening came, 00:26:03.740 --> 00:26:04.359 under the 00:26:04.359 --> 00:26:04.859 cover of 00:26:04.859 --> 00:26:05.640 darkness and 00:26:05.640 --> 00:26:06.220 after the 00:26:06.220 --> 00:26:06.759 wine had 00:26:06.759 --> 00:26:07.460 taken its 00:26:07.460 --> 00:26:08.039 effect, 00:26:09.559 --> 00:26:10.039 he took 00:26:10.039 --> 00:26:10.759 his daughter 00:26:10.759 --> 00:26:12.660 Leah and 00:26:12.660 --> 00:26:13.140 brought her 00:26:13.140 --> 00:26:13.859 to Jacob. 00:26:15.240 --> 00:26:15.519 Well, 00:26:15.579 --> 00:26:16.000 he hadn't 00:26:16.000 --> 00:26:16.660 got a clue. 00:26:17.819 --> 00:26:18.640 Jacob made 00:26:18.640 --> 00:26:19.160 love to 00:26:19.160 --> 00:26:19.400 her. 00:26:20.000 --> 00:26:20.839 And Laban 00:26:20.839 --> 00:26:21.460 gave his 00:26:21.460 --> 00:26:21.920 servant 00:26:21.920 --> 00:26:22.700 Zilpah to 00:26:22.700 --> 00:26:23.339 his daughter 00:26:23.339 --> 00:26:24.519 as her 00:26:24.519 --> 00:26:25.220 attendant. 00:26:26.519 --> 00:26:27.160 When 00:26:27.160 --> 00:26:28.240 morning came, 00:26:30.079 --> 00:26:30.779 there was 00:26:30.779 --> 00:26:31.160 Leah. 00:26:32.359 --> 00:26:33.039 What? 00:26:33.920 --> 00:26:35.140 This can't 00:26:35.140 --> 00:26:35.480 be. 00:26:36.000 --> 00:26:36.759 Talk about 00:26:36.759 --> 00:26:37.839 sobering up. 00:26:38.000 --> 00:26:38.539 My goodness 00:26:38.539 --> 00:26:39.480 me, what's 00:26:39.480 --> 00:26:39.880 happened? 00:26:40.460 --> 00:26:41.079 Then it 00:26:41.079 --> 00:26:41.819 dawned, 00:26:42.019 --> 00:26:42.839 verse 25, 00:26:42.839 --> 00:26:44.139 So Jacob 00:26:44.139 --> 00:26:44.679 said to 00:26:44.679 --> 00:26:45.599 Laban, 00:26:45.879 --> 00:26:46.519 what is 00:26:46.519 --> 00:26:47.220 this you 00:26:47.220 --> 00:26:47.639 have done 00:26:47.639 --> 00:26:48.039 to me? 00:26:48.399 --> 00:26:48.919 I have 00:26:48.919 --> 00:26:49.519 served you 00:26:49.519 --> 00:26:50.119 for Rachel, 00:26:50.240 --> 00:26:50.559 didn't I? 00:26:50.759 --> 00:26:51.359 Why have 00:26:51.359 --> 00:26:52.259 you deceived 00:26:52.259 --> 00:26:52.720 me? 00:26:56.220 --> 00:26:56.699 Well, 00:26:56.740 --> 00:26:57.379 Jacob couldn't 00:26:57.379 --> 00:26:57.819 see the 00:26:57.819 --> 00:26:58.480 irony in it 00:26:58.480 --> 00:26:58.699 all, 00:26:58.759 --> 00:26:59.059 could he? 00:26:59.839 --> 00:27:00.619 He's been 00:27:00.619 --> 00:27:02.039 deceiving all 00:27:02.039 --> 00:27:02.919 his life. 00:27:03.399 --> 00:27:04.299 Now he's 00:27:04.299 --> 00:27:05.339 outraged that 00:27:05.339 --> 00:27:06.119 someone close 00:27:06.119 --> 00:27:06.480 to him, 00:27:06.759 --> 00:27:07.539 even his own 00:27:07.539 --> 00:27:08.399 father-in-law, 00:27:08.500 --> 00:27:09.099 would do 00:27:09.099 --> 00:27:10.019 such a thing. 00:27:10.019 --> 00:27:11.759 Could he 00:27:11.759 --> 00:27:12.720 really be 00:27:12.720 --> 00:27:13.480 angry and 00:27:13.480 --> 00:27:14.440 annoyed after 00:27:14.440 --> 00:27:15.259 all he had 00:27:15.259 --> 00:27:15.579 done? 00:27:18.900 --> 00:27:19.839 You see, 00:27:19.960 --> 00:27:20.440 Jacob's 00:27:20.440 --> 00:27:21.319 desires and 00:27:21.319 --> 00:27:21.940 loves have 00:27:21.940 --> 00:27:22.920 not satisfied 00:27:22.920 --> 00:27:23.879 him or 00:27:23.879 --> 00:27:24.660 fulfilled him. 00:27:25.039 --> 00:27:25.559 Yes, he 00:27:25.559 --> 00:27:26.259 got Rachel, 00:27:26.400 --> 00:27:26.980 but it came 00:27:26.980 --> 00:27:27.680 at a price. 00:27:28.960 --> 00:27:29.440 It took 00:27:29.440 --> 00:27:30.200 another seven 00:27:30.200 --> 00:27:30.980 years hard 00:27:30.980 --> 00:27:32.500 labor, and 00:27:32.500 --> 00:27:33.400 he got 00:27:33.400 --> 00:27:34.220 another wife 00:27:34.220 --> 00:27:34.839 he doesn't 00:27:34.839 --> 00:27:35.319 love, 00:27:35.480 --> 00:27:36.299 verse 30. 00:27:36.799 --> 00:27:37.500 Jacob made 00:27:37.500 --> 00:27:37.980 love to 00:27:37.980 --> 00:27:38.759 Rachel also, 00:27:38.920 --> 00:27:39.240 and his 00:27:39.240 --> 00:27:39.799 love for 00:27:39.799 --> 00:27:40.460 Rachel was 00:27:40.460 --> 00:27:42.159 greater than 00:27:42.159 --> 00:27:42.619 his love 00:27:42.619 --> 00:27:43.099 for Leah. 00:27:43.659 --> 00:27:44.440 It's stronger 00:27:44.440 --> 00:27:44.960 than that, 00:27:45.059 --> 00:27:45.919 it's he had 00:27:45.919 --> 00:27:46.740 no love 00:27:46.740 --> 00:27:47.460 for Leah, 00:27:48.240 --> 00:27:49.039 and he 00:27:49.039 --> 00:27:49.599 worked for 00:27:49.599 --> 00:27:50.339 Laban another 00:27:50.339 --> 00:27:51.299 seven years. 00:27:52.220 --> 00:27:53.019 Anyone could 00:27:53.019 --> 00:27:53.619 see that 00:27:53.619 --> 00:27:54.619 marrying two 00:27:54.619 --> 00:27:56.460 sisters was 00:27:56.460 --> 00:27:57.079 never going 00:27:57.079 --> 00:27:57.919 to work out. 00:27:58.680 --> 00:27:59.500 It's not 00:27:59.500 --> 00:28:00.119 going to be 00:28:00.119 --> 00:28:00.599 a happy 00:28:00.599 --> 00:28:01.000 home, 00:28:01.879 --> 00:28:02.619 and as we'll 00:28:02.619 --> 00:28:03.180 see in the 00:28:03.180 --> 00:28:04.019 coming weeks, 00:28:04.659 --> 00:28:05.339 it's an 00:28:05.339 --> 00:28:06.240 absolute 00:28:06.240 --> 00:28:07.460 mess. 00:28:07.460 --> 00:28:10.740 Yeah, we 00:28:10.740 --> 00:28:11.380 could argue, 00:28:11.500 --> 00:28:11.759 and you 00:28:11.759 --> 00:28:12.420 might point 00:28:12.420 --> 00:28:12.960 out that 00:28:12.960 --> 00:28:13.600 Laban was 00:28:13.600 --> 00:28:14.160 the one who 00:28:14.160 --> 00:28:14.640 deceived 00:28:14.640 --> 00:28:15.420 Jacob, which 00:28:15.420 --> 00:28:16.079 he did, 00:28:17.000 --> 00:28:17.940 but at the 00:28:17.940 --> 00:28:18.720 same time, 00:28:19.120 --> 00:28:19.600 let's not 00:28:19.600 --> 00:28:20.100 lose the 00:28:20.100 --> 00:28:20.640 fact that 00:28:20.640 --> 00:28:21.380 Jacob is 00:28:21.380 --> 00:28:22.360 deceived by 00:28:22.360 --> 00:28:22.860 his own 00:28:22.860 --> 00:28:23.360 pride. 00:28:24.740 --> 00:28:25.360 He's to 00:28:25.360 --> 00:28:26.019 blame for 00:28:26.019 --> 00:28:26.420 the whole 00:28:26.420 --> 00:28:27.039 fiasco. 00:28:27.480 --> 00:28:28.079 The effects 00:28:28.079 --> 00:28:28.460 of his 00:28:28.460 --> 00:28:29.500 selfish choices 00:28:29.500 --> 00:28:30.180 and stubborn 00:28:30.180 --> 00:28:31.180 pride have 00:28:31.180 --> 00:28:31.799 come home 00:28:31.799 --> 00:28:32.720 with disastrous 00:28:32.720 --> 00:28:33.680 consequences. 00:28:33.680 --> 00:28:35.900 We like to 00:28:35.900 --> 00:28:36.380 point the 00:28:36.380 --> 00:28:37.019 finger and 00:28:37.019 --> 00:28:37.700 blame others. 00:28:38.160 --> 00:28:38.840 He said, 00:28:39.180 --> 00:28:39.840 she did, 00:28:40.160 --> 00:28:40.960 they always, 00:28:41.240 --> 00:28:41.840 why have 00:28:41.840 --> 00:28:42.600 you deceived 00:28:42.600 --> 00:28:42.960 me? 00:28:44.320 --> 00:28:44.759 But the 00:28:44.759 --> 00:28:45.600 reality is, 00:28:45.700 --> 00:28:46.299 Jacob only 00:28:46.299 --> 00:28:46.720 has to 00:28:46.720 --> 00:28:47.580 blame himself, 00:28:47.940 --> 00:28:48.799 as Proverbs 00:28:48.799 --> 00:28:49.880 reminds us. 00:28:51.460 --> 00:28:51.880 There it 00:28:51.880 --> 00:28:52.340 is on the 00:28:52.340 --> 00:28:52.759 screen. 00:28:53.360 --> 00:28:54.420 Pride goes 00:28:54.420 --> 00:28:55.799 before destruction, 00:28:56.799 --> 00:28:57.600 a haughty 00:28:57.600 --> 00:28:58.759 spirit before 00:28:58.759 --> 00:28:59.440 a fall. 00:28:59.440 --> 00:29:02.580 You see, 00:29:02.680 --> 00:29:03.120 it could have 00:29:03.120 --> 00:29:03.860 been so 00:29:03.860 --> 00:29:04.900 very different. 00:29:05.900 --> 00:29:06.700 Remember back 00:29:06.700 --> 00:29:07.500 to Jacob's 00:29:07.500 --> 00:29:08.299 encounter with 00:29:08.299 --> 00:29:08.700 God? 00:29:09.600 --> 00:29:10.140 Look what 00:29:10.140 --> 00:29:11.059 God promised. 00:29:11.559 --> 00:29:12.779 Chapter 28, 00:29:13.559 --> 00:29:15.779 verse 15. 00:29:16.820 --> 00:29:17.539 Remember what 00:29:17.539 --> 00:29:17.980 God had 00:29:17.980 --> 00:29:18.820 promised Jacob 00:29:18.820 --> 00:29:19.519 back then? 00:29:21.420 --> 00:29:22.580 I am with 00:29:22.580 --> 00:29:22.880 you. 00:29:23.519 --> 00:29:24.279 I'll watch 00:29:24.279 --> 00:29:24.799 over you 00:29:24.799 --> 00:29:25.380 wherever you 00:29:25.380 --> 00:29:25.720 go. 00:29:26.420 --> 00:29:27.120 I'll bring 00:29:27.120 --> 00:29:27.840 you back to 00:29:27.840 --> 00:29:28.440 this land. 00:29:28.440 --> 00:29:29.559 I will not 00:29:29.559 --> 00:29:30.080 leave you 00:29:30.080 --> 00:29:30.700 until I 00:29:30.700 --> 00:29:31.120 have done 00:29:31.120 --> 00:29:31.519 what I 00:29:31.519 --> 00:29:32.059 have promised 00:29:32.059 --> 00:29:32.440 you. 00:29:33.100 --> 00:29:33.700 All of 00:29:33.700 --> 00:29:34.200 this I'm 00:29:34.200 --> 00:29:34.960 for you, 00:29:35.120 --> 00:29:35.360 Jacob. 00:29:35.799 --> 00:29:36.680 All Jacob 00:29:36.680 --> 00:29:37.220 needed to 00:29:37.220 --> 00:29:37.960 do was to 00:29:37.960 --> 00:29:39.720 ask and 00:29:39.720 --> 00:29:40.500 to trust. 00:29:41.840 --> 00:29:42.420 The sad 00:29:42.420 --> 00:29:42.940 thing is, 00:29:43.039 --> 00:29:43.840 Jacob never 00:29:43.840 --> 00:29:44.539 talked to 00:29:44.539 --> 00:29:44.820 God. 00:29:45.100 --> 00:29:45.600 He never 00:29:45.600 --> 00:29:46.519 asked God. 00:29:46.820 --> 00:29:47.259 He never 00:29:47.259 --> 00:29:48.220 inquires of 00:29:48.220 --> 00:29:48.480 God. 00:29:48.799 --> 00:29:49.360 In fact, 00:29:49.480 --> 00:29:50.000 in the whole 00:29:50.000 --> 00:29:50.779 text that we 00:29:50.779 --> 00:29:51.160 read, 00:29:51.500 --> 00:29:52.019 there's no 00:29:52.019 --> 00:29:52.840 mention of 00:29:52.840 --> 00:29:53.180 God. 00:29:53.559 --> 00:29:54.039 God is 00:29:54.039 --> 00:29:54.500 absent. 00:29:56.220 --> 00:29:56.860 It's as if 00:29:56.860 --> 00:29:57.779 Jacob has 00:29:57.779 --> 00:29:58.480 left God 00:29:58.480 --> 00:29:59.019 back in 00:29:59.019 --> 00:29:59.940 Bethel and 00:29:59.940 --> 00:30:00.519 headed off 00:30:00.519 --> 00:30:00.819 on his 00:30:00.819 --> 00:30:01.099 own. 00:30:01.460 --> 00:30:01.980 I can 00:30:01.980 --> 00:30:02.859 do life 00:30:02.859 --> 00:30:03.899 my way. 00:30:06.399 --> 00:30:07.240 Jacob had 00:30:07.240 --> 00:30:07.960 been promised 00:30:07.960 --> 00:30:08.599 God's 00:30:08.599 --> 00:30:09.099 presence, 00:30:09.379 --> 00:30:09.859 but he 00:30:09.859 --> 00:30:11.119 ignores it. 00:30:14.319 --> 00:30:15.059 Well, 00:30:15.119 --> 00:30:15.680 how quickly 00:30:15.680 --> 00:30:16.440 we forget 00:30:16.440 --> 00:30:17.180 the privilege 00:30:17.180 --> 00:30:18.160 we have as 00:30:18.160 --> 00:30:18.879 brothers and 00:30:18.879 --> 00:30:19.559 sisters of 00:30:19.559 --> 00:30:19.960 the Lord 00:30:19.960 --> 00:30:20.940 Jesus Christ. 00:30:21.940 --> 00:30:23.019 How we've 00:30:23.019 --> 00:30:23.460 been given 00:30:23.460 --> 00:30:24.500 access to 00:30:24.500 --> 00:30:25.599 our generous, 00:30:26.339 --> 00:30:27.859 kind Father 00:30:27.859 --> 00:30:28.680 in heaven, 00:30:30.000 --> 00:30:30.559 the God 00:30:30.559 --> 00:30:31.299 who made 00:30:31.299 --> 00:30:31.859 us, 00:30:32.619 --> 00:30:33.079 who has 00:30:33.079 --> 00:30:33.940 promised us 00:30:33.940 --> 00:30:34.839 every 00:30:34.839 --> 00:30:35.700 spiritual 00:30:35.700 --> 00:30:36.500 blessing in 00:30:36.500 --> 00:30:36.839 Christ, 00:30:37.299 --> 00:30:37.740 wisdom, 00:30:38.299 --> 00:30:38.779 grace, 00:30:39.279 --> 00:30:39.619 mercy, 00:30:39.920 --> 00:30:40.279 strength, 00:30:40.460 --> 00:30:41.200 it's all 00:30:41.200 --> 00:30:41.819 yours, 00:30:43.240 --> 00:30:44.160 but we 00:30:44.160 --> 00:30:45.119 don't ask. 00:30:46.420 --> 00:30:46.880 Instead, 00:30:47.059 --> 00:30:47.599 we follow 00:30:47.599 --> 00:30:48.480 our desires, 00:30:48.700 --> 00:30:49.240 we pursue 00:30:49.240 --> 00:30:49.960 our loves, 00:30:49.960 --> 00:30:51.799 we take 00:30:51.799 --> 00:30:52.600 pride in 00:30:52.600 --> 00:30:53.380 our self 00:30:53.380 --> 00:30:54.740 dependence. 00:30:57.240 --> 00:30:57.960 Like 00:30:57.960 --> 00:30:58.519 Jacob, 00:30:59.400 --> 00:31:01.079 we need 00:31:01.079 --> 00:31:02.140 God's 00:31:02.140 --> 00:31:02.799 continued 00:31:02.799 --> 00:31:03.480 grace. 00:31:04.900 --> 00:31:05.340 And 00:31:05.340 --> 00:31:05.960 thankfully, 00:31:06.160 --> 00:31:06.860 God doesn't 00:31:06.860 --> 00:31:07.500 give up on 00:31:07.500 --> 00:31:07.860 us. 00:31:08.860 --> 00:31:09.680 We have a 00:31:09.680 --> 00:31:10.160 saviour, 00:31:10.299 --> 00:31:10.579 Jesus, 00:31:10.880 --> 00:31:11.700 who followed 00:31:11.700 --> 00:31:12.440 not his own 00:31:12.440 --> 00:31:13.059 desires, 00:31:13.640 --> 00:31:14.400 but followed 00:31:14.400 --> 00:31:15.220 the desire 00:31:15.220 --> 00:31:15.819 of his 00:31:15.819 --> 00:31:16.720 Father in 00:31:16.720 --> 00:31:17.039 heaven, 00:31:17.759 --> 00:31:18.799 who didn't 00:31:18.799 --> 00:31:19.420 chase his 00:31:19.420 --> 00:31:20.120 own loves, 00:31:20.420 --> 00:31:21.500 but pursues 00:31:21.500 --> 00:31:22.860 us in 00:31:22.860 --> 00:31:23.320 love. 00:31:25.340 --> 00:31:26.100 Who comes 00:31:26.100 --> 00:31:26.740 to deal 00:31:26.740 --> 00:31:27.279 with our 00:31:27.279 --> 00:31:28.440 pride by 00:31:28.440 --> 00:31:29.420 dying our 00:31:29.420 --> 00:31:29.820 death, 00:31:30.220 --> 00:31:30.860 taking our 00:31:30.860 --> 00:31:31.640 punishment so 00:31:31.640 --> 00:31:32.600 that we can 00:31:32.600 --> 00:31:33.539 depend upon 00:31:33.539 --> 00:31:33.920 him. 00:31:34.580 --> 00:31:35.500 In Christ, 00:31:36.100 --> 00:31:37.019 our desires 00:31:37.019 --> 00:31:37.860 are fulfilled. 00:31:38.320 --> 00:31:39.240 In Christ, 00:31:39.720 --> 00:31:40.539 our loves 00:31:40.539 --> 00:31:41.460 are satisfied. 00:31:42.019 --> 00:31:42.880 In Christ, 00:31:43.060 --> 00:31:43.740 we receive 00:31:43.740 --> 00:31:45.060 grace for 00:31:45.060 --> 00:31:45.640 the journey. 00:31:45.640 --> 00:31:49.400 we have a 00:31:49.400 --> 00:31:50.180 generous and 00:31:50.180 --> 00:31:50.700 kind 00:31:50.700 --> 00:31:52.460 father who 00:31:52.460 --> 00:31:53.520 loves to 00:31:53.520 --> 00:31:54.100 give good 00:31:54.100 --> 00:31:54.680 gifts to 00:31:54.680 --> 00:31:55.380 his children. 00:31:57.040 --> 00:31:57.900 All we 00:31:57.900 --> 00:31:58.500 need to do 00:31:58.500 --> 00:31:59.060 is to be 00:31:59.060 --> 00:32:00.660 humble and 00:32:00.660 --> 00:32:02.759 ask and 00:32:02.759 --> 00:32:03.500 not full of 00:32:03.500 --> 00:32:03.980 pride. 00:32:05.700 --> 00:32:06.440 We're going 00:32:06.440 --> 00:32:06.940 to pray. 00:32:08.460 --> 00:32:09.460 As we do, 00:32:09.560 --> 00:32:10.120 I'm going to 00:32:10.120 --> 00:32:11.040 read three 00:32:11.040 --> 00:32:12.420 verses from 00:32:12.420 --> 00:32:13.000 scripture. 00:32:14.440 --> 00:32:15.500 As I read 00:32:15.500 --> 00:32:16.220 them, just 00:32:16.220 --> 00:32:17.519 listen to 00:32:17.519 --> 00:32:17.860 their 00:32:17.860 --> 00:32:18.820 invitation. 00:32:21.220 --> 00:32:22.120 And maybe 00:32:22.120 --> 00:32:22.920 there's one 00:32:22.920 --> 00:32:24.700 that you want 00:32:24.700 --> 00:32:25.420 to respond 00:32:25.420 --> 00:32:25.860 to. 00:32:26.360 --> 00:32:26.980 Let's just 00:32:26.980 --> 00:32:27.680 take a moment 00:32:27.680 --> 00:32:28.560 to reflect 00:32:28.560 --> 00:32:30.300 on what we 00:32:30.300 --> 00:32:32.720 hear as we 00:32:32.720 --> 00:32:34.240 need God's 00:32:34.240 --> 00:32:34.660 grace. 00:32:35.800 --> 00:32:36.640 Listen to 00:32:36.640 --> 00:32:37.460 the invitation 00:32:37.460 --> 00:32:37.920 of the 00:32:37.920 --> 00:32:38.240 Lord. 00:32:39.299 --> 00:32:39.860 Matthew 00:32:39.860 --> 00:32:40.400 11. 00:32:42.220 --> 00:32:43.100 Come to 00:32:43.100 --> 00:32:44.840 me, all 00:32:44.840 --> 00:32:45.319 who are 00:32:45.319 --> 00:32:45.940 weary and 00:32:45.940 --> 00:32:48.019 burdened, and 00:32:48.019 --> 00:32:49.480 I will give 00:32:49.480 --> 00:32:50.299 you rest. 00:32:51.519 --> 00:32:52.460 Take my 00:32:52.460 --> 00:32:53.160 yoke upon 00:32:53.160 --> 00:32:53.640 you and 00:32:53.640 --> 00:32:54.319 learn from 00:32:54.319 --> 00:32:55.039 me, for 00:32:55.039 --> 00:32:56.380 I am 00:32:56.380 --> 00:32:57.519 gentle and 00:32:57.519 --> 00:32:58.340 humble in 00:32:58.340 --> 00:33:00.440 heart, and 00:33:00.440 --> 00:33:00.860 you will 00:33:00.860 --> 00:33:02.000 find rest 00:33:02.000 --> 00:33:03.279 for your 00:33:03.279 --> 00:33:03.779 souls. 00:33:03.779 --> 00:33:07.720 Hebrews 00:33:07.720 --> 00:33:08.299 4. 00:33:09.579 --> 00:33:10.500 Let us 00:33:10.500 --> 00:33:11.139 approach 00:33:11.139 --> 00:33:11.720 God's 00:33:11.720 --> 00:33:12.359 throne of 00:33:12.359 --> 00:33:13.119 grace with 00:33:13.119 --> 00:33:13.859 confidence, 00:33:14.700 --> 00:33:16.039 so that 00:33:16.039 --> 00:33:16.700 we may 00:33:16.700 --> 00:33:17.480 receive 00:33:17.480 --> 00:33:19.319 mercy and 00:33:19.319 --> 00:33:21.319 grace to 00:33:21.319 --> 00:33:22.339 help us 00:33:22.339 --> 00:33:23.619 in our 00:33:23.619 --> 00:33:24.160 time of 00:33:24.160 --> 00:33:24.519 need. 00:33:27.700 --> 00:33:28.619 And 00:33:28.619 --> 00:33:29.019 James 00:33:29.019 --> 00:33:29.500 4. 00:33:30.700 --> 00:33:31.920 But he 00:33:31.920 --> 00:33:32.740 gives us 00:33:32.740 --> 00:33:33.920 more grace. 00:33:34.740 --> 00:33:35.220 That is 00:33:35.220 --> 00:33:35.539 why 00:33:35.539 --> 00:33:36.319 scripture 00:33:36.319 --> 00:33:36.920 says, 00:33:37.559 --> 00:33:37.819 God 00:33:37.819 --> 00:33:38.420 opposes 00:33:38.420 --> 00:33:39.140 the proud, 00:33:39.960 --> 00:33:40.720 but shows 00:33:40.720 --> 00:33:41.700 favor or 00:33:41.700 --> 00:33:43.140 grace to 00:33:43.140 --> 00:33:43.720 the humble. 00:33:44.839 --> 00:33:45.740 Come near 00:33:45.740 --> 00:33:46.519 to God, and 00:33:46.519 --> 00:33:47.140 he will come 00:33:47.140 --> 00:33:47.579 near to 00:33:47.579 --> 00:33:47.880 you. 00:33:49.279 --> 00:33:49.680 Humble 00:33:49.680 --> 00:33:50.400 yourselves, 00:33:51.400 --> 00:33:52.440 and he 00:33:52.440 --> 00:33:52.960 will lift 00:33:52.960 --> 00:33:53.519 you up. 00:33:59.740 --> 00:34:00.339 Father, 00:34:00.500 --> 00:34:01.019 we come 00:34:01.019 --> 00:34:01.579 to you 00:34:01.579 --> 00:34:04.720 because we 00:34:04.720 --> 00:34:05.439 need you. 00:34:07.240 --> 00:34:07.859 Our 00:34:07.859 --> 00:34:08.619 desires, 00:34:09.340 --> 00:34:10.139 our 00:34:10.139 --> 00:34:10.779 loves, 00:34:11.319 --> 00:34:13.000 are so 00:34:13.000 --> 00:34:13.460 often 00:34:13.460 --> 00:34:14.079 twisted. 00:34:15.239 --> 00:34:15.880 We are 00:34:15.880 --> 00:34:16.880 deceived by 00:34:16.880 --> 00:34:17.500 our own 00:34:17.500 --> 00:34:18.000 pride. 00:34:19.579 --> 00:34:20.440 How we 00:34:20.440 --> 00:34:20.940 need your 00:34:20.940 --> 00:34:21.579 grace and 00:34:21.579 --> 00:34:21.960 mercy. 00:34:23.739 --> 00:34:24.619 How we 00:34:24.619 --> 00:34:25.299 need your 00:34:25.299 --> 00:34:25.699 help. 00:34:27.599 --> 00:34:28.480 Thank you, 00:34:28.619 --> 00:34:28.960 generous 00:34:28.960 --> 00:34:29.699 Father, that 00:34:29.699 --> 00:34:30.399 you now 00:34:30.399 --> 00:34:31.000 give us 00:34:31.000 --> 00:34:31.519 what we 00:34:31.519 --> 00:34:32.219 need for 00:34:32.219 --> 00:34:32.519 our 00:34:32.519 --> 00:34:32.899 journey. 00:34:34.679 --> 00:34:35.279 You 00:34:35.279 --> 00:34:36.179 withhold no 00:34:36.179 --> 00:34:36.759 good thing 00:34:36.759 --> 00:34:37.399 from those 00:34:37.399 --> 00:34:37.899 who love 00:34:37.899 --> 00:34:38.299 you and 00:34:38.299 --> 00:34:38.879 trust you. 00:34:41.079 --> 00:34:42.099 So please 00:34:42.099 --> 00:34:42.859 help us as 00:34:42.859 --> 00:34:43.339 we now 00:34:43.339 --> 00:34:43.879 ask. 00:34:44.839 --> 00:34:45.679 Give us 00:34:45.679 --> 00:34:46.159 what we 00:34:46.159 --> 00:34:46.559 need. 00:34:48.159 --> 00:34:48.819 That we 00:34:48.819 --> 00:34:49.460 may follow 00:34:49.460 --> 00:34:50.139 you all 00:34:50.139 --> 00:34:50.579 the days 00:34:50.579 --> 00:34:50.899 of our 00:34:50.899 --> 00:34:51.319 life, 00:34:52.599 --> 00:34:53.259 trusting in 00:34:53.259 --> 00:34:53.919 your grace 00:34:53.919 --> 00:34:54.359 alone, 00:34:55.480 --> 00:34:56.099 knowing that 00:34:56.099 --> 00:34:56.519 will be 00:34:56.519 --> 00:34:57.099 sufficient. 00:34:57.099 --> 00:35:00.500 thank you, 00:35:00.639 --> 00:35:00.960 Jesus. 00:35:01.960 --> 00:35:02.659 Thank you 00:35:02.659 --> 00:35:03.079 that you 00:35:03.079 --> 00:35:03.699 are enough 00:35:03.699 --> 00:35:04.400 for us 00:35:04.400 --> 00:35:04.819 today. 00:35:06.339 --> 00:35:06.980 Amen. 00:35:06.980 --> 00:35:07.139 Amen. 00:35:07.139 --> 00:35:13.460 We're 00:35:13.460 --> 00:35:13.719 going to 00:35:13.719 --> 00:35:14.019 sing. 00:35:15.539 --> 00:35:16.279 Christ is 00:35:16.279 --> 00:35:17.079 my reward 00:35:17.079 --> 00:35:17.819 and all 00:35:17.819 --> 00:35:18.219 of my 00:35:18.219 --> 00:35:18.699 devotion. 00:35:18.920 --> 00:35:19.339 This is 00:35:19.339 --> 00:35:20.319 our true 00:35:20.319 --> 00:35:20.879 desire, 00:35:21.059 --> 00:35:21.559 our true 00:35:21.559 --> 00:35:22.059 love. 00:35:23.099 --> 00:35:23.679 This song 00:35:23.679 --> 00:35:24.299 helps us 00:35:24.299 --> 00:35:25.139 to express 00:35:25.139 --> 00:35:26.039 our trust 00:35:26.039 --> 00:35:27.339 for our 00:35:27.339 --> 00:35:27.819 need of 00:35:27.819 --> 00:35:28.219 Christ. 00:35:28.699 --> 00:35:29.159 If you're 00:35:29.159 --> 00:35:29.519 able to, 00:35:29.579 --> 00:35:30.199 I invite you 00:35:30.199 --> 00:35:30.819 to stand 00:35:30.819 --> 00:35:32.059 as we 00:35:32.059 --> 00:35:33.579 sing our 00:35:33.579 --> 00:35:34.359 song together. 00:35:34.359 --> 00:35:34.440 Amen. 00:35:37.139 --> 00:35:38.139 Amen.