Monday, 24^th July 2023

Alex Buabeng-Korsah

TOPIC: GOD’S CURRICULUM – PT1

THEME SCRIPTURE: “He found him in a desert land, and in the waste howling wilderness; he encircled him about, he instructed him, he kept him as the apple of his eye. As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings: So the LORD alone did lead him, and there was no strange god with him.” – Deuteronomy 32:10-12

 

PREPARATORY QUESTIONS:

1. How did God lead Jacob from the day he absconded from his father’s house?

 

In Moses’ song recorded in the book of Deuteronomy, a portion of it centres on God’s dealings with Jacob. In the broader context of the song, “Jacob” refers to Israel. However, aspects of the song, as shown in our theme scripture, can also legitimately be applied to the individual Jacob.

In our theme scripture, the relationship between God and Jacob can be summed up as this: “He found him”, “He encircled Him”, “He instructed him”, “He kept him,” and “He led him.” This reveals one thing: God’s tender care for the rugged con man. Jacob had met God at Bethel. But that was only the beginning of his walk with the true God.

Even though he was blessed, he had too many rough edges to be smoothened.

The future belongs to those who are well prepared in spirit, mind, and character, and this is the school in which God enrolled Jacob when he left his father’s house. The curriculum, however, was not discussed with Jacob. Jacob arrived in the land of the people of the east (Gen 29:1). He is here to find his uncle, Laban. The first people he met and inquired about Laban made his search easy. We know Laban, they said. “And here comes his daughter”. When Laban heard of Jacob’s arrival, he rejoiced. He ran to meet him, embraced and kissed him (Gen 29:13), and affirmed, “Surely you’re my bone and my flesh” (Gen 29:14).

Is this a coincidence or luck? Of course not. That was Jacob’s first lesson: God is in charge, ordering your steps.

A month later, Laban, the businessman, asked Jacob to serve him for payment because he was a relative (Gen 29:15). Jacob offered his terms of the contract: I will serve you seven years for Rachel, your younger daughter (Gen 29:18). Laban agreed, and the labour of love began. Soon, seven years of labour came to an end (Gen 29:21). The wedding day was set, and the ceremony went ahead (Gen 29:22). Laban delivered his daughter into Jacob’s chamber the night of the wedding (Gen 29:23). It was in the morning that Jacob learned of the horror of his uncle’s act (Gen 29:25). He’s been tricked by his own uncle. He trusted Laban and did not know that his uncle was a grandmaster conman.

The one who conned his father and brother has met his match. He learned his second lesson—you reap what you sow.

Precious one, each one of us will be trained and tested by God before He brings us to the greater and superior place in life. Are you at the smooth stage of your life? God is in charge. Do not make the mistake of thinking or saying, “My strength and my might have gotten me this far; I am a self-made man”. Or are you being beaten at your own game? Like Zacchaeus, God is telling you to come down, leave your game, and subscribe to His game. God’s curriculum is for your spiritual growth and character development, which are far superior to silver and gold. Do you see God’s lessons in your peculiar situation today? Just trust and obey. Remain blessed.

 

FURTHER READING – Genesis 22:1-3

Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so 

 

QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD:

1. What have you learnt from some of the situations God has allowed into your life?
2. Where has God brought you in life currently and what are you learning?

 

CONFESSION

Precious Father, You are my Shepherd, my Lord and Master. Through the fire, you will be with me, and through the waters also, I am not alone. In whatever situation you bring me in, I know you are maturing my spirit man, and shaping my character. Hallelujah!

 

1-Year Bible Reading Plan

2 Samuel 10; Jeremiah 14; Matthew 25