Tag: Jacob

The Coat Is Just a Symbol

The Coat Is Just a Symbol by Kirk Hunt

And he recognized it and said, “It is my son’s tunic. A wild beast has devoured him. Without doubt Joseph is torn to pieces.” Then Jacob tore his clothes, put sackcloth on his waist, and mourned for his son many days.

Genesis 37:33-34 NKJV
Please also read Genesis 37:31-35 NKJV

Jacob wept loud and long. His sons had convinced him Joseph was dead. As they watched the old man howl in grief and heartache, perhaps they realized, in that moment, that the tunic was only a symbol.

Joseph’s tunic (called a “coat” in the King James Version of the Bible) was a symbol of Jacob’s love and favor regarding Joseph. They could strip the coat off Joseph’s back, but they could not pull Jacob’s feeling off his son. Men and women can steal a symbol from you, but they cannot touch God’s feelings about you.

God gave you a calling or anointing. Do not confuse your title, certificate or badge with God’s love and purpose for you. A symbol is a poor substitute for the authentic article in your life.

The coat kept Joseph warm. The coat made Joseph stand out. The coat was just a symbol of Jacob’s love for Joseph.

I praise God for your title, office or certification. You worked hard. You earned it. Those outward things are just a symbol of Father-God’s love and purpose for you.

Think: Do I love the symbol or do I love God?

Pray: “Father-God, help me see the real article of Your love and purpose in my life.

Copyright © July 2023, Kirk Hunt

This devotional is brought to you courtesy of CadreMen Press. You can purchase a copy of Blessed and Blessing: Devotionals For Gospel Champions from your favorite bookseller or directly from CadreMen Press.

Buying Reconciliation

“Buying Reconciliation” By Kirk Hunt

But Esau said, “I have enough, my brother; keep what you have for yourself.”   And Jacob said, “No, please, if I have now found favor in your sight, then receive my present from my hand, inasmuch as I have seen your face as though I had seen the face of God, and you were pleased with me.

Genesis 33:9–10 NKJV

The murderous hatred of Esau did not soften; instead, it transformed into brotherly love.  Not suddenly with gifts, but slowly in the two decades of separation from his twin brother.  Whatever Jacob’s opinion of Esau before, he is delighted by his brother’s acceptance in reconciliation.  “You were pleased with me.”

Reconciliation is rarely a complicated business.  Restoring relationships is almost always a lavishly expensive affair.  The cost in swallowed pride and forgiven offensives starts high, then grows with each passing day.  Unwinding, or flat forgiving, old grievances can take more out of you than you think or know.

Jacob’s wealth and blessings could not buy off his conscience or wrongdoing.  He had to face his brother and fix their relationship.  Unsure of his brother’s response (400 men), Jacob faced the regional warlord with nothing but courage and determination.

The fortune in livestock Jacob gave to Esau was not a bribe.  It was an apology.  Esau’s embrace of Jacob restored peace and joy, too long absent between them.  Tears, of joy and relief, marked the return of brothers to each other’s life.

It is not too late or too hard for you.  Spend your time, money and tears on reconciliation.  Use your every skill and resource to restore the relationship.  It will be a bargain at twice the price.

Think:       Reconciliation is expensive but satisfying.

Pray:         “Lord, help me find the way to bring us back together.”

 

Copyright © April 2018, Kirk Hunt

This devotional is brought to you courtesy of CadreMen Press.  You can purchase a copy of Blessed and Blessing: Devotionals For Gospel Champions from your favorite bookseller or directly from CadreMen Press.

Working For Laban

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“Working For Laban” by Kirk Hunt

 

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.

Genesis 31:41 KJV

Jacob ran to Uncle Laban for protection and support.  For the next 20 years, Laban kept the young man safe from outsiders.  Unfortunately, Jacob needed someone to keep him safe from Uncle Laban.

 

Honesty, fairness and loyalty are precious.  For two decades, Jacob learned and re-learned that lesson.  Jacob left wealthy, but he understood Brother Esau’s complaint against him.

 

Perhaps you are working for a modern day Laban.  It is difficult to work with someone who seems so intent on profiting only at your expense.  There are days you do not feel forgotten, you feel sentenced, to that place and space.

 

Jacob became wealthy and blessed working for Laban.  God fulfilled His promises to make a great nation of Jacob.  In the same way, God will fulfill His promises to you.

 

No matter how “Laban” schemes or maneuvers, God will see that you get what He promised.  No amount or level of human trickery can overcome God’s faithfulness.

 

There is a blessing in that place and those folk.  God will secure you.  Even more, He will enrich you.  Be faithful.  No matter how faithless they are.

 

Stay honest and loyal.  Do the right work, the right way.  You will leave ‘Laban’ with all that God has promised.

 

Think:                        God will deliver His promises to me, if I do my part.

 

Pray:              “Lord, help me to be faithful, even to a ‘Laban.’”

 

 

Copyright © February 2012, Kirk Hunt

God’s Blessing (Jacob)

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“God’s Blessing (Jacob)” by Kirk Hunt

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. 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.

Genesis 31:41-42 KJV

“For every Jacob, there is a Laban.” I grew up hearing that phrase, and it never had a fixed meaning. Usually, it was a warning. Sometimes, it was an admonishment. On occasion, it was a comfort.

Jacob, the trickster, met more than his match in Uncle Laban. For 20 years, Jacob lived life in the negative uncertainty of what trick or swindle would hit next. I’m certain the irony was not lost on the man who robbed his own twin brother.

At the end of their time together, Jacob returned home, wealthy, blessed and protected by God. Not because of Jacob’s power or brains, but because of God’s faithfulness and provision. Not even Laban’s cunning is a match for God’s sovereign will.

God didn’t save Jacob from the consequences of his actions. Still, Jacob lived a fruitful, blessed and blessing life. Because Jacob learned to live a Godly life.

No matter what you’re living through, you can live in God’s blessing. Your way may not be easy, but it can still be blessed. And that something not even “Laban” can take away.

Think: God’s blessing is stronger than any thing else.

Pray: “Lord, help me live life Your way.”

Copyright © June 2009, Kirk Hunt