01.13.2015 Old Testament: Gen 31.17–21

To read the Bible in a year, read Genesis 31–32 on January 13, In the year of our Lord 2015

By Don Ruhl

There is a time to stay and a time to run. Wise is he, who knows when to do which! Jacob certainly had not made a habit of running, only twice in twenty years, and on the second time, he had to run from his father-in-law/uncle,

Then Jacob rose and set his sons and his wives on camels. And he carried away all his livestock and all his possessions which he had gained, his acquired livestock which he had gained in Padan Aram, to go to his father Isaac in the land of Canaan. Now Laban had gone to shear his sheep, and Rachel had stolen the household idols that were her father’s. And Jacob stole away, unknown to Laban the Syrian, in that he did not tell him that he intended to flee. So he fled with all that he had. He arose and crossed the river, and headed toward the mountains of Gilead (Genesis 31.17–21). 

The first time he ran from his brother. Thus, twice the man had to flee family. Sad. However, it happens.

Pray to the Lord that you know when to stay and when to run.