The Foolishness of Mixing our Old Life with our New Life

Jacob practiced deceit for many years starting with stealing his brothers birthright (Gen. 25:30-34).  Jacob joined his mother in her plot to steal Esau's blessing as the oldest son (Gen 27).

Jacob, stepped over the line when he stole his brothers blessing by deceit and had to leave home for his personal safety.

When Jacob arrived at his uncle Labon's house (another trickster), Jacob met his match and was tricked several times by his Uncle Labon.

You would think that Jacob learned his lesson and that he would believe God to continue to bless him without practicing anymore deceitful tricks.

Jacob had another trick up his sleeve as he left Labon's house without saying goodbye and allowing Labon to give his blessing.  

Instead of trusting God, Jacob said he was afraid Labon, and secretly departed as a fugitive.

Here is the point for today.  Even Labon, who was an old time trickster knew what Jacob did was unwise.

Gen. 31:26-28:

26 Then Laban said to Jacob, "What have you done by deceiving me and carrying away my daughters like captives of the sword?

27 "Why did you flee secretly and deceive me, and did not tell me so that I might have sent you away with joy and with songs, with timbrel and with lyre;

28 and did not allow me to kiss my sons and my daughters? Now you have done foolishly. Yes, we still have our "skills" from our life before Christ.  The question is why do we feel the need to go back and practice the negative behavior from our past when God has promised us good? We do not need to help God out.  We need to know and stand on the promises of God. When we "get over" on prople by using our ungodly past life actions, we show a clear lack of faith in God, and even worldly people like Labon, can see our foolishness. Trust God and do what is right before God. God Bless, Pastor Kennedy (MZO)