Then Jacob went on his journey, and came into the land of the people of the east (Genesis 29:1).
Jacob went on his journey. From where? The previous chapter recounted Jacob had a divine encounter at Bethel [House of God] (Kejadian 29:1-14). There God promised Jacob:
And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of (Genesis 28:15).
From this point, Bethel, he traveled to a foreign country. And in his journey, he really saw God’s care in his life, until he arrived to a place which he headed safely, and met his uncle, Laban.
I think we all know that is not easy to find an address in a foreign country we have never visited, let alone in that era. His mother only told him the name of his uncle is Laban, and the name of the place is Haran. There are no street names or other guidance.
Now therefore, my son, obey my voice; arise, flee thou to Laban my brother to Haran (Genesis 27:43).
So Jacob only knew he had to go to Haran to find a man named Laban, who he had never met before. Only because of God’s care; Jacob finally got there safely.
God’s cares in our life’s journey are often characterized by the various events that have occurred by coincidence. All are coincidental. But all are positive coincidences that ultimately lead us to the intended destination.
From Bethel, Jacob went to the land of the people of the east. From there he didn’t know where else to go. In his confusion, he looked around … and it turned out … accidentally there was a well. It turned out the well was the place for shepherds to give water to their sheep, the shepherds gathered there. Accidentally … there were people to ask.
And Jacob said unto them, My brethren, whence be ye? And they said, Of Haran are we (v. 4).
What an amazing coincidence, it turned out they were from Haran, the place that Jacob wanted to go. He asked again,
And he said unto them, Know ye Laban the son of Nahor? And they said, We know him (v. 5).
Wow … another amazing coincidence, it turned out they were familiar with Laban, who was sought by Jacob.
And he said unto them, Is he well? And they said, He is well: and, behold, Rachel his daughter cometh with the sheep (v. 6)
Wow … this was an amazing coincidence that was not accidental, as they talked, there was a beautiful woman came to the well to provide water for her sheep, and they told him that it was Rachel, daughter of Laban.
Suddenly Jacob’s entire struggle of finding Laban’s address was over. He introduced himself to Rachel and she took him home to meet his father, Laban, Jacob’s uncle.
And later, by chance, Rachel became his beloved wife. And accidentally, years later Rachel gave birth to Joseph, who was used by God to save all Jacob’s descendants and the world, from famine.
Some coincidences that God designed, settled Jacob’s entire struggle, even years later, that coincidence can also settle the world’s struggles. Those were God’s care in his life.
I am sure you are starting to remember some coincidences that happened, which settled the struggle in the course of your life. Be aware, it is one of the forms of God’s care and help!
Who knows, various coincidences that now save you could save others in the future as well. Amen!
Read also: An Ordinary Place or House of God?
