Parasha Vayetze: Day 7—Shabbat

B'reisheet/Genesis 28:10-32:2

Our abiding faith in YHVH is deeply rooted in the lives of the preceding three Patriarchs: Abraham, Isaac and Yacov. This is the juncture of eternity when our Creator set in motion an ongoing account of His faithfulness to His chosen ones. After the great flood He chose a man, seemingly from obscurity, Abram, from Shem the seed of Noach. YHVH chose Abram to become the father of a great nation, for abundant blessings, and to extend an ongoing blessing to his descendents forever. We witness the faithfulness of YHVH through the written Word in the lives of the consecutive generations. Subsequently, this ongoing saga continues throughout the life of Yacov who was instructed by the voice of YHVH to go back to his mother’s land to find a wife from her relatives. The addendum to his obedience was the blessing: “May Elohim Almighty bless you and make you fruitful and multiply you, that you may become a company of peoples. May He also give you the blessing of Abraham, to you and to your descendants with you, that you may possess the land of your sojournings, which Elohim gave to Abraham."

Keeping in mind that Yacov represented one of two nations within the womb of Rebekah; he fled Canaan after he purposely received the first-born blessing from Isaac, which formerly belonged to Esau. Thus, the prophecy that YHVH gave to Rebekah prior to giving birth stating, "Two nations are in your womb; and two peoples will be separated from your body; and one people shall be stronger than the other; and the older shall serve the younger" was apprehended in Yacov’s obedience to YHVH as he left his father and mother to go to the land of Paddan-aram meaning field. As he was on his way there he came to a certain place and spent the night there, because the sun had set; and he took one of the stones of the place and put it under his head to sleep. This is where he had a dream and saw a ladder set on the earth with its top reaching to heaven; and angels of YHVH were ascending and descending on it. YHVH spoke and said "I am YHVH, the Elohim of your father Abraham and the Elohim of Isaac; the land on which you lie, I will give it to you and to your descendants. Your descendants will also be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out to the west and to the east and to the north and to the south; and in you and in your descendants shall all the families of the earth be blessed. Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” Yacov’s response to this vision was "How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of Elohim, and this is the gate of heaven." This is one several heavenly encounters that Yacov has with YHVH.

After the prolonged time spent with Laban, Rebekah’s brother, Yacov’s life was blessed with two wives, two more wives, and their respective children, in addition, to his livestock and all the property which he had gathered and acquired in Paddan-aram. Thus, it was time to go back to the land of Canaan. After he was on his way, and had to settling things up with Laban, Yacov continued on his journey with all that he had acquired during the past twenty. It was at the next stop that he was met by the angels of YHVH. Yacov said when he saw them, “This is Elohim's camp." So he named that place Mahanaim, meaning two camps. This name is full of manifold meaning. It encompasses the activities between heaven and earth. Yacov’s life was an impetus that brought heaven to earth. He saw and experienced heavenly activity all around him. He called his experiences the “gate of heaven” and “mahanaim.” Yacov, in his day, was a bridge YHVH chose for illumination and manifestation of Himself, since he was the seed of Abraham and Abraham’s promises were to flow through Yacov.

The seed of Yacov was the posterity promised to Abraham. However, the other nation(s) represented through the seed of Esau was at enmity with Yacov, who now had become a fledgling nation. From that time forth all the nations of the earth would find their blessings of life through the seed of Abraham. This seed is known as Yeshua, Salvation. When Yeshua arrived on the scene much later, He declared, "Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see the heavens opened and the angels of YHVH ascending and descending on the Son of Man." And from that point on Yeshua began declaring, “Repent, for the Kingdom of YHVH is at hand.” As we repent and walk in obedience to His Word and are led by His Ruach HaKodesh we, too, can experience His kingdom on earth as it is in Heaven. Just as Yacov knew that his encounter at Mahanaim was the gate of Heaven, we, too, must remember that Yeshua stands at the gate and knocks. Our Messiah has both descended and ascended for us and asks us, not only to open the door, but to enter through Him as He is the Gate of Life. Now, through us as Covenant keepers, we have the Seed that blesses the nations. We have opportunity to hear the voice of the One that sends and brings back. We have the blessings and promises of Abraham, if we will keep our promises made to Him and listen to His voice as He directs our going out and our coming in.

Dwell upon Psalm 118:19-21, "Open to me the gates of righteousness; I shall enter through them, I shall give thanks to YHVH. This is the gate of YHVH; the righteous will enter through it. I shall give thanks to You, for You have answered me, and You have become my salvation."

Parasha Vayetze: Day 6

B'reisheet/Genesis 31:22-32:2

YHVH sees everything. He sees the arrogant and prideful in their insolence, just as He watches the humble of heart being beat down. The Creator sees every behavior in between these contrasts and observes all the actions of man, recording them for the day of judgment. Those who repent from their evil inclinations and deeds, their records are wiped of the regretted sins.

Man has an seemingly unrelenting need to be right, above all others and the originator of deed and thought. When others come up with original thinking, action or are right, many are ready to pounce on the individual with critics, negativity and naysaying. Thus, when a righteous man has inspired thought or is found in righteous deeds, the negative, selfish and arrogant of the world stand in line to castigate character and conviction. The negative want to disprove, ridicule or just plain grump about anything and everything. The selfish have a hard time accepting any other person's thoughts or see their benefits because the self-absorbed are left out of the attention or advantage. The arrogant just plain think everyone is beneath them. These are the people, even as believers and Covenant keepers, who believe they have a corner on righteousness and all others need to seek their permission before taking action or credit of a conviction.

Yacov found himself up against a man, Laban, who suffered from such worldly anxieties and flaws. Being selfish and prideful, Laban exuded character anomalies by taking from others, lying, usurping, changing his mind at random and when it suited his best interests, etc... At the end of Laban's relationship with Yacov and his daughters, Yacov set up a pillar and told his kinsmen to heap stones at Gilead. Being the corrupt man that Laban was, he immediately takes control of the situation touting his actions of setting up the heap and pillar. How sad that this individual would need Yacov around in order to sustain himself and be blessed. His own merit was not enough to warrant such reward. Furthermore, Laban had not original thought of his own, but stole the ideas and practices from Yacov whom he knew to be blessed of Elohim.

On the other side of covenant established between Laban and Yacov was a man who had made an oath to YHVH. He knew that no matter where on earth he dwelt, Elohim watched over him, saw his actions and would hold him to task in his deeds and speech. To Yacov, it did not matter if Laban saw, knew or judged him, Elohim was in charge and knew the truth of Yacov's every transaction and every deed. When it came time to make a covenant with Laban concerning their future, Yacov did not argue over who set up the pillar heaped the stones for the memorial altar. He did not indulge his flesh to come up with words, but allowed Laban to distinguish Who the Judge would be and to Whom they would fulfill their oath not to harm the other party. Yacov knew that YHVH was in control and that the Almighty knew the score between these two men and the family matters. As such, he humbled himself to Laban and to the Father in submission to YHVH's will. It did not matter who took credit for the altar or the name of the place, what mattered was that YHVH was being glorified and He would be Judge. Arguing with a man over who was right or who built what was moot, since YHVH sees justice and injustice, pride and humility.

As Yacov went on his way from Laban, the angels of Elohim met him. This was a confirmation that Yacov was not only to keep his vow, but that Elohim heard and saw all of Yacov's actions, words, promises and vows. Soon, this would be proven in Rachel's death. Yacov had just made the proclamation that whoever had the household idols would not live.  Even though the false gods were not found, Rachel did have them and she would die in child birth. YHVH was exacting as Yacov knew. By naming camp Mahanaim, he declared that there were indeed two camps and two vantage points—man's and Elohim's. YHVH is always a witness.

We cannot hide from the Almighty. He sees and knows all the actions we take and the words we say. Our integrity must be measured by YHVH's standard and not man's. There are plenty of Laban's in the earth today. They seek to devour the righteous while heaping stones of negativity, doubt and worry on our acts of faith. Laban's twist our words and take what does not belong to them, touting it as their own. They are consumed pride, having the knowledge of YHVH, but denying His power, even as the adversary plants those usurping thoughts into their minds. We, on the other hand, do not have the luxury of such sin. We dance in the company of both men and angels; we have witnesses of both men and Elohim. Man may have intent to do us harm; he may come after us with ill feelings, pride and contempt. YHVH is just, though, and will not allow His righteous to be tossed away or consumed. He will vindicate our cause as we humble ourselves so that He is esteemed in our stead.

Dwell upon Psalm 138:6-7, "For though YHVH is exalted, yet He regards the lowly, but the haughty He knows from afar. Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me; You will stretch forth Your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and Your right hand will save me."

Parasha Vayetze: Day 5

B'reisheet/Genesis 31:1-21

Times of discomfort can be for purification, but also to get the believer out of his comfort zone in order to move into the next season, reach the next destination or to leave a situation behind. YHVH inspired discomfort or dissatisfaction is all about getting the believer's attention, unlike rebellion which incites chastisement. Yacov was in the midst of knowing change was on the way when he overheard Laban's sons discussing Yacov and his wealth. Upon calling his wives to the field, it was understood that Laban had already changed Yacov's wages ten times. However, the overheard conversation, nor the change in salary had caused Yacov to pick up his family and move or flee from working for Laban. It was a matter of hearing from Elohim that would cause a lifestyle change for Yacov and his family.

The change in wages ten different times would have driven most people to quit or leave, but not Yacov. This would be a foreshadow of his posterity in Egypt four hundred years later. It could have been that Laban had Yacov over a barrel, but whatever the reason, Yacov knew it was not time to leave Paddan-aram, yet. Israel, four centuries later, could have viewed each and every plague as a insight and oracles to flee Egypt and their bondage. The ten wage changes and the ten plagues were not permission slips to run away. They were precursors to the specific time and the ordained moment when YHVH would tell His people to leave. It was only at the time when YHVH spoke to Yacov and later to Moshe, that the time was right to make a move and transition out of one spiritual season and into a new one.

YHVH gives us warnings and insights to times ahead. He shows us that things do no stay the same and change will occur. That does not mean, at the first sign of trouble or. even. in ongoing wrangling that one has to jump or make a knee jerk decision. The whole purpose of ongoing change and build-up to spiritual season's endings and beginnings is to refocus our attention back to the Father. As we do this, He reveals just the right time to leave or arrive, the proper method or route to take, and the perfect destination for the next stop. Without these directives, we shoot in the dark to where we are to go, what to do or how to accomplish anything in proper accord to His will and sovereignty. It should be understood to do so is to fight against the Almighty and His plans for us and those that surround as.

Yacov's premature departure could have meant a miscarriage for Rachel carrying Benyamin. It could have been that Laban was not beat down enough and would have fought to keep his estate in tact. Possibly, YHVH knew that leaving before twenty plus years serving Laban would have put Yacov and his family in danger with Esau who may have still sought vindication for Yacov's actions. Who knows except YHVH. The point is, YHVH's timing is perfect, who are we to question His reasoning for choosing our times or seasons?

In a day when many are saying to look hear for end-time prophecies being fulfilled, or look there because trouble for us is looming. In time when we think all is gone to hell and a basket, we should remember that YHVH is directing the times and epochs of our lives and our destinations. To pick up and move to other counties, countries or, even, to Israel when we are not called to do so only spells for troubled times. Some may be chosen to be in the Land before others, that is a possibility. However, none of us in this current generation endured the holocaust as our Jewish brother and sisters did in the 1940's. Most of us do not endure much of any persecution whatsoever, especially in comparison to that time in history. The day will come when Israel will be regathered. It will be such a historic event that it will shadow the exodus out of Egypt. Until then, we should look at the signs and season, but we should also remember Whose in charge and listen to His calendar, not what man thinks, not what our flesh says and not what soothsayers think we want to hear.

The Ruach knows and will reveal the exact time for flight, either for tribulation or for the next season to begin for us. To ramrod our way through any of this just means we have to go to the next destination not having dealt with the issues in our hearts that YHVH was trying to purge before we left. Let us take heart. YHVH has not abandoned us, nor will He forsake His own. In the right time, in the right inspired way, He will disclose to us the timing, route and destination of the next season of our lives. The next stop may not even be Israel; yet, the closer we come to being like the Master, the closer we come to being ready for His return.

Dwell upon Isaiah 49:8-10, "Thus says YHVH, 'In a favorable time I have answered You, and in a day of salvation I have helped You; and I will keep You and give You for a covenant of the people, to restore the land, to make them inherit the desolate heritages; saying to those who are bound, 'Go forth,' to those who are in darkness, 'Show yourselves' along the roads they will feed, and their pasture will be on all bare heights. They will not hunger or thirst, nor will the scorching heat or sun strike them down; for He who has compassion on them will lead them and will guide them to springs of water."

Parasha Vayetze: Day 4

B'reisheet/Genesis 30:14-43

YHVH is all about perfection; yet, in the creation of man, He elected to create something that could choose imperfection, and did. Man is imperfect. All that he undertakes, especially without Elohim, is contaminated with humanities sin, the world's corruption and all that both bring in attitudes and behaviors. That which cannot be seen, though, is what YHVH is looking for in man and can be redeemed. The heart of man, in wholeness, is what YHVH is after and He writes His Word on that heart so that the rest of man, his soul and might, will follow that Word in wholeness and holiness. Outwardly, the Covenant keeper may be disheveled or unsightly, but inwardly, he is set apart of YHVH's habitation. This is best illustrated in the instance of a leper. A leprous individual is unclean and to be set out of camp while the leprosy is spreading or infectious. Interestingly enough, that same leper, completely covered with the disease, yet without any red, infectious areas, can be readmitted into camp and walk among YHVH's people (see Vayikra/Leviticus 13:12).

The matters of looks and what seems to be perfect from the outside appeals to most people. Laban clearly desired to have the choicest flocks and understood that Yacov's time with him for fourteen plus years had caused a great blessing for Laban's livestock. Yacov took full advantage of Laban's greed by willingly taking the striped, black, spotted and marred goats and sheep as his wages for continued service and his presence so as to manipulate a blessing for Laban. Moreover, in breeding the sheep and goats, Yacov was inspired to precipitate the conception of more spotted and striped livestock so as to gain more of Laban's flocks for his own wages. Yacov did not go by the looks of goats and sheep from the outside. While the color and marred blemishes made for less attractive garments, tents and other materials, it did not make the animal any less sound or defiled. If for sacrifices, it was still acceptable; the wool, regardless of color, could be spun for warm clothing and blankets; the hides would be perfectly acceptable for all leather goods. 

YHVH, Who inspired Yacov to such husbandry efforts, created man with the ability to sin and choose evil rather than good. Continuing with His patience and long suffering, the Creator allows man, even encourages him with commands of  multiplying and blessings accompanying many children, in order to perpetuate humanity. This is not for the sake of having sin or condoning sin, but for the benefit of having His choice, first-fruit of the earth, namely, men whose whole hearts are His despite the stripes and spots they possess on the outside or their pasts that have pronounced them unfit for use.

Yeshua took upon Himself the stripes of punishment and the blemishes of verbal and physical persecution which mutilated His Body to appear less than perfect. However, it was Messiah's perfection that could not be taken away and, in that perfection, all of those who believe and call upon His name are found to be perfect in Him, without spot or blemish. Yeshua was, and is, the living Ark of YHVH's presence. Like the Ark of the Covenant, He allows Himself to be carried by men that dwell amongst the unclean of the world. Likewise, Yacov carried the presence of YHVH wherever he went. His presence with Laban was a blessing, not because of Yacov's righteousness, but due to YHVH's. The presences of YHVH either brings about conviction resulting in repentance or condemnation; His glory causes the clean to be separated from the unclean and the holy set apart from the common. Laban did not ascertain this part of the blessing, only that Yacov's continual abidance brought forth fruitfulness. That fruitfulness always belongs to Elohim, first and foremost.

We are not perfect, it is Messiah in us that is. We cannot be seen as perfect, it is Yeshua Who stands before the throne for us that is. Our garments are wrinkled, our lives have been afflicted and all that we do on earth, there is the constant bombardment of contamination and death. YHVH sees all of these things and still He loves us. We are to be His first fruit; those that are set apart for His use as the offering for the works of His hands. As He cordons us off from those who do not believe or reject Him, we are to bear fruit beginning in our hearts, but reaching to our offspring. In due time, we will be taken farther away so there can be no chance of contamination or accusation any longer. Until then, we can walk in the blessings of Yacov in that YHVH is with us and uses the works of our hands to bless us, others and Himself.

Dwell upon 1 Samuel 16:7, "Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."

Parasha Vayetze: Day 3

B'reisheet/Genesis 29:21-30:13

If Yacov was not tired from working in the field, his strength must have been tested at home with what would turn out to be four wives. Not only would physical strength have been spent, but the emotional output for not one, two or three, but four wives could have been unnerving. This is clearly marked as Yacov spoke to Rachel, the wife he loved, harshly saying, "Am I in the place of God, who has withheld from you the fruit of the womb?" Adding this physical and emotional strain was the added relationships of four sons from the so-called "unloved" wife, who sounds pretty loved as she has four sons right in a row, two more sons from a maid-wife, and then another maid-wife had two more sons. So how much effort in emotions and affection could Yacov have had for each wife and each son with equality and expectations?

YHVH Elohim sanctioned Yacov to go through these trials and stresses for his own spiritual growth, the multiplicity of a family and the creation of a nation. Nonetheless, the cycle of wives and birth and competition had to take a toll on Yacov. Leah felt it, even after conceiving four children, she still considered herself unloved. Rachel was no less frustrated, fussing at Yacov for what was out of his control. What was left was a man who had obligations to four wives, eleven sons, a daughter and a master who took advantage of every action taken by Yacov. In reality, who in that family would have felt loved?

YHVH sees His children through all the rough places, along with the smooth roads. He sees the ups and the downs all while remaining patient for His bride to remember Him and call upon Him for help. Yacov remembered YHVH in several of his sufferings of work when looking for witty inventions to overcome the adversity of Laban. Yacov's wives looked to Elohim for their conceptions, even naming their sons for their disposition before the Father.

In all of the adversities of life, family, friends and all other pressures, it is easy to form a routine in worship, prayer, love and passion, all the while forgetting the One we worship, pray to, those we should love and why we have passion or how that these bestow compassion. Going through the motions of adoration or worship when there is not heart content is only a facade. It is quite possible for Yacov to have felt all of these emotions and done all the right actions and still have his heart right; yet, he was only human and the best of humanity loses sight of the what is important. The adversary's role on earth has shifted from being in the Light and Truth for worshipping Elohim to perverting Truth and creating distant worshippers full of action and no content.

Sadly, it is easy to give service without the heart's full attention or affection. Many believers of any denomination or conviction become beautiful building fronts with no insides or other walls. The real need for all of us is to have the Ruach come refresh us with His indwelling, not for mere revival, but for restoration of the Truth and Ruach of YHVH. We have been giving revival with the Life of Messiah, but we need to keep the restorative work of YHVH's kingdom and worship for Him in the foremost of our thoughts and actions. It is His love for us that revives and restores us. Our love reciprocated draws us closer to His throne were tangible growth occurs and mansions are built.

Dwell upon Matthew 24:11-13, "Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many. Because lawlessness is increased, most people's love will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved."

Parasha Vayetze: Day 2

B'reisheet/Genesis 29:1-20

When making deals, receiving promises or entering into covenant with others, the only tangible evidence or proof that these will be honored is the word given by each party. From Yacov's perspective, this should not be an issue to haunt him since the person he is engaging into promises and a deal for the hand of Rachel is an uncle. The love that he had for Laban's daughter was so strong that Yacov willingly agrees to work for seven years, as a bachelor, for Laban's younger daughter. Even in blind love, Yacov was smart enough to specify the younger daughter, mentioning her by name, Rachel, in the wage agreement.

The only legal system of the day of Yacov, even through Ruth and Boaz and future patriarchs, was found at the gates of the city. Unfortunately for Yacov, Laban pretty much had the gates of Haran, specifally Paddan-aram or Nahor, possessed by himself and his family. While not conclusive, it could appear that the rational for watering the flocks in the middle of the day, and having such a large stone in front of the well so that many men would needed to roll it away were both sanctioned by Laban for his control over the region. Laban was well known and well versed in Haran's legal system as he would have probably been the main elder in the gate of the city. Yacov had little chance to avert being swindled by Laban since it would be the word of a semi-stranger against the corrupt judge of the gate.

After defining the terms of seven years of service for the younger daughter, Rachel, Yacov was overjoyed to serve in what seemed to him an instant. The time would come, however, for Laban to uphold his end of the deal. What would happen? Would Laban be true to his word? If he acted deceptively, what recourse would Yacov have? These are all great questions, especially the last. Knowing the outcome ahead of time, there really was no recourse for Yacov. YHVH, though, was in control and would have His way in establishing the twelve tribes of Israel and taking away a large sum of Laban's wealth through crafty integrity, an ironic fate for Laban to endure!

Back at the well when Yacov first arrived at Haran, a large stone was used to cover the well. So large, in fact, it would have taken several men to roll the stone away and reveal the living water inside. This is a great picture of  the tomb of Messiah. Those afraid of a rebellious uprising or a lore of a resurrection placed a stone over Yeshua's grave. Like Laban, they trusted in their in their own knowledge and strength to pervert justice and try to control peoples and the nation. That large stone would be rolled away when YHVH sanctioned it, not man and certainly not the politicians. Yeshua would be revealed as the Living Water to the nations in His timing and in His strength. 

Our dealings with others will most certainly let us down. If our own hearts deceive us, should we expect more for others? It should not be assumed that everyone is out to get us or to have their own way in our lives; yet it could be noted that most individuals do have self-serving motives or are altruistic. The best of people still can let us down, with unkept promises or failed integrity, even the righteous fail to be perfect all the time. With this in mind, it is still impossible not to dwell among men or to have dealings with fellow man. Our trust and hope and strength must be from and focused back toward YHVH our Elohim. He alone sustains us, not man's words, promises or actions. Mankind will let us down; moreover, we will let them down, too. Our words needs to be yes, yes or no, no. We should not be rash in our words, nor be rash in accepting other's words. In the end, however, it is YHVH Who will portion out reward, judgment and all matters of right and wrong.

Dwell upon Romans 3:3-4, "What then? If some did not believe, their unbelief will not nullify the faithfulness of YHVH, will it? May it never be! Rather, let YHVH be found true, though every man be found a liar, as it is written, 'That you may be justified in your words, and prevail when you [are] judged.'"

Parasha Vayetze: Day 1

B'reisheet/Genesis 28:10-22

Yacov, upon leaving his home in Beersheba, went to Bethel and arrived there after sunset. He picked up a rock from that place and used it as a pillow for the night. This rock was from the land that YHVH had named for His children and was part of their possession and inheritance forever. Not only was it deemed special due to this, but it was significant because it had been promised through Covenant to Abraham and his seed and was tied to that Covenant as much as his seed would be. The land would need to be redeemed, cleansed, and occupied just like YHVH's elect. The selection of a rock for a pillow for Yacov takes on significance in that light. Yacov did not sleep on just any ground, he slept on sacrosanct eretz/earth that YHVH had chosen specifically for Israel to dwell and from which YHVH was to be sought.

Once asleep with his head upon the rock of YHVH's creation and promise, Yacov dreams of a ladder with angels of Elohim ascending and descending on it. This is like the visualization of YHVH's Word. It goes out from Him and returns to Him only after accomplishing what He sent it out to do. Furthermore, His Word sends His angels from His presence to do His will and they return to Him with completed missions. Similarly, YHVH's Word sends man on his journeys going to and fro over the face of the earth. That is exactly where YHVH gives this dream to Yacov, at the beginning of a journey going out to accomplish YHVH's plan in creating a nation for YHVH's possession.

Not only was Bethel to be a geographical point of distinction for YHVH and His children (possibly even yet to be fulfilled), but it could have been the last place Yacov slept while within the borders of Canaan at that time (the smaller land of Israel with the Jordan defined as a border). YHVH desired to get Yacov's attention so that this servant would realize Who he was to serve and in what capacity. Thus, Yacov makes a vow that tests both him and YHVH. If YHVH would bring Yacov back while keeping him, feeding him and clothing him, then Elohim would be his Elohim, Bethel would be Elohim's house and a tenth of Yacov's earnings and provision. The importance of this vow is not that Elohim would be Yacov's Elohim, but that Elohim would be proven faithful, Yacov would be faithful in his vow and that faith would be built as would relationship and trust. 

It is important to remember that Bethel was the place where Yacov saw the ladder and angels of Elohim. The coming and going of YHVH's host is significant as it pointed out to Yacov that Elohim's servants return to the Most High and accomplish all that they are requested to do. In short, this would have encouraged Yacov that he, too, would fulfill his destiny and abide in YHVH and in the promised land. He would be supplied all his needs and he would be multiplied in finding a wife that his parents were sending him to Haran to marry.

YHVH is faithful to us. We may or may not see ladders reaching into heaven or angels going to the throne and back again. But we do know that YHVH is true to His Word and faithful to the promises made to our forefathers. Sometimes, YHVH asks us to work for Him or do His will without our knowledge or our understanding. In all things, though, our lives, if called by Him, accomplish what He desires and has planned. We may not have any inkling of what the journey ahead holds in store for us; yet, if we know that YHVH is in control and place our faith and hope in Him, He will return us, bring us or place us exactly where we need to be, in the time we need to be there. This goes for end time events, job and income needs, family obligations and all that concerns us. Like Yacov, we are to set out with the understanding that YHVH will do these seemingly monumental accomplishments on our behalf, not assuming He won't. He, in turn, requires us to fulfill our vow to love, serve and abide in Him, keeping His Covenant and His Word.

Dwell upon Jeremiah 29:11, "'For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares YHVH, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.'"