A Dreamer and His Redeemer

Jacob's father-in-law was determined to keep him dependent. After twenty years Jacob finally obtained enough wealth to follow God’s command to return to his homeland. Jacob's future was in God's hands, but still he managed to create a crisis where only by God's intervention could he be rescued.

          God was at work in Jacob’s life to help him build a bridge to faith in Himself, a God who speaks and does what he says. God spoke to Jacob in dreams and through angels to get his attention. He wanted Jacob to know he was a God who meant business, a God who loved and cared for him and would protect him.

          God told Jacob to "Go back to the land of your father and I will be with you." Still Jacob could not do what God told him without provocation or deception. His wife Rachel followed Jacob’s lead and stole her father's household gods to take on the journey. However, God will never permit deception to go unnoticed because it’s sinful. God’s purpose is to redeem, to set free from bondage all who are willing to be set free. 

Rescued to Rescue

To be liberated means freedom from bondage. Nelson Mandela, the South African statesman, knew what it meant to be liberated. He spent twenty-five years in prison on charges that were political. I’m sure there were days when discouragement ruled, but deep within himself resided hope which served as a bridge to keep despair at bay. 

Bondage can originate from a crippling disease, financial obligations, lack of employment or an oppressive relationship. Liberation is the bridge that crosses the expanse of bondage, from whatever its source.

Listen to Dag Hammarskjold, former Secretary General of the United Nations, as he stated clearly what we can do for others and ourselves: “The price you must pay for your own liberation through another’s sacrifice is that you, in turn, must be willing to liberate in the same way, irrespective of the consequence to yourself.” What a challenge! We gladly accept what Christ did to liberate us, but we must be willing to offer that bridge to others so they can come across.