Jacob and the Holy Spirit / February 2006

Jacob, the son of Isaac, and grandson of Abraham is one of the few men in the Bible with a full life description. By that I mean, he is introduced to us before his birth, the significant events of his life are well documented, and he is laid to rest in his grave. All of his life cycle events are found in the Scripture. You would be hard pressed to find others in the Bible described in such a manner. For the most part, it is distinction only shared by Moses and the Messiah.

Jacob’s life presents a case study in walking before God through all the life cycles: from birth to youth, from young man to father, from grandfather to his death and burial. Jacob presents all of the struggles that life brings and yet defines the spiritual end results.

One of the strongest teachings of Torah is the heritage of the fathers. "What happens to the fathers will happen to the descendants." Most of the incidents recorded about Abraham, Isaac and Jacob are in fact prophetic models for what has happened historically to all of Israel and the spiritual remnant of Israel through the centuries. The interpretation of those prophetic models are a training program to understand an even greater prophetic model – the story of the Redeemer. Beginning with Abraham’s visit to Egypt and return, that event previews the more direct prophecy of Genesis 15 and the resulting Egyptian Exodus. Joseph’s dreams of grain sheaves bowing before him previewed the events of Joseph gathering sheaves of grain and his brethren coming to buy that grain and bowing before him. Joseph remembered the dream and directed that Benjamin must be brought to him (eleven must bow, only ten were present). Jacob’s return to the land, dividing his family into two companies, is a profound prophetic illustration of all of Israel returning to the promised land at the end of the ages. To date, we have only seen the House of Judah make their return to deal with the inhabitants of the land (Esau). The House of Israel (Joseph and his son Ephraim are yet to return). There are still many events with the fathers that have not yet been fulfilled with their descendants. This is why many religious (knowledgeable) Jews do not accept Yeshua. According to their complaint, He did not gather the scattered of Israel and bring the House of Ephraim back to Judah yet.

As a sidebar, it is fascinating to me to hear some of my Messianic Jewish brethren argue against the "Two House Teaching" and yet they claim to understand the New Covenant (which was given to the Two Houses) and the redemption of the Messiah (the Great Shepherd that gathers the scattered in the nations).

The patterns of these three fathers are also a tremendous example of God manifesting Himself to all of mankind. The theme of Abraham’s life is all about his role as father and the promised blessing. "Leave your father’s house and I will make you the father of many." "You will be the father of many nations." "I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you." Isaac is the promised son who was almost sacrificed. But Jacob is the father with the most Scripture dedicated to the events of his life. He is a representation of life’s struggles, one upon another, leading to a very happy and peaceful conclusion. There is something very comforting about Jacob and his testimony. The pattern is obvious: Abraham (father and blessing) shows God is our Father. Isaac is the promised son who was taken for sacrifice (The Son of God is the promised Messiah who was sacrificed for us. In fact, He was taken to the same place Isaac was taken. Jacob, the man of struggles and troubles, is the picture of the Comforter, the Helper, the Holy Spirit. God has used our fathers to manifest Himself to us. Therefore, He is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob!

Let’s focus on Jacob and God’s manifestation of the Holy Spirit for a while. The Holy Spirit’s definition as a Comforter and Helper is most directly defined in words by the Messiah.

And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever;

John 14:16

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.

John 14:26

When the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, that is the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, He will bear witness of Me,

John 15:26

But the Messiah’s definition is not new. This definition had been spoken of many times before, in particular, by the life of Jacob.

When Jacob blessed Joseph, transferring the "birthright" blessing that he had received from his father Isaac, who had received it from Abraham, he described it in the same three part illustration of the fathers. The sequence is first the Messiah, the Shepherd, then the Holy Spirit who helps, then the Almighty Father who blesses. It is the blessing Jacob received from his father Isaac, Jacob’s part, and a review of the original blessing by Abraham. Listen to this three part description of God as a blessing upon Joseph.

But his bow remained firm, and his arms were agile, from the hands of the Mighty One of Jacob (From there is the Shepherd, the Stone of Israel), from the God of your father who helps you, and by the Almighty who blesses you with blessings of heaven above, blessings of the deep that lies beneath, Blessings of the breasts and of the womb.

Genesis 49:24-25

Although Jacob’s understanding of the Godhead was limited (Moses later learned His name was YHVH) Exodus 6:2, the elements of God manifesting Himself are clear. Jacob understood this and spoke of it directly. This is a very profound and insightful reference to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. There is much more that can be taught from this heritage and pattern, but let’s direct our attention back to the life of Jacob and the Holy Spirit.

For many, the role of the Holy Spirit while walking in faith day-to-day is a total mystery. There is the very wide spectrum today among believers trying to understand how the Holy Spirit works in their lives and how we walk in the Spirit. That spectrum of understanding ranges greatly from those who do not believe in the Holy Spirit to those who are ecstatic all the time about their belief in the Holy Spirit. The former group does not believe that the Holy Spirit is personally active in our lives anymore. They do not believe in the prophetic utterance nor miracles by God. They believe that the overt activity of the Holy Spirit was something of the past and was completed when the canon of the Scriptures were established. The latter group hold to a very ecstatic expression of the Holy Spirit with many manifestations and giftings. Some of those advocates go so far as to say that you must speak in tongues "to be saved." Still others teach that this kind of spiritual faith produces "health and prosperity." They are especially sensitive to the evidences of the Holy Spirit as a confirmation of material blessings along the way. The backlash of that theology is the feeling that your faith is lacking if you are not comfortable and happy. It is true that the Holy Spirit is called the "Comforter" and "Helper." But some have turned that definition into "comfortable" and "helped." Real life struggles, such as Jacob faced, are considered attacks from the enemy (devil). However, Scripture says differently.

Jacob’s life is the most profound example of how the Holy Spirit really works in a person’s life. But this example is no where to be found in the modern explanations of how the Holy Spirit works in our lives. Let’s examine Jacob’s life. You are about to see a study in contrasts. Those contrasts not only show the work of the "Comforter/Helper" but also the very elements of the Kingdom we all are seeking.

1. Jacob was the second of twins but nothing like his brother.

The struggle of Jacob’s life began in the womb. His mother was very aware of the struggle and sought God’s counsel as to what was happening.

But the children struggled together within her; and she said, "If it is so, why then am I this way?" So she went to inquire of the Lord. And the Lord said to her, "Two nations are in your womb; and two peoples shall be separated from your body; and one people shall be stronger than the other; and the older shall serve the younger."

Genesis 25:22-23

From the womb, the Spirit of God was involved in Jacob’s life, counseling his mother as to what would be happening.

The Holy Spirit confirms our faith by showing that God knew us and chose us before the foundations of the world. Paul said it this way.

Yet we do speak wisdom among those who are mature; a wisdom, however, not of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are passing away; but we speak God's wisdom in a mystery, the hidden wisdom, which God predestined before the ages to our glory;

I Corinthians 2:6-7

The Holy Spirit knows us before we are born.

2. Jacob hung around home too much and didn’t get out into the world.

His brother Esau was a hunter, but Jacob preferred staying with the flocks and the tents of his mother.

When the boys grew up, Esau became a skillful hunter, a man of the field; but Jacob was a peaceful man, living in tents.

Genesis 25:27

So, where is the influence and evidence of the Holy Spirit here? Part of the fruit of the Holy Spirit is peace. This is Jacob’s testimony from his youth.

Real peace in a person’s life comes from the Holy Spirit’s presence.

3. He had a much stronger relationship with his mother than his father.

Now Isaac loved Esau, because he had a taste for game; but Rebekah loved Jacob.

Genesis 25:28

Mothers are known for their skill of being "comforters." Every child knows this. When they are hurt and need to be comforted they go to their mothers as opposed to their fathers. The reason: mothers know how to comfort with tenderness and sensitivity. Fathers are more interested in how to stop the injury from happening again and explaining to you how you got hurt to begin with. This emphasis upon Jacob’s life is consistent with manifesting the true character of the "Comforter" to us. Sometimes we just need God to understand and hold us rather than explain to us how we did it to ourselves (again).

The Holy Spirit is the "Comforter" even beyond the comfort of a mother.

4. He was a poor man, starting his life with nothing.

Abraham had many flocks and servants. Isaac had many successful businesses and servants. But when Jacob left home, he took nothing but his staff and what he could carry. He did not have a physical inheritance. Jacob spoke of his daily need for food and water when he covenanted with God at Bethel, en route to Laban’s house.

Then Jacob made a vow, saying, "If God will be with me and will keep me on this journey that I take, and will give me food to eat and garments to wear,"

Genesis 28:20

Upon his return from Laban’s house to the promised land, Jacob reviewed his life before God and noted how he began with nothing.

I am unworthy of all the lovingkindness and of all the faithfulness which Thou hast shown to Thy servant; for with my staff only I crossed this Jordan, and now I have become two companies.

Genesis 32:10

What is being illustrated to us about the Holy Spirit? First, His presence is not dependent upon any material possessions or stature of life. The Holy Spirit begins his work with the poorest of the poor. This is what Yeshua also spoke of.

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 5:3

This verse is the first of the beatitudes from the Sermon on the Mount. Jacob’s poor stature at the beginning is to illustrate the future riches of the kingdom. The Messianic Kingdom is defined this way.

and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever; and His kingdom will have no end.

Luke 1:33

The Holy Spirit is the Helper of the poor leading to the riches of the Kingdom.

5. He had a dream from God that the Messiah referenced Himself to.

And he had a dream, and behold, a ladder was set on the earth with its top reaching to heaven; and behold, the angels of God were ascending and descending on it.

Genesis 28:12

The Messiah Himself related to the disciples that He was the ladder with the angels "ascending and descending upon the Son of Man." In Jacob’s dream, he saw Almighty God at the top of the ladder in heaven, the Messiah was extending from heaven down to the earth, but where was the evidence of the Holy Spirit? How do you think Jacob saw the dream? Was it not by the very Spirit of God?

The Holy Spirit is the part of God that "inspires" us to see and know God.

Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things freely given to us by God, which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words.

I Corinthians 2:12-13

6. He had a bad reputation and was known as a "deceiver."

Many Bible teachers today say that the name Jacob means "deceiver or supplanter." In fact, you will find that very definition in many modern references to the Bible. However, the Bible itself gives a different definition that is simply overlooked by many teachers. Listen to the description given for both Esau’s and Jacob’s names.

Now the first came forth red, all over like a hairy garment; and they named him Esau. And afterward his brother came forth with his hand holding on to Esau's heel, so his name was called Jacob; and Isaac was sixty years old when she gave birth to them.

Genesis 25:25-26

So what does Esau mean? Not red like the name Edom, also associated with Esau, but instead "fully developed." A newborn with much hair is said to be "fully developed." The hair of a newborn only grows after the vital organs are fully developed. Esau was hairy and "fully developed." This is the meaning of the name "Esau." Later, the color of his hair played into the name Edom, which means "red."

Jacob’s name is like Esau’s. As he was born, he came forth with a hand on Esau’s heal. That is the meaning of Jacob. Jacob’s name is the contraction form of the single letter Yod, which means hand, followed by the word "ekev," the word "heel." Hand on the heel is Ya-acov pronounced Jacob in the English.

So, where did we get this idea that the name Jacob meant deceiver and supplanter? This comes from Esau selling his birthright and Jacob’s receipt of the blessing from his father Isaac. It is very clear that Esau sold the birthright for a bowl of lentil stew.

And Jacob said, "First swear to me"; so he swore to him, and sold his birthright to Jacob.

Genesis 25:33

But when it came time to receive that blessing from Isaac, Esau went to the field for game to make a feast. This was the moment that Rebekah, the mother, acted upon the prophecy given to her and Jacob followed her instruction to receive what Esau sold to him. Jacob dressed in Esau’s garb and used the hair of a fleece to convince his father Isaac. Isaac bestowed the blessing upon Jacob.

Esau returned forthwith and made his feast only to discover that Jacob had received it earlier. Isaac then understood that Jacob had used a deceitful method to receive that blessing. So, it is Esau who assigned the false definition to the name Jacob.

And he [Isaac] said, "Your brother came deceitfully, and has taken away your blessing." Then he [Esau] said, "Is he not rightly named Jacob, for he has supplanted me these two times? He took away my birthright, and behold, now he has taken away my blessing."

Genesis 27:35-36

Jacob’s name does not mean "supplanter." This is the false title and definition given by Esau. Esau was lying. He lied about the first incident (he sold his birthright) and he is lying about the second incident. Many Christian teachers would rather believe the false testimony of Esau than the destiny work of the Holy Spirit through Rebekah and Jacob’s life. There is no question that God planned this, purposed this and orchestrated the circumstances (even Isaac’s loss of sight) to bring this about.

How is the Holy Spirit illustrated to us here? Not by the work of some kind of deception, but by the searching for the truth! Today, what is the common testimony of the meaning of Jacob’s name? We have already addressed it. It is understood to mean "supplanter." That is a lie. What does is really mean? "Hand on the heel." Only the Holy Spirit can help you navigate through life finding the truth, that is the Spirit of truth, when the whole world believes something else.

The Holy Spirit knows the way of truth when the whole world believes something else. The Holy Spirit knows how to keep you on track for the destiny God has given you.

7. He worked hard for a family member and was cheated multiple times.

All of us have to work for a living. Some work for an employer. Sometimes that employer is good and sometimes he is not so good. Having a fair boss is a real blessing. Having a bad boss is like being cursed. The best boss to work for is the Lord Himself. The toughest boss you will ever work for is yourself. The second worst boss to work for is a criminal, someone who cheats you. But, the worst boss you will ever work for is a cheater that is a member of your family. This was Jacob’s boss.

Jacob worked for Laban for twenty years. Jacob couldn’t leave. He was bound by his word and by the love of his wives and children. Lots of people can identify with this kind of career trap. From the beginning Laban came on with the relative status being honorable, but he used it for harm against Jacob.

Then Laban said to Jacob, "Because you are my relative, should you therefore serve me for nothing? Tell me, what shall your wages be?"

Genesis 29:15

Twenty years later, Jacob explained what really happened.

These twenty years I have been in your house; I served you fourteen years for your two daughters, and six years for your flock, and you changed my wages ten times.

Genesis 31:41

So where is the influence of the Holy Spirit and what is being illustrated for us? Actually, several things are involved, but love and steadfastness shine the most. Love is a fruit of the Spirit. Jacob’s love of his family was able to bear all of this frustration and hurt over a long period of time. Consider the definition of love (the fruit of the Holy Spirit) given by the Apostle Paul.

Love is patient, love is kind, and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails;

I Corinthians 13:4-8

Why did Jacob work the first seven years? He loved Rachel. Why did he work the second seven years? Because he loved Rachel that much more. Why did he work the additional six years. He wanted to provide for his family. Despite the wrongs done to him by Laban, he maintained his attitude with steadfastness, fulfilling his word. He provided for his family out of his love for them. But what kept him going in the frost of the night and the heat of the day during the lonely times?

No matter how difficult a job may be, even one that is day after day, there is one thing that can enable you to make it through. It is having a helper. If someone can just be with you and maybe help you a little it makes all the difference.

The Holy Spirit is our helper. He is with us every day even when we are doing those routine and tiresome tasks day after day. He was with Jacob every day, especially when he worked for Laban.

8. He was married multiple times and fathered children with four different women.

As a result of working for Laban, Jacob ended up married to Leah instead of Rachel after seven years. Each of his wives had handmaids – Bilhah and Zilpah. Through the circumstances of those days, Jacob fathered children through them all. But the conflict between the two sisters Leah and Rachel was significant and very stressful. In fact, the naming of Jacob’s children was born out of that conflict.

For those brethren among us who have had prior spouses, especially from divorce, you know how stressful and challenging this is to your souls. It is difficult for everyone just to keep track of the extended family. While Jacob did not divorce anyone and then marry again, he did have the environment of multiple wives with all the competition and hassle that it brings.

How did Jacob survive this? By justifying himself and laying down the law in his house? No. Did he just roll over and take it? Sometimes we wonder about that. But the truth is really in the work of the Holy Spirit. Children are a gift from the Lord. Despite the competition of Leah and Rachel, Jacob fathered his children in love and in the fulfillment of God’s Word. The promise of Abraham’s descendants being as numerous as the stars was given to Jacob.

The Holy Spirit makes the Word of God to become a reality in our lives – right down to the conception of our offspring, despite the marital struggles we might have.

9. He was in a life-threatening conflict with his brother.

Most of us never have lived with a death threat against us. The closest many of us have been to death is from an accident or life threatening illness. Some have served in the military and faced crisis in that manner. But when someone or a group of people issue a death threat against you, it is a very stressful and disturbing time. In Jacob’s case, he left (escaped to Laban’s house) before Esau could carry out his purpose. Upon Jacob’s return, he sent messengers to entreat Esau (hoping his anger had been subdued after twenty years). The messengers returned with the report of Esau’s arrival with 400 men. Not only did it look bad for Jacob, but he also feared for those he loved who would be slaughtered with him. The Scripture says that Jacob prayed to God for deliverance for him and his family. But, he also took some other actions.

Then Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed; and he divided the people who were with him, and the flocks and the herds and the camels, into two companies; for he said, "If Esau comes to the one company and attacks it, then the company which is left will escape."

Genesis 32:7-8

This simple practical advice came from the Holy Spirit. This was in combination with seeking God’s deliverance by prayer. The Holy Spirit also helped him to pray.

Most of us, hopefully, will never face a direct threat of life as Jacob did. But if we do face a life threatening situation, it is clear from his example. The Holy Spirit knows what to do at that moment. He even knows what to say.

And when they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not become anxious about how or what you should speak in your defense, or what you should say; for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.

Luke 12:11-12

You could almost say that the Holy Spirit comforts and helps you to "overcome" any situation. We’ll address that shortly in a more comprehensive way.

10. His name was changed.

And he said, "Your name shall no longer be Jacob, but Israel; for you have striven with God and with men and have prevailed."

Genesis 32:28

For most of us, our name was determined by our parents. We didn’t choose it; it was chosen for us. However, there can be events in a person’s life to bring about a name change. It can come about whenever the name represents something infamous or famous. Generally, it reflects the change in a person’s destiny. This is the case of Jacob’s name being changed to Israel.

The Holy Spirit is also responsible for our name change, just like Jacob, in our future.

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, to him I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and a new name written on the stone which no one knows but he who receives it.

Revelation 2:17

11. He was physically injured and permanently crippled, having to walk with a staff.

Jacob not only had to face down his brother Esau who had evil intent, he also had to come face to face with God. Both were a struggle. But coming face to face with God resulted in a real wrestling match. It lasted most of the night. It was exhausting and it resulted in a crippling, permanent injury to Jacob.

And when he saw that he [the Angel of God] had not prevailed against him [Jacob], he touched the socket of his thigh; so the socket of Jacob's thigh was dislocated while he wrestled with him. Therefore, to this day the sons of Israel do not eat the sinew of the hip which is on the socket of the thigh, because he touched the socket of Jacob's thigh in the sinew of the hip.

Genesis 32:25-26

Did you know that part of your relationship with God is a wrestling match? Did you know that your ego will be severely handicapped as a result? You won’t quite stand the way you stood before. So how did Jacob stand after that? He stood with a staff. And just like Jacob we stand with a little help called the Holy Spirit.

People who have been physically handicapped can tell you all about this. The loss of sight or the inability to walk not only changes your life, it changes the way you define yourself.

The Holy Spirit is the constant support for all disabilities. He can even help men to see who have eyes. He can even help men to walk when they have perfectly good feet.

12. He had a daughter who was raped by a neighbor.

There are some injuries in life that people should just not have to endure, but they do have to face. Jacob faced a very difficult situation with his daughter Dinah. Upon his arrival to the land with his wives and children, his first neighbor at Shechem did something despicable to her.

Now Dinah the daughter of Leah, whom she had borne to Jacob, went out to visit the daughters of the land. And when Shechem the son of Hamor the Hivite, the prince of the land, saw her, he took her and lay with her by force.

Genesis 34:1-2

What do you do when your children are injured by personal attack? It is a very difficult scenario for both parent and child to face. Only the Holy Spirit can address this need properly. Consider the harm done for life from this kind of injury and attack. Many have faced this and only the Holy Spirit knows how to comfort and bring peace to this type of situation. Vengeance was with the choice of Dinah’s brothers, but Jacob understood a peace that passes understanding.

13. His eldest son committed incest with one of the mothers of Jacob’s other children.

And it came about while Israel was dwelling in that land, that Reuben went and lay with Bilhah his father's concubine; and Israel heard of it.

Genesis 35:22

Sexual sins within the family are many times worse than an outsider attacking a family member. With an outsider, you have a clear attacker (bad person) and a victim (good person). But incest and sexual sins within a family victimize the entire family. It is dishonoring and brings shame to all. It results in the complete loss of trust within the family.

Jacob had to face this with his first born son and the mother of two other sons. Life was never the same again. The sages say that no prophet has ever come from the tribe of Reuben because of this. When Dathan and Abiram (from the tribe of Reuben) rose up against Moses in the wilderness, they were buried alive by God.

There is only one "Comforter" for a family facing this kind of harm that is pure enough, that is trustworthy enough – the Holy Spirit.

14. His wife, the one he loved most, died in childbirth for his last son.

So Rachel died and was buried on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem).

Genesis 35:19

The loss of a best friend, especially a best friend that is your spouse, is the greatest loss to endure. Jacob faced this hurt at the birth of his last child Benjamin. He was almost called "the Son of Sorrows" but Jacob made his name "the son of my right hand." Maybe there was a slight consolation in the loss by gaining Benjamin but that is not born out in other Scriptures. Instead, the weeping and mourning of Rachel is testified to us in the special place where she is buried – Bethlehem.

There is a very powerful prophecy about the Messiah that comes from this incredible loss to Jacob.

Thus says the Lord, "A voice is heard in Ramah, lamentation and bitter weeping. Rachel is weeping for her children; she refuses to be comforted for her children, because they are no more."

Jeremiah 31:15

The first prophecy is the loss of children at the Messiah’s birth by the hand of Herod which this Scripture addresses, but there is another message in the actual naming of Benjamin which ties to the Messiah. Rachel wanted to call her son "the son of sorrows." Jacob named him Benjamin "the son of my right hand." Yeshua, the Messiah, was the "man of sorrows" who became "the son of the right hand" of the Almighty. This is the great Messianic testimony.

Whenever a loved one, one that is like the beloved one of Jacob, has passed on, there is no matching condolence that friends can offer, but the Holy Spirit is able. The Holy Spirit is able to convey the message, "Your loss has become Heaven’s gain." Only the Holy Spirit can comfort this kind of special loss.

15. He grieved the loss of a child believing that the child had been eaten by a wild beast.

Some might argue that the loss of a child is the greatest of all losses. There is no question that the loss of a child is the loss of potential and what could have been. It is a tremendous loss. If you have ever been with a grieving father or mother, you have heard this lamentation.

"I have lived too long. I should have died first and not lived to see this."

Consider the mothers and fathers of servicemen who have lost their lives in war. It turns out that freedom is not free; the price is almost beyond what one can be bear, were it not for the Holy Spirit. But consider Jacob’s loss.

The conflict between Joseph and his older brothers came to a boiling point. They threw him into a pit. They sold him and then they took his cloak (shredded and bloody) to his father. The Scripture says it very simply. It very nearly killed him; he was never the same man again.

No parent should ever have to hear the news that one of their children has been killed, but add to the harm by telling them that their child was eaten by a wild beast. The horror of this news is beyond our imaginations. This kind of grief will shorten your life dramatically.

Jacob faced all of these kinds of losses. The Holy Spirit was present each time, somehow sustaining and doing the work of the "Comforter." This level of comforting goes beyond words or kind gestures. This kind of comforting is essential to maintaining the will to live.

You are probably familiar with the rest of the story. Joseph is able to survive and succeed. Years later the distraught father, who can’t be consoled by other family members, is re-united with his lost son.

16. Jacob’s own assessment of his life.

Upon meeting Pharaoh by Joseph’s introduction, Pharaoh asked Jacob about his life. Jacob answers this way. "My days have been few and very unpleasant."

Jacob’s answer was based on the comparison of his life with his fathers Abraham and Isaac. He said that he had not lived as long as they and that his life was full of harm. This testimony is true.

Jacob’s struggle began in the womb. He had troubles with his sibling brother. There was favoritism in his family. His career and work was a struggle. His marriage(s) were a struggle. His children suffered injury from outside the family and inside the family. He lost his beloved wife tragically and was horrified by the loss of his son Joseph. He was crippled. When he moved to Egypt, he had just lost all his flocks due to a famine. There is no way you would want to trade lives with Jacob. So, how is God honored and how is Jacob’s life profitable for the kingdom of God? How is the Holy Spirit, in particular, shown to us?

Consider the following:

What is it that we most remember about Jacob? What is it that Jacob really has to say at the conclusion of his life? The answer will not surprise you – you already know this, but maybe you’ve never considered his life the way Paul Harvey would tell it. "Now you know the rest of the story."

1. Jacob’s house and his family is the model for the kingdom of God.

The Messiah is the head of the Redeemed House of Jacob. While Jacob’s name is known for trouble; his name Israel is the name of the kingdom of God.

2. The phrase "Jacob’s Trouble" is the most powerful of all the fatherly prophecies of what will happen to the descendants.

Jeremiah gives it to us this way.

Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, "Write all the words which I have spoken to you in a book. For, behold, days are coming," declares the Lord, "when I will restore the fortunes of My people Israel and Judah." The Lord says, "I will also bring them back to the land that I gave to their forefathers, and they shall possess it." Now these are the words which the Lord spoke concerning Israel and concerning Judah, for thus says the Lord, "I have heard a sound of terror, of dread, and there is no peace. Ask now, and see, if a male can give birth. Why do I see every man with his hands on his loins, as a woman in childbirth? And why have all faces turned pale? Alas! for that day is great, there is none like it; and it is the time of Jacob's distress, but he will be saved from it. And it shall come about on that day," declares the Lord of hosts, "that I will break his yoke from off their neck, and will tear off their bonds; and strangers shall no longer make them their slaves. But they shall serve the Lord their God, and David their king, whom I will raise up for them. And fear not, O Jacob My servant," declares the Lord, "And do not be dismayed, O Israel; for behold, I will save you from afar, and your offspring from the land of their captivity. And Jacob shall return, and shall be quiet and at ease, and no one shall make him afraid. For I am with you, "declares the Lord, "to save you; for I will destroy completely all the nations where I have scattered you, only I will not destroy you completely. But I will chasten you justly, and will by no means leave you unpunished."

Jeremiah 30:2-11

Jacobs distress and trouble is really a prophecy to the last generation. It is a promise of God that we will make it regardless of the distress or trouble. Just as Jacob made it in the end, so will we. Jacob overcame all of these life events to have the kingdom of God named after him. His children’s names are the names of the gates in the New Jerusalem. The greatest story of deliverance is for the "Children of Israel."

When the Messiah wrote the seven letters to the churches in the Book of Revelation, one title was assigned to the tribulation saints that is unique in Scripture – the overcomers. The Messiah has promised that we will overcome in the Great Tribulation. But the first overcomer will not be in the Great Tribulation. The first overcomer is modeled for us in the life of our father Jacob. He overcame all that life could throw at him by the comfort and help of the Holy Spirit. When it was all done, when Jacob’s life was at its very end, Jacob did the one thing that stands out even more so than all we have addressed.

3. Jacob blessed his children.

The blessing he put upon Ephraim and Manasses, Joseph’s sons, is the standard of fatherly blessings to this day. Each Sabbath, many fathers use the very words of Jacob upon their sons when they say, "May you be like Ephraim and Manasses." The blessings for his other sons are the very symbols of the tribes of Israel. This includes the lion for Judah, the wolf for Benjamin, and others.

Isn’t that fascinating? After a lifetime of struggle, his blessings are the most profound and longest lasting blessings of any family. Maybe this is why the Messiah named His house after him.

While preparing this article, I lost a friend in the faith to illness. He was a good man with a beautiful family. When he couldn’t do anything for himself anymore, he had lost the ability to walk and his vision was in trouble, he viewed his life as being over. He expressed his desire to just be with the Lord in a deep and somber way. But then he took a turn for the better, but he wasn’t happy with the upbeat report. He expressed to me that he was truly ready to go. "Why am I still here? What can I do?" It was by the Holy Spirit that I spoke.

"George," I said, "Why don’t you do the Jacob thing." "The Jacob thing?" he asked. "You know, why don’t you offer a final blessing to your family." "What a great idea!" he responded. We considered together what that blessing should be and how it should be said and then to everyone’s shock he passed away the next day. The duty fell upon me to share his "Jacob style" blessing to his family. At his memorial service, with all of his family assembled, they heard his blessing and it will not soon be forgotten by his family.

Consider this in closing. When life gets a little too tough for you, remember the difficult life of Jacob your father had. Remember how the Holy Spirit walked with him, comforted him and was his constant helper. This is the same Holy Spirit that you have received. You received the Holy Spirit as a gift from our Heavenly Father and His Son. Despite the losses we endure in this mortal life, we have a Comforter. Despite the daily struggle of life here, we have a Helper. We should be encouraged. We will overcome just like Jacob did. In the meantime while we wait for our better future, we can remember what Jacob said in the middle of blessing his children.

For Thy salvation [Yeshua] I wait, O Lord.

Genesis 49:18

The Holy Spirit in our lives represents the biggest change for us. God’s Spirit in us results in eternal life. God’s Spirit in us also brings about the greatest change of life. We call it regeneration and it is the work that God does with our heart and soul when we turn from sin and death to forgiveness and life.

He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit,

TITUS 3:5

Jacob has shown us how God’s Spirit can comfort and help; how He can lead us and guide us; and how He can change our very souls to the better. The Holy Spirit also gives us gifts, but that is another lesson.

YAVOH - He is Coming is a monthly newsletter published as an outreach ministry of Lion and Lamb Ministries.
The ministry is a non-profit organization with an end time prophetic message in a Messianic Jewish context.
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Editor - Monte Judah
Electronic Editor - Ephraim Judah

Lion and Lamb Ministries
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