A dark past begins somewhere, unfortunately it often in childhood.
The scars left from childhood wounds are not addressed adequately behind the pulpit and lectern. Far too often we expect the infilling of the Holy Ghost and the waters of baptism to change an individual once and for all. While it does cleanse of all sin, only continuing in the Word of God, prayer, and church unity will hinder the scars of the past from reopening.
Genesis 25:24-28
And when her days to be delivered were fulfilled, behold, [there were] twins in her womb. And the first came out red, all over like an hairy garment; and they called his name Esau. And after that came his brother out, and his hand took hold on Esau's heel; and his name was called Jacob: and Isaac [was] threescore years old when she bare them. And the boys grew: and Esau was a cunning hunter, a man of the field; and Jacob [was] a plain man, dwelling in tents. And Isaac loved Esau, because he did eat of [his] venison: but Rebekah loved Jacob.
Many people today are struggling to deal with issues that occurred during childhood. Absent fathers, disinterested mothers, self absorbed and hedonistic families...the list is never ending. These grown up are mere children lost in the struggle of favoritism (Daddy and Mommy Issues), sexual, and physical abuse. These things, when done at a very early age, become a foundation of personality and the rest of their character development is built upon this shaky sand. I know this to be true from my own personal experience in dealing with a family divorce.
God uses people to accomplish His will on earth. Why then does the church often leave these "scary" issues to the psychologist couch? Maybe because we believe salvation is complete in Acts 2:38 and not when we cross the threshold of Heaven. Acts 2:38 is not the cure of sin, it is the first and only effective treatment. Acts 2:38 is the plan of salvation... the labor in building the house has only begun.
The Bible speaks of "many being defiled by the root of bitterness". Bitterness is backward looking and thinking. We, as pastors, ministers, and lights to the world, must deal with issues of the past, instead of naively believing them to go away gently into the night.
In Jacob's case, the past was a name that was given to him at birth by a disinterested father.
The definition of Jacob's Name: leg puller, heel.
Contrary to popular teaching, Jacob's name does not translate into thief or liar. Instead, every time someone called his name, he was reminded how he was second in line, how he came up short. In short, he was reminded of a failure in childhood. Isaac exacerbated the name by showing favor to the older son Esau, the son in whom he had more in common. (How many fathers today are guilty of the same sin of favoritism? Mistaking an interest in sports or cars or hobbies to be the measure of their sons' character)
Worse yet, Jacob lived up to the name given to him in childhood. He was a leg puller so he might as well live up to the reputation and get what little was coming to him. What a fine environment for the root of selfishness and bitterness to thrive.
Jacob's Selfish Mistakes:
1- Tricked Esau out of his birthright
2-Stole Esau's blessing
The Past- Your Weakest Link
Jacob's Past Returns
1- He was tricked into marriage of Leah instead of Rachel. (Karma?)
2- His home life was not much better than the one he fled in Canaan as he constanly dealt with quarreling and thieving wives and sons
Leah and Rachel had a war over Jacob that extended to their children. Leah begin to name her children according to Rachel's barrenness.
Jacob continued the cycle of favoritism as he sent other sons over the river before Rachel's two children Joseph and Benjamin. This decision would eventually get Joseph thrown into a pit.
Never mistake a chance in surroundings and situation to be the solution to a painful past. The only way to overcome the past is to face it down in the present.
Genesis 32:24-29
Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day. And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob's thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him. And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me. And he said unto him, What [is] thy name? And he said, Jacob And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed. Jacob asked [him], and said, Tell [me], I pray thee, thy name. And he said, Wherefore [is] it [that] thou dost ask after my name? And he blessed him there.
In the end, the past reveals us to be both perpetrators and victims of our own devices. Like Jacob, we are left alone, weak, and fearful.
But God's covenant for Jacob (and for us) is that He will never leave nor forsake. He will be there: past, present, future. It may be time to wrestle against your greatest weakness. Don't expect it to be a quick match. It took years to lead up to all night. The battle may leave a limp. But in Jesus we will emerge victorious.
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