God’s Providence – Preaching
Preaching Outline on Genesis 29:10-11 – And it came to pass, when Jacob saw Rachel the daughter of Laban his mother’s brother, and the sheep of Laban his mother’s brother, that Jacob came and rolled back the stone from the mouth of the well, and watered the sheep of Laban his mother’s brother.
And Jacob kissed Rachel and lifted up his voice and wept.
Introduction to Genesis 29:10-11
Dear brothers and sisters, Jacob’s story is a tapestry rich in deceit, escapes, struggles and, above all, God’s wonderful providence. In Genesis 29:10-11, we find Jacob arriving in Haran, after a long journey motivated by his questionable choices. He had deceived his father, Isaac, and usurped the blessing that belonged to his brother, Esau. Now, fleeing the consequences of his actions, he seeks refuge in his uncle Laban’s house. It is in this context, marked by uncertainty and the weight of guilt, that Jacob comes across a well and the beautiful Rachel, an encounter that will change the course of his life forever.
Development
God guides Jacob’s steps:
Even though he has done wrong, Jacob is not beyond the reach of God’s care. Despite his failings, God continues to guide him, leading him safely to Haran. Just as a shepherd leads his sheep, God directs Jacob’s steps, fulfilling His promises and purposes, even when His children stray from the path. “The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in, from this time forth and for evermore.” (Psalm 121:8).
Jacob’s journey reminds us that God’s providence does not depend on our perfection. Even when we stumble and make mistakes, His hand continues to guide us. He is faithful to His promises, and His plans cannot be thwarted by our failures. “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you the end that you hope for.” (Jeremiah 29:11).
So let’s not despair in the face of our mistakes and weaknesses. Let’s trust in God’s providence, which sustains us and leads us in his paths of justice and peace. “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will bring it to pass.” (Psalm 37:5).
The divine encounter at the well:
The well, a place of meeting and provision, becomes the stage for an encounter that will change Jacob’s story. There, God puts Rachel in his path, the woman who will become his wife and the mother of part of his descendants. The encounter at the well reveals to us that God works in the details, orchestrating each event for the fulfillment of His purposes. “A wise woman comes from the Lord.” (Proverbs 19:14a).
Rachel’s beauty and Jacob’s strength intertwined in this encounter, foreshadowing the union they would form. God, in his wisdom, uses human circumstances and desires to carry out his plans. “The house and the farm are the heritage of the fathers, but the prudent woman comes from the Lord.” (Proverbs 19:14).
May we, like Jacob, be attentive to the divine encounters that God places in our path. May we recognize His hand at work in every detail of our lives, leading us towards His eternal purposes. “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28).
God’s answer to silent prayer:
Although the Bible doesn’t mention Jacob’s explicit prayer for a wife, we can imagine his longing for a future, for a family. The meeting with Rachel is God’s answer to this search, a sign of his grace and compassion. God hears the silent prayers of the heart and responds with love and faithfulness. “And before they cry, I will answer; while they are yet speaking, I will hear.” (Isaiah 65:24).
Even in the midst of the difficulties and consequences of his choices, Jacob experiences God’s goodness. The encounter with Rachel is a balm for his wounds, a sign of hope in the midst of uncertainty. God does not abandon his children, even when they stray from his ways. “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” (Psalm 30:5b).
May Jacob’s story inspire us to trust in God’s providence, even when we feel lost and discouraged. God hears our prayers, knows our longings and acts on our behalf at the right time. “Cast your care upon the Lord, and he shall sustain you: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.” (Psalm 55:22).
Conclusion of Genesis 29:10-11
The story of Jacob and Rachel teaches us that God’s providence manifests itself even in the midst of our faults and imperfections. He guides our steps, orchestrates divine encounters and answers our prayers, leading us towards His eternal purposes. May we trust in His goodness and rest in His care, certain that He is in control of all things.
May the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus. Amen!
Preaching Outline on Genesis 29:10-11 – And it came to pass, when Jacob saw Rachel the daughter of Laban his mother’s brother, and the sheep of Laban his mother’s brother, that Jacob came and rolled back the stone from the mouth of the well, and watered the sheep of Laban his mother’s brother.
More Preaching Outlines
- Jacob typifies the Gentile church – Genesis 29:1-10
- DECLARE TO ME WHAT YOUR WAGE WILL BE – Genesis 29:15
- Laban’s experience – Genesis 24:12
