Even as Singapore will soon celebrate our 56th birthday, we remember also the birth of the nation of Israel in the Bible. Not the modern state of Israel born in 1948, but the original nation of Israel some 3-4000 years ago as described in Genesis 29. This story allows us to see God's
1. Invisible Hand.
God ordained all things as He had promised to prosper Jacob. Nothing is left to chance or randomness. Christians do not submit to luck or fortune. We understand from scripture the doctrine of divine Providence- the purposeful sovereignty of God in all things. God's hand is often invisible, but it is always intentional.
2. Instructive Hand.
God's promise to bless Jacob did not exempt Jacob from pain and suffering. But they were instructive. They taught Jacob lessons on humility. Pain and suffering are not misfortunes or mere afflictions by Satan as if God is left out of the picture. God ordains all things, including painful things. But they are always for our good and instruction.
3. Infallible Hand.
There are twists and turns, there are stories of sin and evil, but through it all, God is surely working out His purposes to a tee. His promise of the Messiah since Genesis 3 will be perfectly fulfilled. God's people can surely trust and rejoice in the Lord.
