God is Greater Than the Ups and Downs
Life doesn't guarantee smooth sailing, even for those who faithfully follow God. Jacob's story in Genesis 35 powerfully illustrates this truth, showing us that tragedy can strike multiple generations of a family, yet God remains faithful through it all.
What Does It Mean That God is Greater Than Life's Challenges?
Jacob's life demonstrates that being devoted to God doesn't exempt us from hardship. After returning to the Promised Land and recommitting his life to God at around age 97, Jacob experienced nothing but tragedy for the next 20+ years. Yet through it all, he remained faithful - not because life was easy, but because God was faithful to him.
The Christian life doesn't guarantee ease. As 17th century pastor Matthew Henry wrote after losing his wife and multiple children: "Those that enjoy the favors peculiar to the children of God must yet expect the troubles that are common to the children of men."
How Can We Handle the Death of Those We Love Most?
Rachel's Unexpected Death
Jacob's beloved wife Rachel died tragically during childbirth while delivering Benjamin. This wasn't expected - she was in the prime of life, not old enough to die from age. Death during childbirth was tragically common in the ancient world, but that didn't make it any less devastating for Jacob.
In her final moments, Rachel named her son "Benoni" - meaning "son of my sorrow." But Jacob chose to rename him "Benjamin" - meaning "son of my right hand." Even in his grief, Jacob chose to remember Rachel not for how she died, but for the joy she brought to his life.
God's Presence in Our Pain
When unexpected tragedy strikes, God is right there with us. Scripture promises:
"The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart" (Psalm 34:18)
"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds" (Psalm 147:3)
God "comforts us in all our tribulation" (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)
Remarkably, Rachel died near Bethlehem - the same place where centuries later, another Son would be born who would conquer death itself. Jesus understands our pain because He experienced the ultimate tragedy on the cross for our salvation.
What Do We Do When Family Members Betray Us?
Reuben's Shocking Sin
Jacob's troubles multiplied when his firstborn son Reuben committed an unthinkable act - sleeping with Bilhah, his father's concubine. This wasn't driven by lust but by political maneuvering and resentment. Reuben was angry that his mother Leah was constantly overlooked in favor of Rachel, and he resented Jacob's passivity in protecting the family.
This act was both a power play to seize family leadership and an attempt to eliminate Bilhah from the social order. It created chaos, division, and deep family wounds.
Keeping Our Eyes on God's Promises
How did Jacob survive such family betrayal and division? He kept his eyes focused not on his circumstances but on God's promises. Jacob knew that despite the chaos in his household, God had promised that the Messiah would come through his lineage - specifically through Judah.
In Genesis 49, Jacob prophesied that "the scepter shall not depart from Judah" until "Shiloh comes" - a reference to the coming Messiah. Even when family relationships were fractured, Jacob held onto the hope that God would fulfill His promises.
How Do We Face the Loss of Parents and Aging?
Isaac's Death and Family Reunion
When Jacob's father Isaac died at age 180, something beautiful happened - Jacob and his estranged brother Esau came together to bury their father. Funerals have a way of bringing family members together who haven't seen each other in years.
By this time, Jacob had already endured the deaths of Deborah (Rebekah's nurse), Rachel, and believed his son Joseph was dead. He had been through tremendous loss and pain.
The Significance of Burial Location
Isaac was buried in Mamre (Hebron), the same place where Abraham and Sarah were buried. This location was significant because it represented faith in God's promises. Though none of these patriarchs saw the full fulfillment of God's promise to give them the land, they chose to be buried there as a declaration of faith that God would keep His word.
Their burial choices showed they trusted God even when walking "through the valley of the shadow of death" (Psalm 23:4).
What Can We Learn From Jacob's Faithfulness?
God Works Quietly in the Background
Notice that God's name is barely mentioned in Genesis 35, yet His presence is evident throughout. He orchestrates the reunion between Jacob and Esau, provides comfort in grief, and continues working out His plan despite human failures and tragedies.
Faith Looks Beyond Present Circumstances
Hebrews 11:13 describes the patriarchs as those who "died in faith, not having received the promise, but having seen them afar off." Jacob's ability to endure came from keeping his eyes on what was to come rather than being consumed by present troubles.
How Does This Apply to Modern Believers?
Like Jacob, we may face multiple tragedies - death of loved ones, family betrayal, and the natural losses that come with aging. But we have an even greater hope than Jacob had. We know the rest of the story - that Jesus came, died for our sins, and rose again, conquering death forever.
When Paul faced his own "thorn in the flesh," God told him: "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9). God's strength is most evident when we are at our weakest.
Life Application
This week, choose to focus on God's faithfulness rather than your circumstances. When facing tragedy, family conflict, or loss, remember that God is quietly working in the background of your story. Just as He carried Jacob through multiple generations of heartbreak, He will carry you through your darkest valleys.
Consider these questions as you reflect on this message:
What current circumstances are tempting you to lose sight of God's faithfulness?
How can you choose to remember loved ones for the joy they brought rather than focusing on how they left?
In what areas of family conflict do you need to trust God's sovereignty rather than trying to control outcomes?
How might God be working quietly in the background of situations that seem hopeless?
Remember that death is not the end for those who know Christ. Heaven awaits, where God will "wipe every tear from our eyes" and we will sing together of His great faithfulness. Until then, we can trust that the same God who sustained Jacob through decades of tragedy will sustain us through whatever valleys we must walk.