In this daily Bible reading is the account of Jacob’s family growing during his stay in Haran. His wife, Leah, bore him six sons and one daughter. Leah’s maid, Billah, bore Jacob two sons. Jacob’s wife, Rachel, bore Jacob one son. She would bear another son during their return to Jacob’s home in Beersheba. Rachel’s maid, Zilpah, bore Jacob two sons. In all, Jacob would have 12 sons and one daughter born over a span of about 20 years. So, Jacob was in his 90s when his last son was born. These 12 sons became the foundation of the 12 tribes of Israel.
God prospered Jacob with a large family. He also prospered Jacob with many possessions: large flocks and many servants. Interestingly, Jacob did not yet consider God to be his God while he was in Haran. Jacob considered God to be his father Isaac’s God. Later, Jacob would declare God to be his God; but not until Jacob journeyed back to his homeland.
Jacob is an example of a person coming to trust in God late in life. Today, as in the past, people come to believe in God at different times in their lives, or maybe not at all. Whether one believes early or late, true belief will gain them entry into Heaven. A good example of one believing late is the thief who died next to Jesus on a cross. He believed in Jesus and Jesus said to him, “Today you will be with me in paradise.”
