Loosening the reins (Jacob's Control) (Gen 35:1-5)
ILL. Back when we used to ride horses and buggies were more frequent, they were controlled by a set of reins. But for this setup to work, it had to be controlled just right; hold back to much and the horse would rebel, run backwards, become uncontrollable because the bit would be to tight in the mouth. To loose on the reins and they could run off, or go there on directions, which is not safe for the horse or the driver. There is a middle ground of control that one would have to find to have the correct control on the horse or horses. And how we control or handle our children works in somewhat the same way, Too much control and many times they will eventually rebel and go their own way. Too loose and they may get out of hand and become uncontrollable. We have to find middle ground. Jacob made the mistake of becoming lax on his children and things got out of hand. There are many books, movies, and even seminars. But Jacob found the answer to the problem that worked for him and will work for us.
Became lax on his children and on God.
Pr 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
Pr 29:15 The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.
A. He allowed his daughter to go. (v.1) (only 13-15 years old)
She met a young man (v.2)
She went too far. (v.2)
She ruined her life. ( It is thought that she never married )
Things may start out small
2. Let his children get out of hand. (v.7-29)
3. Lack of control as the spiritual leader.
Pr 23:12 Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge.
13 Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die. 14 Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell.
15 My son, if thine heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine.
16 Yea, my reins shall rejoice, when thy lips speak right things.
Notice what happened.
1. God came to his aid. (35:1)
1. Told him to get his family to church. (We need our family in church today)
2. Told him to get prayer back in his house. (Build an altar)
3. Reminded him of Gods aid in the past. (God can turn things around)
2. Jacob took Control of his family. (35:2)
1. Cleaned his house up. (v.2, 4)
Many Christian homes today need some cleaning up today.
3. Jacob took it to God. (35:3)
(You might not always be able to control them, but you can take them to God!)
1. He took them to Bethel (house of God)
2. He took them to the Alter!
4. Jacob took them to Church. (Bethel) (35:3) (Jacob's life changed after this. V.10)
Jos 24:15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.