Genesis 30:25-28 
Soon after Rachel had given birth to Joseph, Jacob said to Laban, “Please release me so I can go home to my own country. Let me take my wives and children, for I have earned them by serving you, and let me be on my way. You certainly know how hard I have worked for you.” 

“Please listen to me,” Laban replied. “I have become wealthy, for the Lord has blessed me because of you. Tell me how much I owe you. Whatever it is, I’ll pay it.” (NLT)

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Jacob was born grasping. Laban appears to have been bent the same way. Two master manipulators connived to gain the advantage over the other. They were both successful. However, they hurt one another and the rest of their family unnecessarily. Their cheating hearts and hands led to a painful breakup. 

God proved himself faithful and true to his word through the pushing, pulling, ripping, and tearing of Jacob and Laban’s relationship. In Genesis 28:13-15, God appeared to Jacob as he fled from his murderous brother and toward his manipulative soon-to-be father-in-law. 

God finished what he promised Jacob in a dream with these words:

“What’s more, I am with you, and I will protect you wherever you go. One day I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have finished giving you everything I have promised you.”
‭‭Genesis‬ ‭28‬:‭15‬ ‭NLT‬‬

God said, “I will not leave you until I have finished giving you everything I have promised.”

God finishes his work. God keeps his promises. This is God’s character and nature. It is on display in the lives of men and women today, just as it was in the life of Jacob. The Apostle Paul began his letter to the church in Philippi with these words: 

And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭1‬:‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Our God, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever, will finish what he started in us. He will keep every promise he has made. What does this make possible? Maybe a better question today is, what could be impossible? If God wants it and we align our hearts and minds with his, what could stop God’s purpose and plan? What could be better than God’s best? 

Laban grasped an important fact: “I have become wealthy, for the Lord has blessed me because of you.”

God uses you and me and everyone who wants to get in on his goodness and grace to bless the world. You have a signature gift you offer to others that helps them see how good God is. 

Some of us provide the gift of safety. Others of us provide a broader measure of security. Some express edifying and empowering love. Still others help us feel wanted and needed. Some lead us into success that honors God and serves others. Others help us learn how, by God’s grace and in his mighty power, we are good enough for whatever he asks of us. Some people help us discover our true purpose so that we can live the lives of God’s dreams for us. 

Which of these is your gift? What is God working into you so that he can work it through you? What has he done in the past? What is he doing now? What will he lead you to do next?

God’s promise to Runaway Jake echoes across history in the lives of men and women of every generation. We are here today so that others can hear the echo of God’s mercy, grace, and perfect love. 

God said, “I will not leave you until I have finished giving you everything I have promised.” What is he giving you, and how does he want you to use it to build a better world? 

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I will stand on God’s purpose and promises as he works toward completing what he has started in me. 

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Our Father, only by your grace and mercy can I think these thoughts. Only by your goodness and kindness can I become who you want me to be. Finish what you started in me. Do your good work in me so that you may do your good work through me. Amen.