Laban is upset because Jacob denied him the chance to throw
a big party for the send-off. Right,
that was what he wanted to do. He says
also that it is in his power to do harm to Jacob. I believe that even Laban knows he is
bluffing on that one, the Lord who warned him about how he dealt with Jacob
certainly was capable of preventing him from harming Jacob and Laban knew it. Once Laban can't find his household gods,
apparently the thing he was most concerned about, Jacob can go on the offensive
as the unjustly accused and takes advantage of this situation fully. Ultimately the men agree that each has a good
case against the other so erect this pillar at Mizpah as a way of reminding one
another that crossing this line re-opens the rift. They agree to part but neither trusts the
other. This pillar stands as a witness
against each other. Laban has to have
the last word and invokes God's protection on his children should Jacob oppress
them. Who has been the oppressor in
these twenty years?
Jesus first says He is the shepherd of the sheep. He comes in by the door of the sheepfold, the
gatekeeper of the fold recognizes him and allows him in and the sheep follow
him out because they too recognize him.
Several shepherds with their flocks would shelter at night in a single
sheepfold, one would act as gatekeeper.
When it was time to go out, each would call his sheep and they were so
accustomed to his voice they would respond only to his call. Jesus also says He is the door of the
sheepfold, no one comes in or out unless
He opens to them. Finally, He is the
good shepherd, the one who knows the sheep better than anyone else. He has become one of us, sheep as well as
shepherd, and in doing so knows intimately what it is like to be a sheep so
knows our needs, desires, and what is best for us. He loves the sheep more than He loves His own
life, is willing to lay it down for them.
Only He has power both to lay down His life and also, most importantly,
to take it up again.
Is John writing to literal children, young men and old men,
and only to men? These addressed are in
stages of maturity in their Christian walk and not ages of life. Men are addressed because women didn't
typically read. Children know the
basics, their sins are forgiven and God as Father. Young men have overcome the evil one, they
are strong and the word abides in them, they have progressed in their faith and
understanding. Old men know the one who
was from beginning. Is that a reference
to God the Father, God the Son, or God the Holy Spirit? Or is it the knowledge of the Trinity and the
truth of their eternity, the deeper knowledge of the universe and its
beginning, continued existence and end?
Loving the world shows we don't yet get it with respect to our
understanding. This is passing away,
that is eternal. Jacob wasn't there yet
and those who were looking for an earthly king and kingdom in Messiah were
equally confused about things.
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