At the time of Genesis 28:1-9, Jacob had not acknowledged the God of Israel. God had to humble him. Despite man’s scheming and plotting, he can never thwart God’s will and plan. God will lead and chastise, and man cannot run away from His will. Each one of us has a special calling from God and will not fall outside of His will. There are different aspects of God’s will.

1) The preceptive and directive will of God (Gen 28:1-2)

God leads and direct in a clear way according to His Word and His will. We are to obey and submit to His will even if it feels uncomfortable. In Genesis 28:1, Isaac “charged” (i.e. commanded) Jacob to go to Padan-aram, the place where Isaac’s wife (Rebekah) came from. Genesis 27:46 tells us that Rebekah was concerned that Jacob would marry an idolatrous Canaanite woman. During the 20 years that Jacob was away in Padan-aram, God prepared him to become Israel. Jacob was to obey; and God will lead, direct, mould and shape him. God does not reveal everything about our future to us because He knows that we cannot bear it. God reveals to us one step at a time. Will we follow step by step?

2) The cooperative will of God (Gen 28:3-5)

When God directs and we follow, He will make our path smooth. This does not mean that there will be no troubles or trials. It means that God will be with us. He will be our strength and will grant us grace. His plan and purpose will be fulfilled. “God Almighty” (Gen 28:3, also 17:1) means El-Shaddai, the covenant-keeping God. Is there anything holding us back from submitting to the will of God? Isaac obeyed and pronounced the covenant blessing upon Jacob.

3) The permissive and punitive will of God (Gen 28:6-9)

When we disobey God, the permissive and punitive will of God will kick in. In Esau’s case, he saw all the events that transpired but he misunderstood Isaac’s intent of sending Jacob away. He wanted to please his parents because he wanted the blessing. His repentance and obedience to God was half-hearted. Esau was not the line through which the covenant will be fulfilled. Will we obey God’s will for us? Or do we want to incur His wrath?

God leads each one of us differently. The question is: will we obey Him?