More than a Heap of Stones
Come now, let’s make a covenant, you and I, and let it serve as a witness between us.” So Jacob took a stone and set it up as a pillar. He said to his relatives, “Gather some stones.” So they took stones and piled them in a heap, and they ate there by the heap. Laban called it Jegar Sahadutha, and Jacob called it Galeed. Laban said, “This heap is a witness between you and me today.” That is why it was called Galeed. Genesis 31:44-48
After working for 20 years for uncle Laban, Jacob secretly leaves with his family and possessions. After three days Laban finds out that Jacob has fled. Laban and his relatives chase down Jacob who has to travel cautiously due to the tender age of his family and flocks. Laban catches up to Jacob and denounces their flight. He couldn’t even kiss his daughters and grandchildren goodbye. After much back and forth, they agree to a covenant, and use a heap of stones to be a witness of the covenant.
There is nothing legal or binding in the heap of stones, other than helping them keeping their side of the covenant. There are times in our lives when we make promises to others or even to God. A visible reminder of that promise helps to keep it fresh and aids in remembering the promise, just as God instructed Moses to tell the people to write His Word on their doorposts and gates to teach their children. Consider a heap of stones to your promise, whether it be an actual heap of stones, or a word on the fence, or some other “witness”.