Suggested Bible Reading: Genesis 30-32
Devotional Thought:
The time had come for Jacob to move his large family to his own homeland and be on his own. He now had eleven sons and one daughter, and he had more than fulfilled his part of the bargain he had made with Laban. He had earned the right to marry the love of his life and God had blessed him with incredible wealth. It was time to stop working for Laban and start building his own future ministry with his family for God. But crafty Laban wasn’t about to lose his son-in-law, especially when he knew that Jacob’s presence had brought to him the blessing of God (vs. 27-30). Meanwhile, Laban wasn’t interested in Jacob’s God; he was interested only in the blessings he received because of Jacob’s God. This is certainly a common theme of our day as well. Laban surely knew of the promises God had made to Abraham and his descendants (12:3), and he wanted to get the most out of them. We learn many things about Jacob and his desires from this passage. First, Jacob desired his freedom. (vs. 25-30) Even though Jacob desired to make a go of it on his own, he realized the responsibility to show honor to his father-in-law. Jacob showed respect, fulfilled his responsibility, and accepted his reward from the Lord. Secondly, Jacob desired his flocks. (vs. 31-34) Unfortunately, while Jacob was working on expanding the livestock, Laban was working on executing some lies. Jacob had accumulated his wealth legitimately and God was blessing his efforts. However, Laban had no respect for God’s will, but rather made his decisions based upon his own selfish ambition. How sad that we see that more and more today and how tragic the results of selfishness are. “And Jacob beheld the countenance of Laban, and, behold, it was not toward him as before. And the LORD said unto Jacob, Return unto the land of thy fathers, and to thy kindred; and I will be with thee.” (31:2-3) Thirdly, Jacob designs his departure. (vs. 15:35-31:16) As Jacob speaks with Laban he senses that there is something different. Therefore, Jacob calls his wives to the fields and explains the situation. We find that Laban’s countenance reveals his heart. So many times a person’s disposition and attitude reflect what is really going on in their heart. God gave Jacob the discernment to see the trouble that Laban was scheming. “Your father hath deceived me, and changed my wages ten times…” (vs. 7) This chapter ends with a very carnal agreement. Carnality, not spirituality, brings envy, strife, and division. Christians should be able to find common ground in the person of Christ, and agreement for a division is rooted in carnality. “And Laban said to Jacob, Behold this heap, and behold this pillar, which I have cast betwixt me and thee; This heap be witness, and this pillar be witness, that I will not pass over this heap to thee, and that thou shalt not pass over this heap and this pillar unto me, for harm.” (vs. 51-52) There is never a reason for Christians to make such a foolish agreement, as did Jacob and Laban. However, how sad that we find with these agreements, at the root, is the abundance of money. God warns of the deceit of riches and the potential snare it poses for those who have been blessed with the abundance of money.
Prayer Requests:
• Lord, please help me to never let money divide me from family and friends from which you have given to me the opportunity to enjoy. Please help me to allow money to be a servant and never allow it to become my master.
• Lord, please remind me that there is never any amount of money that is worth putting at risk the relationships you have provided. Allow me to see every penny as belonging to you, and a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate to you how much I love and appreciate you.