Scripture to Read: Genesis 30:25–31:16
Genesis 30:25–43 highlights both God’s blessing and Laban’s heart. In Genesis 30:42–43, we see our Lord bless Jacob with a stronger flock than Laban’s. Remember God’s promise to Abraham in Genesis 12:3: God will bless those who bless Abraham and his offspring and curse those who curse them. When Jacob, in Genesis 30:25–26, asks Laban to allow him and his family to leave, Laban begs Jacob to stay, but notice why in Genesis 30:27, “I have learned by divination that the LORD has blessed me because of you.” Laban knew everything he had was because of God’s blessings on Jacob. Laban didn’t want to lose the blessing. Laban’s desire for more stuff reveals his selfishness. Genesis 30:31–36 reveals Laban’s willingness to deceive Jacob again by making a deal for a flock of sheep that Laban ends up hiding from Jacob. In Genesis 31, Jacob hears from the Lord that it is time to return to his homeland. Jacob then shares with Leah and Rachel what had been going on. He shared the wrong that Laban had done as well as what the Lord had done. Jacob points to the comfort of God’s presence in Genesis 31:5, to the power of God’s protection in Genesis 31:7, and the blessing of God’s provision in Genesis 31:9. When they heard the testimony of Jacob, they responded in Genesis 31:16, with hearts ready to follow Jacob as the LORD led them. God is always at work; may we always be prepared to follow and trust Him in all He’s doing.
Challenge & Application
Why did God bless Jacob? What promise had God made?
How has God blessed us because of His promise through Christ our Lord?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!