Mar 13

Genesis 31:14-55
Memorise 1 Corinthians 15:58
“God hath seen mine affliction and the labour of my hands”

Jacob had been working for Laban for almost 20 years now. It was originally supposed to be just a 7 year agreement. However because of Laban’s deceit, Jacob was forced to marry Leah first, and then serve another 7 years for Rachel. After those 14 years were up and they agreed on the form of payment for Jacob’s subsequent service, we are told that Laban deceived him and changed his wages ten times (Genesis 31:7- 8). Yet despite that, God gave Jacob the increase, such that Laban and his sons were jealous and resentful of his success (Genesis 31:1-2). In response to all that, Jacob showed a remarkable amount of restraint, and did not protest nor retaliate. He did not respond in kind to steal or sabotage Laban’s flocks (something which the old Jacob who deceived his father and brother might have done). He simply trusted in God’s faithfulness, and obeyed God’s instruction when He told him to leave (Genesis 31:13). Though his wives then came to request for him to claim their portion of inheritance from Laban, Jacob directed them to trust in the Lord instead (Genesis 31:16).

Unbeknownst to Jacob, as they left, Rachel stole some household idols from Laban – tokens that could later be used claim her portion of her inheritance from her father’s estate. Miserly and greedy as Laban was, he pursued them with every intention of reclaiming them back. However, Rachel had tricks of her own. She hid the idols under her and claimed that “the custom of women” (her period) was upon her, and she could not rise. Thus after a futile search, Laban returned empty handed. To Jacob, this was a vindication of his innocence, and the last straw of his patience with Laban. Because of his consistent testimony, he could so adamantly and passionately rebuke Laban for all the unfair and unjust treatment he had received (Genesis 31:38-41). He was not wrong in listing these grievances, and had every right to demand more payment from Laban. Yet he did not. Instead, he acknowledged the good hand of the Lord upon him, who had cared for him in spite of Laban’s wickedness (Genesis 31:42).

Dear teen, are you in in any difficult unfair situations? Like Jacob, we must wait upon the Lord and trust in Him, and be certain that He knows your situation and will take care of you! Maintain a good testimony, and always deal rightly and honestly in the sight of all men.

Thought: Who determines what is ‘fair’ or ‘unfair’ anyway?
Prayer: Lord, teach me patience to wait upon You no matter what.