Hello all,Here are some thoughts for today:
1) Laban is a shyster. Jacob worked hard for him but after changing his salary ten times, Laban tries to pull another fast one on Jacob. But Jacob is always one step ahead. No matter how many times Laban tries to pull a fast one, Jacob manages to get what he deserves. Jacob could probably attribute this cleverness to himself, but instead, he says, "the God of my father has been with me... God did not allow him to hurt me." Indeed, though Laban took advantage of him, Jacob knew that God would protect and guide him. God is good to us even when others are not. And God enabled Jacob to receive his due and to escape Laban. Notice also the continued reference to God's presence with Jacob - He is always being faithful.
2) The sticks of wood that help the animals mate. Some suggest this is Jacob being superstitious. I think it might really be good agricultural practice. Either way, Jacob attributes what happens to be a gift from God. May we always rightly give God the glory for the blessings that come to us from His hand (and to bless Him even when bad things happen to us, as Jacob did).
3) Notice that Rachel steals the household idols. I just find that interesting - what did they need them for? And she hides them under the camel when he comes to find them. She refuses to get up, saying, in essence, "Oh, I can't move. You know... women's issues." And Laban doesn't find them. But why risk his anger if he does find them? The Bible doesn't say. Some have suggested that this was to prevent Laban from further worshipping these idols. Others suggest it was to prevent them from giving knowledge to Laban of Jacob's whereabouts. Still others think Rachel was clinging to those idols, afraid to let go of them and be with her husband. Whatever the case, we can see idolatry all around us. Sometimes we have idols in our lives (posessions, money, people, ideas, beliefs, etc.) that stand in the way of worshipping the true God and serving Him alone. Elsewhere, other people are serving these idols, and need to stop worshipping them. But when no longer give these idols power, they are no longer able to overcome us.
4) Notice that God appears to Laban in a dream and changes his heart. God is clearly working very hard to spare Jacob and protect him.
5) Notice "Mizpah" is the name of the place where they make a covenant not to harm each other. This was the name of my grandmother's Sunday School class years ago. The word means "watchtower," and the prayer Jacob and Laban offer is the same one I was taught in Sunday School as a child. "May the Lord watch between me and thee, while we are absent one from the other." That brought back memories, for sure. And it is a prayer we might all offer before we depart each other's presence.
And so, although there isn't a whole lot to read tonight, there are still things to be learned. And now, may the Lord watch between me and thee while we are absent one from the other. Amen.
In Christ,
Pastor Nathan
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