Haran: Genesis 28-31
Genesis 28-31 is a tragic comedy- tragic in that Jacob is still trying to manipulate his blessing. Yet it becomes quite humerous to watch Jacob, Laban, and even Laban's daughters vying to outdo the other. These chapters are as facinating as a suspense novel as the reader tries to figure out who is going to come out the victor. Jacob, seemingly for the first time, is forced to be the hireling for seven long years, strung along with the promise of marriage to his beloved, Rachel. Laban, seeing that he is receiving the benefit of Jacob's blessing, schemes to keep his "good luck charm" close by and very much in the family. By the end of chapter thrity-one, Jacob, who is now about nintey, has spent thriteen extra years with his father-in-law, is married to his prize, Rachel and three additional, unwanted wives, and has eleven children under the age of thriteen. I'm sure that wasn't the retirement plan that he had in mind.
Sadly, through those twenty or so years, the Bible does not record that Jacob included God in his decisions. He made his choices based on what pleased and benefited him. This attitude unfortunately influenced his wives, which in turn influenced his thirteen children, who became as godless and self-satisfying as their father. While Jacob seems to beat Uncle Laban at his own game, becoming very prosperous, he loses in many areas of his life.
- He loses his testimony with Laban.
- His family loses their spiritual purity and serves the idols of the land.
- His loses the respect of his wives.
- He eventually loses the respect and hearts of his children.
It isn't until he runs from Laban that he remembers God again. What follows is Mizpah, which we will look at later, but lets stop and examine ourselves before we are too hard on this patriarchal father.
Time to Ponder:
Would you be considered wise or foolish in your decisions? Read Proverbs 3:5-6 and Psalms 10:4. Note the difference between the two decision makers. Which are you? On what do you base your decisions? By what feels best? By what benefits you the most? By which makes the most sense?
Proverbs cautions us to use the common sense given by God. Yet steps of faith cannot be made on whim, nor by what looks the safest and best? Before you make another decision, stop and pray. What could it hurt? Then ask yourself these three questions:
- "How will my decision affect others?
- "How will my decision affect my testimony?
- "How will my decision affect my relationship with my God?
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