Sorry about the late post. I am out of town and the internet is down at the motel I am staying. This is a great passage. I literally laughed out loud at some of the events of this chapter.
The beginning of chapter 30 is shocking. In today's world it would make for the wildest Reality TV show ever. It is interesting to see the competition to have children among the sisters and how they even include their servants. How we received the 12 tribes is certainly born out of a lot of human weaknesses. When we have family trauma, envy and competition we need to remember Jacob's family and how God used them.
In this chapter Laban acknowledges that Jacob has the blessing of God on him and desires him to receive compensation in appreciation of his increasing flocks. Laban, the ultimate trickster, is about to get tricked himself, not by Jacob but by God. Jacob makes a bargain that the sheep that have streaks, speckles or are completely black will be his and the rest Laban's. This seems like a meager request for not many would have had streaks, speckles or be completely black. The account is comical reading about the lengths Jacob goes to insure he gets streaked and spotted sheep. We the readers and the original listeners all know that God is the one putting spots and streaks on the sheep and not Jacob's attempt at putting mental imageries before the sheep. How we need to learn the lesson of God's power compared to our feeble efforts.
"Father, let me be ever mindful that You are the giver of every good and perfect gift whether they are children, jobs, or streaked sheep. Thank you Lord! I pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen."
About Me
- Robert and Ray Miller
- Robert is the pastor of First Baptist Texas City, Tx. And Ray is the pastor of First Baptist Mertens, Tx. Robert brings over 30 years of biblical study as a pastor. Ray brings a younger perspective to the Bible and also a command of the original languages. Our greatest passion is to see lives changed through the good news of Jesus Christ.
2 comments:
i bet their was female drama everyday at this house. i can't imagine having to bribe and take turns with my husband. i can't imagine all the jealousy and fighting that took place every day. i bet they had to lean on God just to get through the day. i would go crazy. Lord keep me sane. keep me honest and let me always realize you are in charge and i cannot make things happen on my timing. help me not to brag of my blessings or be jealous of others. help me not to be sneaky or use my own tactics to deceive others to gain wealth. lots of human weaknesses in this chapter
Wow, Tesa, your comments were right on.
So much one-up-manship and, yet, God uses it all to bless Jacob. His promises are ever true - even when we are not.
It was almost a comfort to know that our clumsy handling of situations is not much more or less than in this chapter and yet, Sovereign God is there and keeps us even in our weakness.
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