Seize the Moment – Day 419
The Drama of Dueling Deceivers!
Good morning! This is Pastor Jerry Ingalls from New Castle First Baptist Church and today is Monday, May 10.
As the patriarchs’ saga continues, will Jacob be outwitted once again by his father-in-law Laban?
Genesis 30:33-34 captures the signing of an employment contract between Jacob and Laban, “So my honesty will answer for me later, when you come concerning my wages. Every one that is not speckled and spotted among the goats and black among the lambs, if found with me, will be considered stolen.” Laban said, “Good, let it be according to your word.”
What we have here is the ongoing drama of the dueling deceivers. Both of their track records are speckled with dishonesty and spotted with deception.
Jacob has completed working 14 years for Laban’s two daughters—Leah and Rachel—and now Jacob is seeking independence to provide for the future financial well-being of his growing family.
Laban eagerly agreed to the terms of this deal and then acts in self-interest. He removed from the flocks that Jacob was tending all the sheep and goats that could breed to produce a greater flock for Jacob. In response, Jacob employs ancient practices of sympathetic magic to attempt to bring about better breeding results for his family’s future.
This is the drama of the dueling deceivers and they have taken matters into their own hands!
Laban is trying to keep Jacob dependent on his wealth so that he can keep his daughters and grandchildren in his household. Jacob is attempting to break the yoke of Laban so he can take his family to the promised land of God.
Both are doing what is right in their own eyes!
Seize the moment and trust God with your family’s future. As we will see in the next chapter, God honors his covenant with Abraham and rescues Jacob, not because of Jacob’s righteousness, but because of God’s faithfulness.