Learning From OT Greats: Jacob – Wrestling With PurposeSample

Day 3: Jacob leaves Laban  

Thoughts on the Passage

Jacob and his family leave for Canaan, the land God has promised them. Jacob does this because God shows him in a vision that it is time to go (31:3). Jacob has caused Laban to become rich – God blessed him because of Jacob. However, the sons of Laban also see that Jacob has become very wealthy as well – and they see it as THEIR wealth that was stolen by Jacob. Anyway, it is time to go. And Jacob goes in the way he always does – he sneaks away. It makes him seem like a thief.

So Jacob flees and Laban comes after him.

When the two camps come together, there is a showdown. Laban calls Jacob a thief for taking his family away – and also all the wealth that Jacob accumulated. Jacob calls Laban a scoundrel who would have sent him away empty-handed. The relationship is totally broken. It is broken so badly that they make a covenant – that they will never come back to visit one another and call on God to be the witness of this separation. This is the last time anyone from Israel goes back to get a wife for the children from among Abraham’s family. The relationships are totally severed because of greed, manipulation, pride, and mistreatment.

Now God is called to witness and ensure this breakdown is never restored. So sad.

Application to our Lives

Breakdown of relationships are so destructive. What are we doing to try and preserve peace with our family (both natural and spiritual), that will keep open a door for reconciliation? 

The sad truth that some of us have faced in this life is this: Not all relationships are salvageable. 

Time to Pray

Father, there is much that saddens me about this story. I am saddened when family feels that their blessing is stolen by God blessing others in the family. I have seen it. I have seen greed cause some to steal the blessings that God has given to others. Father, keep my heart clean from this, I pray.

 
Also, Jacob was not innocent – even though he left when You told him to go. His wife took the family gods; he snuck away rather than try to leave properly and with the family blessing; and, he threw the lies of Laban into his face. None of these are godly things to do. Father, help me – in the midst of difficult challenges – to always live in the power of Your love and Your truth. In Jesus name, Amen.