Origins: The Dreamers (Genesis 25–32)Sample

By Danny Saavedra

“You know how I have worked for you and how your livestock has fared under my care. The little you had before I came has increased greatly, and the Lord has blessed you wherever I have been.” Genesis 30:29–30 (NIV)

Have you ever heard of the Midas touch—the mythological King Midas of Greece, famous for his ability to turn everything he touched into gold? What a power, am I right? Sign me up!

In my years of reading through Scripture, I’ve noticed that those who honored the Lord and served Him faithfully—those who live out Colossians 3:23–24 (NIV), which says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward”—were blessed. Similarly, Titus 2:9–10 (NIV) instructs, “Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them, and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted.” 

The people in the Word who loved the Lord, served Him with humility and devotion, and worked with diligence, integrity, and a good attitude. The work of their hands prospered as the Lord blessed everything they did. From Joseph to Daniel to Nehemiah to David to Jesus Himself (Luke 2:52), we see examples of this Yahweh touch. And in today’s passage, we see another example as Jacob reminds Laban that his livestock “increased greatly” under Jacob’s hard working hands; which also brought with it power, influence, and respect. 

The same can be true for us as it was for Jacob! Those who live out Colossians 3:23–24, Titus 2, Joshua 1:8, and Deuteronomy 30:8–9 will see the work of their hands and the lives they build prosper. Now, this doesn’t necessarily mean monetary prosperity or earthly gain. It may; but I can’t say, because I don’t know what the Lord specifically has purposed for you and your life. 

Regardless of whether there are stacks of cash or whole herds of livestock and land in store for you; I can guarantee that those who live like Jacob, Joseph, Daniel, and Jesus; those who live with conviction and serve, honor, and love the Lord faithfully with their lives, work, families, and relationships; those who work with integrity as unto the Lord, who don’t grow weary in doing good will in due time reap a harvest (Galatians 6:9) of spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus. They will grow “in wisdom and in stature, and in favor with God and man” (Luke 2:52 NIV) as Jesus did and will live in such a way “that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive” (Titus 2:10 NIV). 

I want that. How about you?

DIG: What do you consider to be prosperity? What does a full and blessed life look like for you? 

DISCOVER: How have you seen those who honor the Lord, work with integrity, and live above reproach prosper? What signs of prosperity have you seen in their lives? Hint: The signs may not be monetary or physical. They might not be a big house, fat bank account, or fancy car. In fact, you may just see someone who has a life of belonging and purpose and joy and satisfaction, someone whose identity and hope and reward is the Lord, which is much more valuable than earthly riches!

DO: Do a little self-evaluation today. What does the work of your hands look like? Are you working unto the Lord or unto yourself? Are you working with all your heart, with integrity, with the right attitude? Are you living in such a way that you are making the gospel attractive to coworkers, neighbors, classmates, and family members who don’t know Him? If not, what can you do today to grow in this area?