Daily Devotions
Genesis
"That they may know that this is Your hand- That You, Lord, have done it." Psalm 109:27
Text: Genesis 31:1-55
TWENTY YEARS OF PENT-UP ANGER!
Jacob pressed home his advantage and challenged Laban openly. He had allowed his tents to be searched. He now wanted Laban to consider the remarks that he would present to him.
“These twenty years I have been with you; your ewes
and your female goats have not miscarried their young,
and I have not eaten the rams of your flock. That which
was torn by beasts I did not bring to you; I bore the loss of it.
You required it from my hand, whether stolen by day or
stolen by night.”
GENESIS 31:38-391. Appeal to an unblemished record of Integrity
Jacob had practised absolute integrity in the discharge of his duties for twenty years! His record was unblemished! Surely Laban could not fault Jacob with reference to his job!
2. Bearing Losses
Laban accepted no excuses. Whether an animal miscarried or was stolen, he held Jacob responsible! The latter had accepted Laban’s terms and had borne all losses for the past twenty years!
REMEMBERING THE SUFFERING OF THE PAST
Jacob must have suffered much while looking after Laban’s flocks. His recall of his suffering is a tell-take sign that he had to endure much all these years.
“There I was! In the day the drought consumed me,
and the frost by night, and my sleep departed from my eyes.
Thus I have been in your house twenty years; I served you
fourteen years for your two daughters, and six years
for your flock, and you have changed my wages ten times.”
GENESIS 31:40-411. Suffering in Silence for Years
Jacob had borne his suffering in silence for years! Drought, frost, sleeplessness – he had experienced them all!
2. Cheated 10 times over
Laban had tried to take advantage of Jacob for at least ten times! The wages that had been agreed upon were changed again and again!
Jacob’s anger erupted! There was no stopping him at this point of time! Laban had gone too far. Jacob risked everything in this tirade against his former employer!