“Life with a Laban can leave us wondering if we are making a difference. The truth is, we aren’t, but God is! Wherever we go we carry God’s blessings with us , blessings that overflow into the life of others. How good of God! He wants to bless even the Labans of the world. He uses the Jacobs to do so.”- Max Lucado
Jacob said, “You don’t have to pay me anything. But how about this? I will go back to pasture and care for your flocks. Go through your entire flock today and take out every speckled sheep, every dark-colored lamb, every spotted or speckled goat. They will be my wages.”- Genesis 30:30-32 (THE MESSAGE)
As Max Lucado moves on in Chapter 7 of God Never Gives Up on You, he talks about God’s promise to Jacob. And that God noticed all that Laban did to Jacob. Therefore, Pastor Lucado notes, Jacob had two options: trust God or grow anxious.
But when one considers Jacob’s past history of showing his faith, it’s easy to assume that he focused on his problems. However, Jacob is about to change for the better — albeit momentarily, Max notes.
When Laban finally realized that his house prospered due to Jacob’s presence, he asked Jacob what he should pay him. And at first, Laban agreed to Jacob’s offer. Yet, that very day Laban purged his flocks of the spotted and speckled sheep. Therefore Laban, together with his sons and workers, scampered up and down the hills to reach their objective.
After snatching animals Jacob wanted, Laban sent his sons and workers on a three-day journey to a far pasture. As a result, Laban’s treachery left Jacob with a fraction of his promised wages. Once again, Laban the shark cheated Jacob.
Certainly, one easily envisions Jacob coming close to lashing out against Laban. Wasn’t it enough, Max asks, that Laban:
- cheated Jacob at the wedding?
- forced Jacob to work for nothing?
took advantage of his own son-in-law, leaving him with next to nothing?
However, Jacob failed to react in anger. Instead, he set to work to rebuild his flock.
Today’s question: How has God been making a difference in your life? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Delivery system of hope”
