Read Genesis 31:1–21

In his essay “The Work of Local Culture” Wendell Berry says, “Throughout most of our literature, the normal thing was for the generations to succeed one another in place. The memorable stories occurred when this succession failed or became difficult or was somehow threatened.”

Jacob’s tale is a memorable story. He left his own family and set out for Paddan Aram to escape the wrath of his brother, Esau. But in today’s episode he went home, prompted to return by frustration with his father-in-law, Laban, and encouraged by the command of God.

God gave the command and the provision, but Jacob and his family were unable to make a clean break with Laban. Their departure was tainted by theft and deceit. Rachel stole her father’s household gods, probably for economic rather than religious reasons. These small family idols represented the prosperity of the household, and possession of them gave Rachel the right to claim the family inheritance. Rachel felt justified in taking them because she believed she had been cheated by her father (vv. 14–16). Jacob feared Laban’s response if he told him their plan, so he chose to disappear without a word.

At this point, Jacob’s position was extremely vulnerable. God commanded him to return home—which meant he was in flight away from his father-in-law and toward his alienated brother. Both family members wanted to harm him. Jacob’s dilemma is partly one of his own making. His life of deceit had damaged relationships and set the tone for the rest of his family. A life of lies was catching up with him. But God is also at work here, patiently wearing Jacob down. Soon he would meet with God face to face and be forever changed as a result.

APPLY THE WORD

Does obeying the Lord’s command in your life seem to position you between a rock and a hard place—between a Laban and an Esau? Ask God to reveal whether you have relationships that need restoration or sin that needs to be confessed. Obedience might have difficult moments, but it will lead to greater blessing and fellowship with Him.

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