Read Genesis 31:21–55
When setting out on a trip, people often used to pray for “traveling mercies.” This was a prayer for protection and safety. In today’s passage, Jacob and his family were certainly in need of traveling mercies!
Despite their questionable behavior that we saw yesterday, God protected them by confronting Laban in a dream and warning, “Be careful not to say anything to Jacob, either good or bad” (Gen. 31:24). Laban did not harm Jacob, but did demand an explanation. After so much subterfuge, Jacob’s reply is surprisingly frank: “I was afraid, because I thought you would take your daughters away from me by force” (v. 31). Out of confidence bolstered by ignorance, Jacob offered the life
of anyone who had stolen Laban’s household gods in exchange for the theft. No doubt he would have spoken differently had he known that Rachel was sitting on Laban’s household gods!
Why did God protect Jacob and his family? They certainly weren’t model citizens. They didn’t demonstrate upright moral character. As far as we can tell from the text, Laban never discovers Rachel’s theft, and God does not punish Jacob for his ignorant vow. Instead, this angry encounter concluded with a covenant. Laban and Jacob entered into a mutual nonaggression pact. Amazingly, Laban initiated the covenant, perhaps because he realized that Jacob was under divine protection. In the terms of the covenant, Laban called upon Jacob’s God to act both as witness and guardian.
Jacob, Laban, and Rachel were all trying to protect their own interests. Jacob wanted to protect his family. Laban wanted to protect his daughters and probably his wealth. Rachel wanted to secure her future. But it was God who was the real protector. He kept Laban from acting rashly while protecting Jacob and his family from harm.
APPLY THE WORD
Fear was the primary motive that compelled Rachel and Jacob to act deceitfully towards Laban. Fear often drives many of our choices. It is tempting to take matters into your own hands when threatened. But you have been promised God’s presence and His protection. Because God has your back, you can be sure that He will look out for your interests today.
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