TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
When morning came, there was Leah! So Jacob said to Laban, “What is this you have done to me? I served you for Rachel, didn’t I? Why have you deceived me?” Genesis 29:25
Listen: Genesis 29
TODAY’S MESSAGE
Jacob’s name meant “deceiver,” and he lives up to it. He deceives both his brother and his father. He was forced to leave his home as a result of his deceit. But, when he is deceived by Laban, he demands to know why.
Laban knows Jacob’s backstory and he takes a shot at Jacob and his history. It’s almost like Laban is saying, “Here we don’t give preference to the younger child. That might have worked in your home, but not here and not in my house.”
Truthfully, Laban is no better than Jacob. He wants both daughters to marry, and he is willing to deceive to do this. What a mess!
There’s nothing wrong with Laban’s desire for his daughters to marry. The lengths he is willing to go to get what he wants are extraordinary. He cheats his own nephew.
Sometimes IT can be a good thing. Having a successful relationship, a thriving business, well-behaved children or a funded retirement account are all great things. What we learn from this story is that how we get there matters. A promotion isn’t bad, but gossiping about our coworker to secure a promotion is. A thriving business isn’t bad, but treating employees poorly is. What we do to obtain IT matters to God.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
Yesterday we identified what IT is in our lives. Spend some time today with your list and think about what you have done to obtain IT. Ask God for humility as you consider whether you manipulated, cheated or lied to others to obtain IT. Ask yourself, is the way I’m pursuing IT honoring to God? If not, confess your actions to God and ask for forgiveness. Then thank God for his forgiveness. Begin to think about how to pursue IT in a God-honoring way.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
