Leah says to Rachel in Genesis 30:15 - “Is it a small matter that you have taken away my husband? Would you take away my son's mandrakes also?” Rachel's response: Okay, you can have my husband tonight---for those mandrakes. And the story goes on . . . This family is a mess.
And so am I. It will take 150 years of family problems before Jacob learns to trust God deeply, according to one commentary. God revealed Himself 7 times to Jacob to show him his heart.
Do we want relief from the things that strangle us or
Do we want God, really?
Hope of Intimacy with the Author of our lives?
COME BOLDLY: Timeless Prayers
Father, help each one of us to see what lies beneath our motives, the evil in our own hearts. Help us see how we even deny the pain that is really there. You are the Finisher of our lives. You brought us into the world, and You will take us out. We can't do it on our own power.
We get a front row seat into the lessons Jacob is learning along the way. Laban's unfair work ethic is humbling Jacob one slow year at a time, as Jacob submits and learns to work within the parameters of Laban's unscrupulous ways. Psalm 25:9 tells us "He guides the humble in what is right
ReplyDeleteand teaches them his way." Meek hearts find God's favor as He sees His Son in them.
Even Laban knows he has benefitted by associating with Jacob. He sees how God prospers him while in close association with him. But God stirs in Jacob's heart to separate. Little by little, He prepares the way, making Jacob feel dissatisfied and more able to move. He then gives the command and Jacob knows the Lord is with Him.
I notice the steps in how God moves us, too. First, an humble heart is a teachable heart. Second, these things can often take years in the making. God allows Jacob to be mistreated to teach him and for him to see God as his provider. He allows Jacob's heart to become restless. He then gives the command to move. Each part of this is crucial to know that God is leading us in His direction.
Lord, give us teachable hearts that listen to You. You alone are our Provision and Way. Amen.
So wise, Annette, so wise.
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