Author: Tyler Eggers
Reading Plan: Genesis 29
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
Well, it happened. The one who made a living out of deceiving others was deceived himself. Like the old saying goes: “You reap what you sow.”
I’m telling you, there are some wild stories in the Old Testament and particularly with Jacob’s story. This is another one of those stories. Let’s take a look at a few ways that Jacob was deceitful and compare those to how he was deceived:
What Jacob Sows:
- He deceived his father and acquired his brother’s birthrights.
- He pretended to be the older brother.
- He violated the custom regarding birth order.
What Jacob Reaps:
- He is tricked into working 14 years instead of 7.
- He is deceived when he was given the older sister instead of the younger sister.
- Laban violated his contract with Jacob and justified it based on local customs.
Jacob’s deceptive actions eventually came back to haunt him in the form of Laban. Laban deceived Jacob by arranging his marriage to his elder daughter, Leah, instead of Rachel, whom Laban had earlier promised for Jacob. Laban manipulated Jacob which required him to work for 14 years instead of the 7 years Jacob previously agreed upon.
All of this happened to Jacob, and yet God was still with him. This truth right here leads us to the beauty of the Gospel. God extends grace to us even though we are undeserving of His grace. One author in the New Testament writes and says, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9.
I often say, “Forgiveness can come in an instant, but it takes a lifetime to find freedom.” This is the lesson that Jacob had to learn the hard way, and this is the lesson that each of us need to learn as well. It is because of God’s grace that we can be forgiven of our sins and have a relationship with God. However, our daily decision to follow and practice the ways of Christ is what leads us to the freedom that Jesus offers us.
Reflection & Response:
- The fruits of the Spirit are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, and self-control. These are qualities that are promised to each and every follower of Jesus. Which one of these are you missing in your personal life? Now, take some time to think about your actions (what you are sowing) that would cause you to not have this promise from the Lord.
- Challenge: We all have blind spots that we cannot see that often those closest to us can blatantly see. Find someone close to you and ask them to help you see your blind spots.
- Prayer: Father, I want the gifts that You offer me. I want to live a whole and complete life through the power of your Holy Spirit. I know that Jesus gave His life for me so that I can die to myself and live in Christ. Please reveal to me the area in my life that is robbing me of the promises that You have for me. In Jesus's name, Amen.
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