Genesis 31

Good Morning “Those that Love Like Jesus.”  Today we are in Genesis 31.

Jacob struggles between trusting God and relying on himself. In the last chapter he struck a deal with Laban.  He used his knowledge of animal husbandry to his benefit and his only. His herds have grown and Laban’s have diminished.  As a result Labans attitude towards Jacob has changed.  He doesn’t  love Jacob so much when his taking advantage of him backfires.  Jacob took advantage of the situation Laban created, but he didn’t steel as Laban’s sons suggest.  

For the first time Jacob reveals to his wives that it was the Lord who gave him the speckled, striped and black plan - through a dream.

Jacob informs his wives that they must leave - go to a new land.  He deceives Laban by not telling him they were leaving.  Even culture demanded it.  It was right that they leave, but he handled it in the wrong way.  2 sins never make a right.

While Laban was out shearing the sheep Rachael takes the family’s idols.  In pagan culture whoever held the idols held the estate - was the patriarch. She wasn’t going to be cut out.

Laban pursues and catches Jacob but has received a dream from God - don’t harm him is the understanding.  This is only the 2nd time God has appeared to an unbeliever in Scripture.  Evidence God works through even the lost.  God is keeping His promise to keep Jacob safe.  

Laban searches for the idols, but finds nothing.  Jacob loses his cool over the accusation and recounts the last 20 years of mistreatment and deception from Laban.  

Maybe a little shaken - Laban demands a covenant that benefits them both.  They shall never pursue to harm each other.  

Gods sovereignty is on display once again - never limited by the sin and choices of men, who love conditionally.  

Love you all!  Dig in!  Love ‘Em Like Jesus - not like Laban!