Today’s reading shows God working in the affairs of individuals in ways they might not imagine, which should cause us to consider His working in our affairs. That adds interest and purpose to my prayer life by encouraging me to chat with God about the cares of my affairs.
Imagine what Leah’s life was like, to be unloved by her husband, with her lovely sister as her lifelong rival. God cared enough for her to give her children and withhold children from her rival. In that culture a woman’s worth was measured by her ability to bear children, so Leah’s children would have been a great advantage for her. Yet Rachel wasn’t barren forever; God didn’t tend to Leah’s concerns at permanent cost to Rachel. Perhaps Rachel benefited from the character development that hopefully resulted from her suffering childlessness. What does their story say to you about God’s care for you?
Jacob’s scheming didn’t gain him wealth; that was God’s doing. Since that is made clear in chapter 31, one wonders why Jacob’s foolish efforts to grow his flocks and herds are recorded. Perhaps, since “these things happened to them as examples… to us,” consideration of Jacob’s foolish get-rich-quick schemes might shed light on our own efforts to take care of our needs apart from God.
That Scripture offers no commentary about Jacob’s scheming or about it being justified by Laban’s treachery doesn’t mean that Jacob’s actions are acceptable. Scripture often records deeds without commentary, which is sometimes confusing to the reader. Yet we don’t need to be confused about what is acceptable to God if we look at “the whole counsel of Scripture.” God’s word describes what is right in master-slave (and employer-employee) relations in Ephesians 6:5-9. Jesus also taught that it is right to treat others the way we want to be treated.
God blessed Laban through Jacob’s work, and Laban knew it. Will He do that for our employers?