Tuesdays with Jacob

Read Genesis 29:22-28 – And Laban gathered together all the men of the place and made a feast. Now it came to pass in the evening, that he took Leah his daughter and brought her to Jacob; and he went in to her. And Laban gave his maid Zilpah to his daughter Leah as a maid. So it came to pass in the morning, that behold, it was Leah. And he said to Laban, “What is this you have done to me? Was it not for Rachel that I served you? Why then have you deceived me?” And Laban said, “It must not be done so in our country, to give the younger before the firstborn. Fulfill her week, and we will give you this one also for the service which you will serve with me still another seven years.” Then Jacob did so and fulfilled her week. So he gave him his daughter Rachel as wife also. (NKJV) 

Certainly much can be made from this story about seeds coming to harvest. The deception Jacob has lived now comes back to him in sizeable quantity. Uncle Laban has pulled off a huge scam and Jacob is the victim. But the bigger story is Jacob’s reaction. How does the deceiver respond when deceived? While we aren’t privy to the details of his reaction, his ultimate choice is obedience. He wants Rachel as his wife badly enough that another seven years isn’t too much to give. Now, Jacob’s treacherous days aren’t fully over, but here he shows wisdom in knowing what he wants and not allowing a battle with Laban to shift his focus away from his desire for Rachel. For us, it can be too easy to lose sight of the goal and try to win secondary battles. Stay focused on the real prize you pursue and don’t let any excuse distract you.

– Dr. Mike Clarensau serves as Senior Director of the Healthy Church Network of the Assemblies of God.