February 1, 2022 - Genesis 30-31

Living and working with family can be a daunting process. It can be the best of times and the worst of times! The finest of times is when associations are close and congenial. The worst of times involve stressful relationships that can lead to undesirable choices.

Jacob fled from his brother and had come to his uncle's home where he now had worked and created a family with the marriage of two sisters. During those years, Jacob had been given charge of Laban's flocks and herds which God had blessed and multiplied. Throughout this time, Jacob had been faithful and content to raise his family while working for his father-in-law.

Jacob labored for his father-in-law and his family, flocks, as well as his fortune continued to multiply. He worked until friction arose between Jacob and the sons of Laban (31:1-2). After years away from family and home, God led Jacob to return to his homeland. It was not a smooth transition for Jacob or Laban as their families separated (31:20-24). The failure to communicate and formally establish a peaceful parting led to a tense confrontation between Jacob and Laban.

God's intervention prevented a catastrophic battle from occurring as He cautioned Laban from reacting wrongly. When confronted with unjust and difficult decisions, may we listen carefully to God's word and leading. God's counsel will provide the correct decision despite our feelings of wrong or injustice.