Today’s reading: Genesis 31:17-55
Jacob’s track record with Laban has been a bit rocky. He knows how difficult Laban can be and that he’s not a man of his word. So when God prompts Jacob to return to his homeland, rather than being upfront with Laban (which Jacob knows is the right way to handle the situation), he gives in to his fears and tricks Laban in order to avoid the uncomfortableness of confronting him. But Jacob’s trickery and avoidance only serve to complicate an already tense situation. His deceitfulness prolongs the taking place of the confrontation and fans the flame of Laban’s irritation into full-blown and dangerous anger. Thankfully, God intervenes on Jacob’s behalf which results in a toned down confrontation where Jacob finally steps up to speak truth and stand up for himself to Laban.
What’s one lesson about confrontation you learned or saw from this passage? What other lessons did you observe from this account–about fear, consequences of sin, speaking truth, God’s unconditional love? Tami
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Source: Tami’s Blog