Genesis 31

Scripture:  Genesis 31:22-55

Observation:  Laban hears that Jacob has left with his family and livestock, and goes after him with all his kinsfolk.  He was pretty angry, but God spoke to Laban in a dream, and warned him not to say anything good or bad to Jacob.  When he finally caught up with Jacob seven days later, he asked why Jacob had left without letting him say goodbye?  And why had Jacob stolen Laban's gods?  Jacob admits he fled because he believed Laban would have taken his daughters by force, making it impossible for Jacob to leave.  Jacob then tells Laban to search for his gods, because he didn't know Rachel had taken them.  Laban goes from tent to tent and finds nothing.  He reaches Rachel's tent, but she tells him she can't get up because it's her time of the month.  Little did Laban know Rachel was sitting on the very items he was looking for!  When he could find nothing, Jacob angrily turned and told him off.  He was angry at being accused of stealing, angry at the way he'd been treated by Laban, angry that he'd worked hard for 20 years only to have his wages changed 10 times, and if it hadn't been because God was protecting him, he'd have left Haran empty handed.  Laban knows everything Jacob has said is true, and he doesn't try to deny it, but he also doesn't ask for forgiveness.  Instead, he speaks kindly to Jacob and seeks to smooth things over by offering a covenant between the two.  Jacob agrees, being a far more forgiving man, to Laban's terms.  A pillar was erected, and stones were placed, along with a sacrifice.  They agree that Jacob will treat his wives well, will take no other wives, and most importantly, neither will cross this spot to bring harm to the other.  They feast together, and the next morning Laban kisses his daughters and grandchildren goodbye, and leaves in peace.

Application:  Laban had been very unjust to Jacob, and Jacob let it be known.  Laban didn't ask for forgiveness, yet Jacob was willing to give it and reconcile with his uncle/father-in-law.  Rather than hold a grudge or demand an apology or restitution, Jacob found it more important to mend the relationship.  Because of this both parties were able to leave in peace.  Had Jacob continued to fight or demand, chances are the fight would have gotten out of hand, bitter words might have been spoken, and they could have remained enemies.  Jacob made the better choice.

Prayer:  Father, it's easy to be angry when I've been wronged.  I hurt when I'm deceived or taken advantage of.  But like Jacob, if I am quick to forgive I can mend the situation and not continue suffering.  Help me to be a forgiving person, even towards those who do not ask for forgiveness.  It's hard, Father, because the hurts run deep, but I understand that by being forgiving I please You and can begin to heal.  Thank You Father for this important teaching.  In Jesus' name, Amen.