Date | Version | Reading Plan |
---|---|---|
January 31, 2025 | ESV (2016) | OT/NT Plan 2025 – 2027 |
Genesis 31
Observation
Jacob heard the sons of Laban saying that Jacob’s wealth had been acquired by taking from their father. Jacob saw that Laban did not regard him and the LORD told Jacob to return to the land of his fathers. Jacob sent for Rachel and Leah, telling them that their father, Laban, had no regard for him and that Laban had changed his wages ten times but God did not permit Laban to harm him. Jacob told Rachel and Leah that the angel of God appeared to him in a dream, telling him that He saw all that Laban was doing and that Jacob was to return to the land of his kindred. Rachel and Leah affirm Jacob’s comments regarding Laban and tell Jacob to do what God had said to do.
Jacob arose along with his wives and livestock and set out for the land of Canaan. Jacob did not tell Laban that he was fleeing and when Laban discovered that had left, Laban pursued Jacob for seven days. However, God came to Laban in a dream and told him not to say anything to Jacob, either good or bad.
Laban overtook Jacob and accused him of trickery, secretly fleeing when Laban would have sent him away with tambourine and lyre. “Laban’s speech abounds in accusations of theft: Jacob has taken his daughters (v. 26) and his gods (v. 30).” (TGCBC) Jacob gave Laban reasoning that it was because he was afraid of Laban taking his daughters by force and that anyone found with Laban’s gods shall not live.
Laban went into the tents of Leah and the two servants and did not find them. Rachel had taken the household gods, put them into her camel’s saddle and said that should could not rise because the way of women was with her. Jacob berated Laban for being accused and detailed all that Laban had done against him. Laban answered Jacob, claiming his daughters, granddaughters and flocks to be his own. He proposed a covenant to be established between himself and Jacob. Jacob then set up a stone and told his kinsmen to “Gather stones”. The TGCBC provides an important observation on the stones:
The number of stones used by Jacob and Laban may reflect their differing theological outlooks. As a monotheist, Jacob places one stone as a witness; as a polytheist, Laban uses many stones. In line with this, the expression “the God of Nahor” might be better translated “the gods of Nahor.” In the Hebrew text of verse 53, the verb “judge” is plural, implying more than one deity. Whereas Laban calls on various deities to witness the treaty, Jacob invokes only “the Fear of his father Isaac.”
Following the setting of stones and establishment of the covenant, Laban arose, kissed his daughters and granddaughters and returned home.
Application
We see God’s amazing divine orchestration on display throughout this chapter. He spoke to both Jacob and Laban in a dream but each in very different ways. God saw all that Laban had done to Jacob and set him on a return journey to the land of his kindred. God was faithful to Jacob in providing and protecting him as He had promised. His faithfulness and provision continues to extend to those whom He has chosen and was made manifest most profoundly in the sending of His Son.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for your faithfulness. Our God “who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations” (Deut. 7:9)
Mark 3
Observation
Jesus continued His ministry in teaching, healing many and appointing the twelve apostles. We also read of resistance against Jesus on the part of Pharisees and even His own family who accused Him of being “out of his mind.” (Mark 3:21). The went out to seize Jesus, seemingly trying save face for having such a zealot among them. J. R. Miller provides an helpful comment on the perspective of Jesus’ family:
They could account for His unconquerable zeal only by concluding that He was insane. We hear much of the same kind of talk in modern days when some devoted follower of Christ utterly forgets self in love for his Master. People say, “He must be insane!” They think every man is crazy whose religion kindles into any sort of unusual fervour, or who grows more earnest than the average Christian in work for the Master
Application
Echoing the sentiment from Miller, followers of Christ should expect be labeled as “out of their mind” for living as they do. As our walk with the Lord grows stronger, the more our lives will collide with this world set at enmity against the kingdom of God. This does not mean engaging in dissension for its own sake, but rather that our progressive sanctification will inevitably lead to increased incompatibility with sin and wickedness.
Prayer
Father, help me to remain strong in the face of opposition from this world. Holy Spirit, guide me through the gauntlet of ridicule and accusation, steadfast in my resolve to remain faithful to my Lord and my God.