Text: Genesis 31:1-55
After Jacob deceived his brother, Esau, into giving him his (Esau’s) inheritance, he ran away because Esau threatened to kill him. Jacob went to live with his Uncle, Laban, who gave him work in an ultimate exchange for his daughter Leah (whom Jacob loved). Laban continued to cheat and deceive Jacob for twenty years, changing the wages ten times. Finally, Jacob tried to run away with his family and his acquired wealth. Laban caught up with him, but God
warned him in a dream to be good to Jacob. Jacob was the father of twelve sons, who became the nation of Israel.
For many readers today, there will be times when you will be cheated by an employer, a business partner, etc. Of course, it is not fair, it is unjust. We live in a world full of injustice, especially economic injustice. This makes work more unpleasant. Perhaps God will bring justice to the situation, perhaps not.
Perhaps God wants you to continue learning that this world is not your home, and that perfect justice is when we are with the Lord in eternity. He is already there preparing a place for you (John14:2-3). Until then, by God’s grace, do not
return harm for harm in retaliation of what is done to you, do what is just and right, and do your work in a way that pleases the Lord. This is how your work will be worship.
Meditate on verses 42. What are you learning from this verse?
Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, thank You for being my God, my Redeemer. Amen.