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Now that you are halfway through Genesis, review and peek ahead with this video. God promises He will bless all nations through Abraham’s family. But how will God’s promise prevail with aging husbands, impatient matriarchs, blessing-stealing children, and jealous siblings who keep mucking things up?
In Genesis 29-31, we read about the life of Jacob and his tumultuous relationship with his family. The story begins with Jacob traveling to the land of Paddan Aram, where he meets his cousin Rachel and falls deeply in love with her. Desperate to be with her, Jacob agrees to work for Rachel’s father, Laban, for seven years in exchange for her hand in marriage.
However, on the wedding night, Laban deceitfully gives Jacob his older daughter Leah instead. Angry and heartbroken, Jacob is forced to work an additional seven years for Rachel and ends up marrying both sisters.
As the two sisters have children, Leah bears several sons while Rachel struggles to conceive. Eventually, Rachel gives birth to a son named Joseph, who becomes Jacob’s favorite.
God continues to bless Jacob, and he also becomes successful in his work with Laban’s livestock. Jacob cleverly tricks his father-in-law into giving him stronger and more fertile animals as he asks to leave Laban’s territory.
Jacob is not immune to conflict and hardship despite his success and growing family. The tension between Leah and Rachel and the jealousy of Leah’s sons towards Joseph ultimately lead to Joseph being sold into slavery, causing great pain and suffering for Jacob and his family.
This story teaches us about the complexities of family relationships and the importance of honesty, trust, and forgiveness. It also highlights the challenges of making decisions based on our desires and goals rather than following God’s plan. As we read this story, we can reflect on our relationships and consider how we can build trust, honesty, and respect within our families, as well as the role of God’s plan in our lives and how we can strive to follow it.
If you haven’t yet downloaded the Bible App, you can do so right here. Click this link to begin the One Story that Leads to Jesus Bible reading plan. Our Compass staff, including Pastors Brian and Matt, will also engage with these posts and leave comments. Feel free to join the conversation and share what you are learning with the rest of our Compass community.
2 Responses
I feel like today’s reading about the conflict between Jacob and Laban shows that relationships with In-Laws have always been hard! 🙂
I also liked how the video pointed out that people kept messing up, but God kept using their mess-ups for good as a part of his grand plan.
God will take what was meant for harm and use it for good every time making our crooked places straight!