READING: Genesis 31-32, Matthew 10:34-11:19
The contrast could not be more stark. Laban no longer looked on Jacob positively, and Jacob’s situation might have seemed bleak – except for his God. Look at these words and phrases that describe his God:
- “Then the Lord said to Jacob . . .” (Gen 31:3)
- “the God of my father has been with me” (Gen 31:3)
- “God has taken away the livestock of your father and given them to me” (Gen 31:9)
Jacob’s God was a communicating, caring, personal God who provided for him. He made His presence clear in Jacob’s life in ways that were undeniable. He had a plan for Jacob, and He made that plan known. No one was strong enough to defeat what He wanted to accomplish.
Meanwhile, Rachel stole her father’s household gods, hid them, and actually sat on them! They were obviously powerless. They did not lead Rachel; she carried them around. She spoke about them, but they could not communicate with her. All in all, it seems almost silly that she felt it necessary to keep them with her. Lest we judge Rachel too strongly, though, we’re too often just like her: we cling to our false gods even while the only true God is personally seeking us. That, too, is quite silly.
PRAYER: “Lord, strengthen me to give up my false gods today.”
DAILY ACTION STEP: Determine what false gods have influence in your life, and turn from them today.
TOMORROW’S READING: Genesis 33-35, Matthew 11:20-12:21