Today’s Reading, Genesis 27-29
Focal Scripture: Genesis 29:5 “When morning came, there was Leah! So he said to Laban, “What have you done to me? Wasn’t it for Rachel that I worked for you? Why have you deceived me?””
We have all heard the phrase “What goes around comes around.” I completely agree with that statement in one’s life. I do not believe in karma or some mystic cosmic retribution. However, I do believe in godly judgment and life lessons. When a person lives their life as if they have no consequences they are demonstrating a lot of pride. Pride in themselves and pride in their actions. A person who believes they can act in ungodly ways and never face judgement is sadly mistaken.
In today’s reading we see that Jacob was deceived by Laban. He believed that if he worked for seven years he would marry Rachel. Laban had a different plan and instead gave Leah his oldest daughter away first. Laban tried to justify his actions by saying it is not right for the younger daughter to marry before the older daughter. This required Jacob to work another seven years to get the woman his heart desired. Jacob the deceiver finally understood what it was like to be deceived.
So why did I pick this verse to focus on today? To show that our decisions have consequences. To prove that everything we do matters. Our choices impact our own lives. These choices also impact how God deals with us as believers. Jacob has been chosen by the Lord. He is going to carry on the promises that God declared. For this to happen God is going to have to do a work in the life of this man. Unfortunately, some people only learn lessons the hard way.
So what can we take away from this truth? First, if we are experiencing judgement or trouble we need to ask ourselves if God is trying to chisel away any imperfections in our life. If he is, then we must be willing to confront those issues and deal with them biblically. Next, we must realize that even if we don’t suffer judgement on this Earth we will give an account for our actions and our sin.
This is especially hard when you are the one who has been sinned against. I know in personal life I am waiting for God to expose an individual and a group of people. I long for their actions and words to be exposed. I long for God to hold them accountable. However, I have to trust that if he doesn’t on this Earth he will one day in his presence. In the meantime, I am commanded to love the Lord and have high character, even when others don’t.
Be different and stay the course. Trust the Lord and don’t put yourself in a situation where the Lord has to teach you a powerful and harsh lesson.
Tomorrow, I plan on reading Genesis 30-31
