Daily Devotion, June 11, 2020

Devotion: Read Genesis 29:13-30.

Today's reading describes an unusual wedding, or rather, weddings. Jacob had arrived at his uncle Laban's house with nothing due to his deception (sin) at his own family’s house. Lacking the ability to pay for a bride, he struck a bargain to work seven years in exchange for the hand of his beloved, Rachel. Jacob did what he had always done, relying on his cleverness to get what he wanted. However, dealing with Laban he met his devious match. On the wedding night, Laban slipped Rachel's sister Leah into the wedding tent. The bride was veiled, it was dark, the groom may have had too much wine, and the trick worked.

 

Why did Laban dupe Jacob? Partially because it was the custom for older sisters to marry first, as he rationalized, but also for convenience (Leah was not attractive and had probably proven difficult to find a groom for) and additional labor (he suggested another seven years rather quickly). To keep Jacob happy, he allowed him to marry Rachel right away, which seemed absurd. The predictable results were mistrust between Jacob and Laban, Jacob and Leah, and Leah and Rachel, as well as an unequal marriage in which one wife was clearly more loved. Leah, despite the probability that she was complicit in her father's scheme, was blessed with many sons, Old ways are hard to change. Yet when Jacob saw a mirror of himself in Laban's words and actions, his self-confidence must have been shaken. It was all part of God's plan. Personal Worship Option: Jesus, we are deeply conscious that we cannot live up to our calling except in your strength and through the power of Your Holy Spirit. Keep us ever alert to your calling for us and help us avoid distractions of the world, which the Devil uses to distract us from our calling. Be patient with us.  AMEN