Daily Devotion, January 6, 2023

 

Devotion:

Read Genesis 30:25-43.

Jacob and his uncle deceive each other. (Jacob had already experienced his uncle’s ways when he was tricked into taking Laban’s oldest daughter as his wife.)  Now, it is time for Jacob to move his large family to his own homeland and be on his own. Jacob now has eleven sons and one daughter and had more than fulfilled his part of the bargain. It was time to stop working for Laban and start building his own future.

But Laban wasn’t about to lose his son-in-law, especially when he knew that Jacob’s presence had brought him the blessing of God. However, Laban really wasn’t interested in God, just being a recipient of God’s blessings.

Jacob was more than fair and honest with Laban in their business dealings at this point and God blessed him with abundance. Jacob was learning to listen to God instead of relying on his own cunning and wisdom.

  

Life isn’t easy for any of us and what life does to us depends a great deal on what life finds in us. Jacob experienced many painful trials in Laban’s home, but in the end, he would become God’s man to accomplish God’s will. So, it is with us all. The decisions we make in life determine character and destiny. Despite our numerous weaknesses God steadily works out his plan through us which gives us hope to work toward the future as we listen and follow God.

Personal Worship Option:

Reflect on the blessings of God in your life. Give him thanks and praise for how those blessings affect you and spill over to others in your life.