Genesis #49 - There But for the Grace of God Go I

Big Idea: Jacob learns that if it were not for God’s transforming grace in his life, he would have remained established in his deceptiveness and turned out like his trickster uncle, Laban.
1. Despite his flaws, Jacob reveals by his character that God is already at work in his transformation. Genesis 29:1-8
a. “Well, stone, shepherds, sheep.” The scene is similar to the one where Abraham’s servant acquired Rebekah as Isaac’s wife. God’s hand of providence is on display.
b. Jacob seeks and receives good news of Laban’s family: “It is well, see Rachel is coming with the sheep.” God’s guiding hand is shown again. Rachel, whom Jacob will love, arrives around the same time he does.
c. “It is not high day. Water the sheep, go pasture them.” Jacob’s words provide a contrast to the shepherds. He has a work ethic and zeal they lack. This may explain why Rachel and her sister remain unmarried: they have bad options. As a friend of mine likes to say, ‘The odds are good but the goods are odd.’
2. Once more, we meet Laban who is still the sort of man who seeks his own advantage and exploits family. Genesis 29:9-20
a. Jacob springs into action when Rachel arrives, removing the stone himself (a big feat) and kisses her and weeps. The kiss is a common ancient near eastern greeting for family. He’s overwhelmed and relieved to find family.
b. Jacob meets and bargains with Laban. Laban comes across as friendly but subtly exploits the family connection in his favor. This answers Jacob’s past exploitation of family in his favor. But here and later Laban proves more advanced in his tactics.
c. “Served seven years, and they seemed a few days because of the love he had for her.” Jacob’s work ethic persist, blissfully unaware of the deceptive trap Laban laid for him. It’s easy to be blind to consequence when we’re enamored with seeming benefits.
3. Laban’s deceptiveness serves a purpose for Jacob: It shows him what he could become apart from God’s grace. Genesis 29:21-30
a. Using the excuse of cultural expectations, Laban pulls the old sibling switcheroo… like Jacob did with his father. He’s deceptive like Jacob was, but older and established. This is what Jacob could have become were it not for God’s grace.
b. Laban has Jacob right where he wants him and barters another 7 years. Laban exploits his family connection again and gains another 7 years of labor from Jacob.
c. Jacob works 7 more years. Apart from highlighting Laban’s betrayal, the providence of God is at work in the additional time Jacob worked. It gave his brother, Esau, time to cool off and come to terms with his brother. We’ll see them meet peaceably in chapter 33.
Questions for Reflection
1. What is God at work transforming in your life right now?
2. When have you sought your own advantage over another’s well-being?
3. What do you suppose you would be apart from God’s intervention in your life?