Genesis 29:1-30
Reflect
The pattern of Jacob’s life has been to deceive. Earlier in his story we see him tricking his brother Esau into selling him his birthright for a bowl of stew! Jacob then deceives his father Isaac into giving him the blessing intended for his brother. In today’s passage we see his relative Laban tricking Jacob into marrying Leah instead of Rachel. Jacob ends up marrying both sisters, but can you imagine the tension in that household? The comparing and competing among the sisters. The jealousy and resentment between husband and wives. Into this environment we see children being born and growing up. It’s not hard to imagine how this would affect the family dynamics. Much later in the story we see these children grown up and contemplating the murder of one of their brothers (Joseph).
And yet, from this messy and broken family comes the 12 tribes of Israel! It is a reminder of the incredible grace of God that He took this family and built a nation from them. He wasn’t finished with them, and He isn’t finished with us either. Maybe today you need to be reminded that God, in His grace uses broken and messy people to accomplish His purposes.
Erin Gibbard
Pray
- Pray for Pastor Dan, our Lead Team Pastor and his family.
- Pray for our Young Adults Pastor, Nathanael Trinh, his ministry, and his family.
- Pray for our Congregational Life Pastor, Melissa Chaffee and her family.
- Pray for our church Groups Assistant, Noah Okken
- Pray for our Young Adults Ministry Assistants, Ethan Okken and Shone Williams.
- Pray for our Communications Specialist, Katrina Grey.
- Pray that God’s Spirit would work powerfully and effectively in all the various ministry groups in our church this week.