The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Genesis 31:1-7, “Now Jacob heard the words of Laban’s sons, saying, “Jacob has taken away all that was our father’s, and from what belonged to our father he has made all this wealth.”
2 Jacob saw the attitude of Laban, and behold, it was not friendly toward him as formerly.
3 Then the LORD said to Jacob, “Return to the land of your fathers and to your relatives, and I will be with you.”
4 So Jacob sent and called Rachel and Leah to his flock in the field,
5 and said to them, “I see your father’s attitude, that it is not friendly toward me as formerly, but the God of my father has been with me.
6 “You know that I have served your father with all my strength.
7 “Yet your father has cheated me and changed my wages ten times; however, God did not allow him to hurt me.”

There’s no trouble like family trouble! Jacob had gone to his uncle Laban’s on business. His father, Isaac, had sent him there to find a wife; and Laban’s family all behaved delightfully in seeing Jacob –until he began to prosper! Strange, isn’t it? People like us when they have more; but when we prosper, they become jealous and difficult. Laban’s sons were accusatory of Jacob, saying, “He has taken away all that was our father’s…” Yet, the LORD had previously said to Jacob, “Return to the land of your fathers –to your relatives, and I will be with you.”

The LORD had certainly been with Jacob! His prosperity was due to the LORD’s Hand with respect to all that he did. Notwithstanding, Jacob was honest in his dealings with Laban. Such can be true of us, as well –if our trust is in the LORD and if we are honest in our commerce with others.

Jacob shared his observation of Laban’s attitude with his wives, Rachel and Leah. As strange as it may seem, they agreed with him and against their father. And although Laban’s attitude continued to be against Jacob, Jacob said, “…God did not allow him to hurt me.”

Think of this situation when you are wronged by someone –even, someone in your own family. Don’t allow jealousy to drive a wedge between you and family members! That’s where the hurt comes in. Jacob was not perfect. His later life reveals that. You and I are not perfect, either. We must just keep trusting the LORD; for in the end, He will protect us all in His abounding love!

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.
Springdale, Arkansas 72764
United States of America

“We never know that Christ is all we need until He becomes all that we have.” – Corrie ten Boom