Genesis 30:29-42
Genesis 31:12 And He said, ‘Look up and see that all the male goats mating with the flock are streaked, speckled or spotted, for I have seen all that Laban has been doing to you.’
Jacob had fulfilled God’s promise to Rebekah about the younger son being over the older as Jacob had acquired both the birthright and the blessing from Isaac. To save him from his angry brother, Rebekah sent him on his way to her brother hoping he would marry a relative. He did and started building a life for himself with his Uncle Laban. After years of working for his manipulating uncle, he decided it was time to head back to the land of Abraham and Isaac. A deal was made to pay him for the work he had done since working off the price of his two wives.
The decided on price was all of the flocks which were speckled, streaked or spotted. To keep it from happening too quickly, Laban had his sons take the members of the current flock which fit that description three days ride away. But Jacob was not discouraged as he thought he had a way to make it happen. His way seems rather odd to us and part of that is that it was kind of a superstitious method.
Making sticks to look striped and placing them by where the animals were mating is not what caused the babies to come out speckled, spotted and multi-colored. While Jacob may have thought that at first he soon was told by God that it was the Lord Himself who was causing Jacob’s flock to grow. God was showing Jacob that He wasn’t some far off deity who didn’t pay attention to what is going on in the world. He was especially present for those who were the carriers of His promise.
By this time Jacob had quite a few children as God was building the nation He had promised Abraham. This building of the flock and moving away from his father-in-law was all part of God building His nation. Sure Jacob was inheriting a good deal but God felt he deserved more for his work while with Laban. Jacob did do his part in making sure it was the strong animals who were mating with the spotted and speckled animals so his flock was of good stock.
God wasn’t only trying to build Jacob’s flock and family, God was wanting to build Jacob’s character too. He hadn’t chosen a perfect man to grow the nation, but He knew He could teach Jacob what He wanted him to know so he could raise his sons to know the Lord. Though Jacob was no saint, God knew if Laban had much more influence on his grandsons, they may end up even more deceitful. Besides, God had another reason for wanting to move His growing nation back to the land of Abraham.
Making It Personal
Has anyone tried to treat you unfairly? How has God given you what you need when someone else is trying to cheat you? Do you ever mistreat others for your own gain?
Making It Personal Kids
Have you been treated unfairly by someone? Have you ever treated someone unfairly? Who could use some fair treatment today?
Closing Prayer
Father, You are always fair and just. Give us hearts which long to treat others fairly with justice. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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