GENESIS 31
10 In the breeding season of the flock I lifted up my eyes and saw in a dream that the goats that mated with the flock were striped, spotted, and mottled. 11 Then the angel of God said to me in the dream, ‘Jacob,’ and I said, ‘Here I am!’ 12 And he said, ‘Lift up your eyes and see, all the goats that mate with the flock are striped, spotted, and mottled, for I have seen all that Laban is doing to you. 13 I am the God of Bethel, where you anointed a pillar and made a vow to me. Now arise, go out from this land and return to the land of your kindred.’” 14 Then Rachel and Leah answered and said to him, “Is there any portion or inheritance left to us in our father’s house? 15 Are we not regarded by him as foreigners? For he has sold us, and he has indeed devoured our money. 16 All the wealth that God has taken away from our father belongs to us and to our children. Now then, whatever God has said to you, do.” – Genesis 31:10-16
GENESIS 31 INSTRUCTION FOR JACOB TO LEAVE HARAN
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
Jacob saw a vision that the goats were striped and spotted
Then the angel of the Lord said in the dream to leave Haran
It was time for him to leave Laban who had constantly cheated him
He called his wives to tell him of his plan to leave their land
Because Laban stripped them off their inheritance
Leah and Rachel agreed to follow wherever God is taking Jacob.
It is interesting how Rachel and Leah’s decisions to go with Jacob’s plan were caused by Laban’s greed and dishonesty. Even though Jacob knew after seven years of serving Laban how deceitful he was, he continued to serve him just so he could marry Rachel whom he loved. Jacob’s patience is remarkable in this story of his journey going to Haran to find his uncle and marry Rachel and Leah. He didn’t devalue Leah even though he loved Rachel more. He honored her as his first wife. He was also very patient with Rachel when she was very frustrated not to have a child. Jacob was clearly operating in the Spirit of the Lord when he endured all these adverse situations. He always did the right thing. His journey there was in obedience to his mother’s request to find a wife from her family and to flee from Esau’s wrath. Jacob was an obedient, patient, honest and hardworking man.
REFLECTION
- How do you know God was present during Jacob’s challenging life with Laban?
