Good Morning.
So Jacob said to him, “You know how I have served you and how your livestock has been with me. For what you had before I came was little, and it has increased to a great amount; the Lord has blessed you since my coming. And now, when shall I also provide for my own house?” (Genesis 30:29-30)
These verses describe a strange series of events whereby Jacob agrees to stay and work for Laban in an agreement that, on the surface, seemed to put Jacob at a disadvantage. Jacob agreed to tend to the naturally colored animals, only, and any un-naturally colored animals born in the future would become his. True to his greedy nature, Laban removed all the un-naturally colored animals from the flocks and put three days journey between them to make sure that the two flocks couldn’t intermingle. What Laban didn’t take into account was God’s favor upon Jacob.
At the end of his sojourn in Syria, Jacob accused Laban of changing his wages multiple times, which he in fact did. So here we see that Jacob took measures to protect himself from his uncle in order to retain what was his. In the end, and with God’s help, Jacob outwitted Laban demonstrating that, in dealing with the ungodly, one shouldn’t resort to their methods — Jacob didn’t cheat Laban or deal dishonestly with him. However, there is nothing wrong with outwitting our antagonists if it is done with integrity and honesty.
Throughout life we find ourselves in situations where those of the world are looking to misuse and abuse God’s people. While we are certainly to do nothing that would bring dishonor on the name of Yeshua, it isn’t improper to appeal to our Father for help in dealing with these kinds of people. Moreover, it isn’t improper to consider that He might give us victory in these situations whereby we overcome our enemies. Let us pray as David prayed:
“Vindicate me, O Lord, for I have walked in my integrity. I have also trusted in the Lord; I shall not slip.” (Psalm 26:1)
Blessings and Shalom,
Bill
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