Monday, February 20, 2017

Back to the Beginning: Genesis 31:31-55

Read today's Word in your Bible or online.

Laban turns Jacob’s camp upside down searching for his beloved idols, but comes up empty handed (how appropriate that they were actually being sat on). This accusation is the last straw for Jacob as he unleashes twenty years of pent up frustrations on him. A time marked by hard work, honesty, commitment, and success solely from the hand of God, all while Laban was constantly working against him. The altercation comes to an end when Laban suggests a treaty, no doubt as a result of God’s warning. The line has been drawn and this is the last we will hear of Laban.

While we are more than happy to bid good riddance to Old Uncle Laban, we must acknowledge what God has done: He used Laban --- a godless man --- to change the heart of Jacob. The tables were turned and the medicine served. We saw Jacob transform from selfishness and schemes to a man with a strong distaste for deceit and a growing faith. His heart was molded, his character shaped.

Have you ever wished you could erase a situation or relationship from your memory? Replaying the hurt and embarrassment leaves you angry, ashamed, and cheated. While we want to erase it, God has the power to use it.  Find comfort in knowing there is no situation He cannot use. In those moments, you are being molded, transformed, changed, into the person He had planned all along.

God, I am continually amazed at Your gift of transformation. Let me embrace what You have in store for me and give You room to work on my heart. Amen.

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