- Scripture: Genesis 31:36–55
- The Anchor: “If the God of my father, the God of Abraham and the Fear of Isaac, had not been on my side, surely now you would have sent me away empty-handed. God saw my affliction and the labor of my hands and rebuked you last night.” – Genesis 31:42 (ESV)
Jacob rebuked Laban because he couldn’t find that Jacob had sinned. Jacob’s response to him was probably an accumulation of 20 years of anger. He emphasizes how he worked for Laban for 20 years faithfully, yet he was still treated unfairly and he wouldn’t have much except for by the grace of God. Laban says that all that Jacob has actually belongs to him, but they make a covenant. They gather stones and a pillar to bear witness about the covenant. Laban heavily emphasized how Jacob was bound by the covenant by his God. After the covenant, they leave and probably never see each other ever again.
Laban says that all that Jacob has belongs to him instead of actually to Jacob. However, the reality is that all of it really belongs to God. God chooses who to give to and who to take away from, and it’s all up to Him. Laban may have had stuff in the past, but God was the one who gave it to Jacob.
Additionally, we call this a “covenant,” but it really isn’t because it is established by two men instead of God and someone. These promises are often broken, and they are always doubted. In covenants with God, we are completely sure of God’s ability to uphold His side of the promise. In this passage, Laban had many doubts about Jacob’s ability to keep the promises because he is deceptive. Laban keeps saying that God sees Jacob’s wrongdoing, and Jacob knows this to be true.
Twice in this passage, Jacob refers to God as the “Fear of Isaac.” One major theme that keeps popping up in my life right now is the fear of God. What that really means is that we need to live like God is watching us because the reality is that He is doing exactly that. It also means that we see God as too holy for us and we humble ourselves. I want to fear God in my life right now.
Reflection
- Laban claimed everything belonged to him, but the reality is that everything belongs to God, who chooses who to give to and take away from. Do you view your achievements—like a great day at school or a good sports game—as things you earned, or as blessings belonging to God?
- Human covenants are doubted and broken, but we can be completely sure of God’s ability to keep His side of the promise. As you work through rehearsals, election prep, or hang out with friends, are you practicing the fear of God by remembering that He is always watching you?
Prayer
Lord, I recognize that everything I have belongs completely to You, and it is all up to Your sovereign will. Teach me what it means to walk in the “Fear of Isaac” in my life right now. Help me to humble myself before Your holiness and live every day knowing that You are watching over me. Amen.