Genesis 30 - Substituting God's Provision

It probably happens to most of us at some point. We buy into the philosophy that God helps those who help themselves - this is not Bible wisdom by the way. We say we trust God and can be content in any circumstance, but when we don't get our hearts desire, instead of looking up we often go into self help mode.

In this chapter we see three stories unfolding:

1. Rachel is distressed because her sister is bearing children and she is not. Like Sarah , rather than moving to prayer and looking to God for his blessing, she offers up her servant to sleep with her husband and to bear a child on her behalf. Since the deal worked once for her she repeats the process.

This sets into motion a competition between Rachel and Leah each of them offering their servants and themselves in an effort to win the baby making competition. Jacob is no longer the husband but the baby maker that can be bargained for between the sisters.

2. We also see Laban is unhappy to hear that Jacob plans to move away with his wives and children. Rather than seeking God's will he comes to Jacob with a very spiritual sounding offer. "I have learned that The Lord has blessed me because of you - name your wages and stay with me"

Laban didn't really have such fond affection for his son in law, but craves more wealth and saw Jacob as his wealth builder.

3. Jacob didn't pray to God for his decision but saw if he was going to have anything without getting tricked by Laban he would have to make the distinction so clear that there would be no arguing. So he offered to stay and take any speckled animals born to the flocks.

Once again, Jacob didn't trust God to provide for his needs but cut tree branches and placed them in the water to assure him of getting speckled animals. He then separated the strong from the weak and worked to strain the best for himself and to assure that Laban only got the less desirable animals.

Jacob had helped him to gain wealth and then he took it for himself according to their agreement.

The lesson here I believe is that we can create all kinds of distortion and twisted conditions when we don't seek out God's direction and follow it. Where God's word is unclear related to your situation pray and see if God doesn't give you wisdom for the day. If you don't get answers apply yourself to walking in fellowship with God. Make every choice his to direct and make peace with him be your goal and all the rest will fall into place.

We need to guard against creating our own forms of provision and justice. God is our provider. He gave us talents and intends for us to use them but not to disadvantage someone else but to work diligently and witness boldly for Him.

May God richly bless you as you seek Him and as you serve Him.