Laban

So Jacob put his wives and children on camels, and he drove all his livestock in front of him. He packed all the belongings he had acquired in Paddan-aram and set out for the land of Canaan, where his father, Isaac, lived. At the time they left, Laban was some distance away, shearing his sheep. Rachel stole her father’s household idols and took them with her. Jacob outwitted Laban the Aramean, for they set out secretly and never told Laban they were leaving. So Jacob took all his possessions with him and crossed the Euphrates River, heading for the hill country of Gilead. Three days later, Laban was told that Jacob had fled. So he gathered a group of his relatives and set out in hot pursuit. He caught up with Jacob seven days later in the hill country of Gilead. But the previous night God had appeared to Laban the Aramean in a dream and told him, “I’m warning you—leave Jacob alone!” [Genesis 31.17-24]

If there was any doubt as to Laban's motives being evil before, the events detailed in today's OYCB reading remove that doubt. What a piece of work Laban was!

In my career, I have encountered a few "Laban's." In fact, they have inflicted hardships on me with their nefarious ways that, in some ways affect me even today.

Like Jacob, I recognize that God will have to vindicate me. For all the pain and difficulties caused by the "Laban's" in my life, I must choose to see God as my Source and my Vindicator.

Wow, those words were sure easy to type... Now, will I see God defend my cause and give back to me what the "Laban's" stole from me?

Father, I want to see only You as my Source and Supply. I want to leave the "Laban's" to Your attention.