Genesis 30

There are some things that are lost to time. What’s so important about the mandrakes? Was there any supposed husbandry behind Jacob’s use of the rods? We can speculate on both, but we can’t really know. What we do see here in this passage is the underlying sovereignty of God over all things. God is the one who can provide children and wealth. He blesses as He wills. Mankind can plot, plan, deceive, manipulate and barter, but God is the one who is ultimately in control.

Isn’t it amazing what rivalry will do to people? Can kills Abel over an offering. Jacob and Esau at odds over the blessing and birthright. Leah and Rachel in conflict over their husband’s affection and childbearing, even to the point of offering him their servants! And there is not just rivalry here, but greed and manipulation. Jacob probably thinks that he’s just getting back at Laban for his initial deception, but is what he’s trying to do moral and right?

Thought for the day: How should we respond to jealousy and greed within our own hearts?

James 3:16-18 (WEB) “For where jealousy and selfish ambition are, there is confusion and every evil deed. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceful, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.”