February 1, 2020
What does it say?
Jacob labored seven years for the right to marry Rachel, but he was deceived by her father, Laban. Rachel was given to Jacob after Leah’s bridal week, but he had to work seven more years for her.
What does it mean?
The custom of the day required that the oldest daughter be married before the youngest. When Laban made his agreement with Jacob, he knowingly deceived him with the promise of marrying the younger daughter, Rachel. This is not the first time deception was used in this family. Jacob deceived his father for his older brother Esau’s blessing. This was done at the encouragement of Rebekah (Laban’s sister). In both cases, what was rightfully earned was deceitfully taken with significant long-term cost. Now Jacob understands how Esau felt as he experienced firsthand the price of deception.
How should I respond?
Deception is dangerous and can have significant long-term impact. The choice Jacob faced is the same choice we face when we encounter this behavior: Do we focus on the wrong done to us, or do we allow God to use it to shine light into similar places in our lives? As difficult as it might be sometimes, eliminating deceit in our homes and our families shows the character God desires in all of us. Ask God to show you where deception exists in your life, and with His help, eliminate it.