Do you have to bear with others’ messiness?

Genesis 31:1-55

The Stories in Gen. 31

1-3 after 20 years, Jacob should return because his growing wealth became friction with Laban’s family and the attitude toward Jacob changes. This is the sign that he has to fulfill the promise of God. 4-13. Jacob’s explanation (sermon) for his returning to home. He argues that Leban is not ‘the’ father of the fatherhood but God is (v 5 – who is with him); home is Bethel where the faithfulness of God is still kept (now, he is slightly changing his eternal home – from Isaac’s house to Bethel, through whole Genesis story) (v 13) 14-16. Wives’ response – mean father, Leban? 17-35. Rachel stole her father’s household gods, and Leban pursued them to take them back. Terrapim – no other mentions in the bible. Other translation says ‘idols’ 36-42. Jacob’s response to Leban’s unproven accusation of theft. He contrasts Leban’s accusation to his ardous work for Leban’s herds for 20 years. 43-55. Leban suggested ‘covenant or treaty’ to prevent future of his daughers and grandchildren (v. 50). This is how covenant look like. 45-46. two pillars – Jacob (one stone of pillar) / Leban (pile of stones) : pillars represents two witnesses for the seriousness of their oath. And, in their culture, people considered stone as God. So, Jacob has one God, who was Bethel. Leban has bunch of gods. And, the breaking of covenant means bringing God’s wrath who witnessed.

Questions and Meditations.

1. When you have affiliction with your coworkers and friends, what covenant do you recall? Do you recall that in your favor or in God’s favor, even it will sacrifice you though? 2. Do you have a rationale to prove that your God is better than their ideaology, wealth, lifestyle or possessions? 3. When the sin is messing your pursuit of faith, what are you going to do? If you have to bear with your family’s sin or unfaithfulness, what is your response? Do you think Jacob really did good job in defending his wife?