Chronological Reading Plan for Jan 22

Today's readings are Gen 30-31. Tomorrow's are Gen 32-34.

Jacob struggled with his brother Esau, struggled with Laban over his wives and now, in ch 30, the wives struggle with each other, competing for Jacobs attention and favor by bearing children. When Leah and Rachel are unable to bear, they employ their slaves, Zilpah and Bilhah. God sovereignly fulfills His promise to Jacob by giving him 12 sons, in all.  Amid all the tension, Jacob manages to become highly prosperous and plans his departure from Laban. However, his riches do not end his struggles. Laban learns of Jacob's plans by divination.  This is not an endorsement of divination but it is recognition that we should all be suspicious of "special knowledge" that may be occult. God proves his authority over even the occult by prospering Jacob further in the curious incident over the sheep and the sticks. Laban, whether he follows God or not, would see God's hand in Jacob's life.

Rachel adds to the tension, in ch 31, by taking some of her father's idols when Jacob leaves with his family. Jacob expresses trust in God, who protects and preserves Jacob and his family. 

Jacob's life is fraught with tension, jealousy, suspicion and manipulation, much of it brought down on himself by his own actions. Yet, Jacob is the son of the promise! Jacob is unaware that he is being refined by God, not punished!

Through all this, we see a subtle change taking place in Jacob. He is acknowledging God's blessings, more and more, trusting in Him more and more (Gen 31:42). Meanwhile, God is revealing Himself to Jacob. At Bethel, He showed Jacob that there is one way into heaven. But. He also revealed that God comes to earth in that one way, as well. It would be many centuries before this was made clear, but it still reveals much about how God operates. God showed Jacob He has power over the occult and can bless in miraculous ways. Now, Jacob openly admits that, without God, he would have nothing. God is the source of all Jacob's blessings. God not only blesses, but He protects and prospers.

Jacob and Laban part ways with a covenant based on the wrath of God coming down on whoever breaks it. Jacob, in the middle so all of his striving and tension, has become a witness to Laban and an example of God's unmerited grace.