Discerning the Signals

Bible Reading: Genesis 31:1-2

Still on the story of Jacob, I would like us to examine the life of Rebecca and her brother, Laban. Rebecca was the wife of Isaac and mother of Esau and Jacob. Not so much details was given about Laban and Rebecca’s parents and their upbringing in the Bible but we know for sure that they were siblings, according to Genesis 24:29 “And Rebekah had a brother, and his name was Laban: and Laban ran out unto the man, unto the well”. Also, from Biblical record, the trend of lies and deceitfulness runs in both Rebecca and her brother, Laban.

With the help of his mother, Rebecca, Jacob cunningly got the blessings meant for Esau his brother and this caused a rage and Esau was determined to kill Jacob. Again, with Rebecca’s lies and divisiveness (because she lied to Isaac, Genesis 27:46), she arranged for Jacob to flee imminent death and go to Laban her brother in Haran. Laban was no better than his sister, Rebecca in terms of his character. In fact, contrary to their agreement, Laban gave Leah to Jacob instead of Rachel after Jacob had served him for seven years. Also, Laban changed Jacob’s wage ten times (Genesis 31:41) and he even deceived his own children (Genesis 31:15).

In the same vein, Laban’s daughter Rachel stole her father’s idols (Genesis 31:19), sat upon them and told a lie when her father was searching for it. Laban’s sons also grumbled against Jacob according to today’s Bible reading.

Beloved, we need to take stock of our lives by examining how events are unfolding in our lives. If there is any evil occurrence that has been trending, it is time we prayerfully disconnect from such evil trend now. This is because if not dealt with, such pattern will become a generational phenomena like Laban and Rebecca in today’s reading and this will require divine intervention.

Daily Confession: Father, open my eyes to the happenings in my life, if there is any evil pattern, let it be broken in Jesus name. I refuse to pass on negative traits to my children and my unborn generation.

Intercessory prayer: I separate my children from any evil pattern by the blood of Jesus.

Hymn: There is power, power, wonder-working power

In the blood of the Lamb;

There is power, power, wonder-working power

In the precious blood of the Lamb.