I don’t know about you, but today’s reading leaves me with more questions than answers. Does God really take the side of the jerk? Do Jacob and Rachel really get a free pass for all their offenses? How can Jacob claim that God has made him wealthy at Laban’s expense, when we all know the real story? I must say I don’t like the answers this chapter seems to suggest.
But digging a little deeper, I can lay claim to some of the dynamics in play here. For one thing, Jacob’s and Laban’s wildly differing perspectives remind me that how we see things depends in large measure on where we sit. Jacob sees years of his own faithful service to his uncle, as well as his uncle’s shifting pay structure. From Jacob’s vantage point, it’s time to launch out on his own. He’s tried to do so honorably (see Gen 30). Now it’s time to cut ties more abruptly.
On the other hand, Jacob’s departure means that Laban will lose two cherished daughters and a good portion of his household. Talk about “empty nest.” Laban’s grief must be palpable, which is of course what makes him hightail his way to the escaping party. After all, Laban thinks he’s welcomed his nephew warmly, provided for him (including two stunning wives), and now honored God’s request that he not be touched. From Laban’s vantage point, letting go hurts.
I’m not at all sure whose side God is on in the end. But what I do see, at the end of this chapter, is a big family reunion. With food. Perhaps God is on Jacob’s side—and Laban’s as well. Perhaps God favors Jacob and looks the other way when he offends (what doting parent hasn’t?). And perhaps God uses “taking sides” with Jacob as a way to restore his relationship with Laban. Who knows, really? I don’t.
- What do you find offensive about today’s reading? Why?
- When have you had the chance to see things from someone else’s perspective? What difference does that make?
- What other details did you notice in today’s reading?
Prayer: We like to assume you’re on our side, O God, since we’re (almost) always in the right. Help us to see the other side, and to see you in it all. Bring us, too, to a great feast. Amen.
Breath Prayer: Let us make // a covenant.
