Daily Lectionary | Genesis 31 & John 16:16-end
Genesis 31
Summary
We learn more about Laban’s unrighteous dealings with Jacob. He has changed Jacob’s wages ten times (Gen. 31:7) and now Laban, after making a deal with Jacob, turns even more on him. Laban’s livestock has decreased and Jacob’s has increased. The Lord has been with Jacob, he is receiving the blessing of Abraham and Laban the curse announced on enemies of Abraham.
Jacob now flees Laban with his wives and children and property and goes back to the land of Canaan.
Laban had bespoiled any inheritance or property that might have come to Rachel and Leah through marriage, but Rachel steals her father’s household gods. We’re left to wander: is this so Rachel can worship her pagan, family idols as she leaves her family?
Now, Laban comes out after Jacob and says, ‘What have you done, that you have tricked me and driven away my daughters like captives of the sword? Why do you flee secretly and trick me, and did not tell me, so that I might have sent you away with mirth and songs, with tambourine and lyre?” The irony is that Jacob has paid Laban pack “eye for eye” is in his tricking of him. And Laban would not have Jacob go with fanfare and celebration.
It seems as though Laban wants more than anything else, though, his household gods. He searches the tents. Rachel has put them under her as she is sitting on a camel. She informs her father that he cannot rise because “the way of women is upon.” Here we see Rachel is shaming and disgracing the false gods! In the exodus theme in Scripture, the pagan gods are plundered and upstaged by Yaweh. And so it happens here.
Jacob reads Laban the riot act: he gives a robust defense of his faithfulness to Laban for 20 years.
Laban sues for a covenant with Jacob, and they make a covenant with stones called Galeed and Mizpah.
Reflection Questions
How does Rachel deceive Laban? Is this a righteous act?
Consider Jacob’s suffering at the hands of Laban. How do we see Jacob’s faithfulness in suffering? What might we learn from this?
John 16:6
Summary
The disciples are still having trouble understanding where Jesus is going and what is about to happen to him. In this section, they wonder at what Jesus means when he says they will see him again in a little while. Jesus uses the example of childbirth. The mom cries in anguish and then rejoices when the child finally comes. The disciples, soon to be bereft of Jesus will mourn, but at his resurrection they will see Jesus again. Jesus says that their joy will not be taken from them.
Jesus admits that he’s speaking figures of speech but that he will speak plainly soon enough: Jesus has come from the Father into the world and now he will be returning to the Father. The disciples seem to get this, but Jesus warns them that this means they will be scattered. The chapter ends on a note of realism and comfort: “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have pace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart, I have overcome the world.”
Reflection Questions
Jesus says to his disciples that whatever they ask in his name, he will do it (Jn. 16:22-23, 26). What specifically is in view? What should we disciples be asking Jesus for that he promises to give us?
Jesus promises trouble for his disciples. But what is the comfort he brings in this announcement of trouble? How does Jesus overcome the world?