1-2 Jacob learned that Laban's sons were talking behind his back: "Jacob has used our father's wealth to make himself rich at our father's expense." At the same time, Jacob noticed that Laban had changed toward him. He wasn't treating him the same. (The Message)
Relationships can change over time. Jacob, Rachel, and Leah all notice that things aren't as they used to be with Laban and the rest of the family. Without pointing fingers and placing blame the reality is that we have conflict that God is going to use again to move people out of their comfort zone into a place that they really don't want to go. If Jacob and Laban continue to get along and reap the rewards of God's blessings together Jacob never has to go back and face his brother again. If Rachel and Leah convince Jacob that he should put up with the conflict because they can't stand the thought of leaving their family then their sons are not in place to go to Egypt to save the family in the midst of the famine. It's not that God causes the conflict to happen so that these events would take place but that God can and will bring good things in in the midst of the conflict and it will all glorify God.
Some thoughts to ponder and share with others:
- What might have happened to Rachel and Leah that they felt like foreigners in their own family?
- Have you ever felt like you didn't belong in your family any more? What happened to make you feel that way?
- Has God ever used a conflict that you have been in to move you to a new place either physically or spiritually?
- How might God be glorified by the conflict you find yourself in the midst of now?
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