The Bible In A Year Daily Reading Plan
Saturday, January 14, 2023
Genesis 30:1-31:16, Matthew 10:1-23, Psalm 12:1-8, Proverbs 3:13-15
Download or Print the One Year Bible Reading Plan
Scripture Meditation: Proverbs 3:13 Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding.
Proverbs 9:10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding
The Bubble of Joy
Written By: Torrie Slaughter
We find wisdom when we seek God and submit to His sovereignty.
He freely offers His gracious gift no matter how many times we fail. Wow, how gloriously graceful is our God?!
Our Father is a life-giver and the source through whom we lead a successful life. Nothing we desire can compare to the divine alignment of being in God’s will.
If you haven’t noticed I love the way God uses the characters of the Bible to reflect Him and help us identify with His divine nature. As we follow the story of Jacob’s family we are in the midst of some bait and switch. I would venture to say that this was the original Catfish scam. But let’s move on.
Laban knew his wealth was increasing because of the God Jacob worshiped.
We’re in the middle of family tension as we go back and forth between Rachel and Leah. In Genesis chapter 30 it continues to get a little messy and perhaps a bit confusing. I’m not going to deep dive into all the issues but I will say God is patient with us as we repeat failures and rush His divine timeline.
So that brought me to a question:
How long does it take to acquire the authentic joy or wisdom of the Lord?
We know Jacob waited seven years to have Rachel as a wife. Could you imagine seeing the person you fell in love with daily and not being able to be with them. And then once the conditions were met as with Jacob and Laban the next desire (to have a family) was out of reach. Disappointment and grief doesn’t begin to describe it. But let’s move on. The very next transaction we witness is the bait and switch.
“Everyone lies to their neighbor;
they flatter with their lips
but harbor deception in their hearts. “
That verse hangs over the dispute of Laban and Jacob. Much time has passed, and Jacob was ready to receive his portion. Remember Jacob entered this chapter of his life a richly blessed man. (Gen.27:27-30, Gen.27:36, Gen. 28:3-4)
Oh, the deceitful hearts of two cunning men. Laban told Jacob his wealth came through the God Jacob worshiped (Gen 30:27). Laban needed Jacob. Under the circumstances, wisdom told Jacob he needed to be crafty if he desired life from under Laban’s thumb (Gen. 30:31-43). They struck a deal, and both men deceived the other (Psalm 12:2).
As you read Gen.30 with Proverbs 3:13-15, as a lens, ask yourself:
- Is this behavior getting them closer to the joy of wisdom?
- Who have I deceived in my heart?
Prayer: Father you are the wisdom we ought to seek. Help us to have a reverential fear of you above the people, bosses, or even family members who can only kill our bodies and reputations. Increase our desire to chase after you with our whole hearts. Thank you for hearing this prayer. In Jesus Name Amen.
Torrie is a media ministry consultant who works with churches and faith driven organizations to build their ministry team. She is the Blueprint Specialist uncovering root problems to construct solutions. Want to hear more? Tune in and listen to A Daily Purpose Bible Study & Devotional a podcast by Our Given Purpose and on Fridays to Talking on Purpose with Torrie the Podcast. Torrie also hosts a YouTube channel of the same name.
