Gen 30-31 Sex, Breeding, Power Plays

Jan 10th Genesis 30-31

       Our quest for power over one another one is as common a theme as any in the story of humanity. Like so much in life, the argument over the mandrakes is not really about mandrakes. It's about the right to say I'm better than you because I've had more ...(in this case) children. Why are we on this quest to proclaim our superiority? In a cruel twist of irony, those chasing superiority the hardest are simply revealing an inner inferiority that generally has the curtain drawn back at an unfortunate time.
       Speaking of inferiority, Laban is our role model in these chapters. Abusing the good nature of Jacob, Laban lies, swindols, sets up obstacles and generally makes everything be about his well-being. Jacob's genius breeding plan reminds me of Jesus encouragement for us to be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.
       Jacob realizes games are being played and decides to use the knowledge he has gained over the years to play his own game. The game: have the white goats become the weakest and the herd of striped, spotted and black goats become the strongest. When it comes time to play the game, the ones who are near to and interested in honoring God are the ones  to whom God grants wisdom and success. Laban could have done things right and there could have been two equal herds. Sometimes in our sin we wonder why things aren't working out so well. We shouldn't wonder.
       As with all things, sometimes it's time to go. Jacob decides to take what he has earned in the last 20 years and go back to his family. Laban utters the words that frustrate us as we watch delusional people. "All that you see is mine." In Jacob's mind it's like "all that you see is the promised wage of 20 years of work." Thank you very much. Because of God's invervention, Laban gets it.
       Again God in the story brings success. Let's become regulars at inviting God into our lives. For Him to produce what He can produce. Thanking Him for the wisdom He gives.