Living in the Spirit
July 22, 2014

 Scripture Reading: Genesis 29:15-28 

Then Jacob said to Laban, ‘Give me my wife that I may go in to her, for my time is completed.’ So Laban gathered together all the people of the place, and made a feast. But in the evening he took his daughter Leah and brought her to Jacob; and he went in to her. (Laban gave his maid Zilpah to his daughter Leah to be her maid.) When morning came, it was Leah! And Jacob said to Laban, ‘What is this you have done to me? Did I not serve with you for Rachel? Why then have you deceived me?’ Laban said, ‘This is not done in our country—giving the younger before the firstborn. Complete the week of this one, and we will give you the other also in return for serving me for another seven years.’ Jacob did so, and completed her week; then Laban gave him his daughter Rachel as a wife. — Genesis 29:21-28 

Jacob tricked his brother Esau out of his birthright. Some would say he got back what he gave when Laban tricked him into marrying the older daughter, Leah. We don’t know whether Laban was being sly or whether he was doing what was the norm in his culture and Jacob did not understand that. It is also remarkable that there is no mention whatsoever of God in this story. God was very present in the marriages of Abraham and Isaac. What do you suppose God would have said to Jacob about this situation?

One of the greatest challenges of being a Christian is discerning God’s will in our lives in everyday events and interactions. I think that is particularly perplexing when others judge all Christians by what I do or say or how I conduct my business. It is not fair but it does happen.

We shape the world by how we live in it. Tiny acts of kindness lead to other acts of kindness. A sharp tongue can severe a relationship. Building habits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23) can go a long way in moving toward the fruition of the Kingdom of God. These are the fruits of the spirit and are enabled when we walk regularly with God.

Prayer: God, make me whole, fill me with your spirit, and let the shining of my light illuminate you to others. Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of American. Used by permission. All rights reserved.