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Jan 25 Providing for my own household


25_Providing for my own household

Gen 30:25-30 As soon as Rachel had borne Joseph, Jacob said to Laban, “Send me away, that I may go to my own home and country. 26 Give me my wives and my children for whom I have served you, that I may go, for you know the service that I have given you.” 27 But Laban said to him, “If I have found favor in your sight, I have learned by divination that the Lord has blessed me because of you. 28 Name your wages, and I will give it.” 29 Jacob said to him, “You yourself know how I have served you, and how your livestock has fared with me. 30 For you had little before I came, and it has increased abundantly, and the Lord has blessed you wherever I turned. But now when shall I provide for my own household also?”

A young family from the south settled in the north where they worked. Soon after their first baby was born, they traveled home to celebrate the holidays. The days were filled with joy, catching up, and togetherness. On the day they left, the entire family gathered at the small railway station to bid them farewell. The train arrived. They parted with hugs and goodbyes and rushed to get on board with all their bags, laden with gifts, delicacies, and fruits. It was only when the whistle blew and the train was about to move that they realized they had forgotten the most important thing: their baby, still at the station with their relatives.

This story illustrates how easy it is to forget what matters most. We can become so engrossed in the busyness of life that we overlook the only things that really matter – the things of eternal importance. In Genesis 30:25-30, Jacob asks a question that echoes through the centuries: “But now, when shall I provide for my own household also?” This question is not merely about material provision; it is a call to examine our priorities and refocus on what truly matters.

Jacob’s story unfolds far from home, in Padan-Aram, 600 kilometers from his family in Canaan. Fourteen long years had passed since he fled his home after deceiving his brother Esau. During this time, Jacob worked tirelessly for his father-in-law, Laban, to win the hand of both Leah and Rachel. He had first served seven years for Rachel, but Laban deceived him by substituting his elder daughter Leah for Rachel at the time of the wedding. Unwilling to give up Rachel, Jacob agreed to serve another seven years for her. Jacob’s own deception of his father Isaac seemed to echo back to him through Laban’s schemes. It was a poignant reminder of the principle, “Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” (Galatians 6:7).

Despite the hardships and the trickery he endured, Jacob remained steadfast. He didn’t discard Leah, though their union was not his choice, nor did he abandon his responsibilities. Instead, he did what was right. Thus, without overt religiosity, his actions demonstrated that he feared God. Indeed, God demonstrated his wisdom, bringing good out of difficult circumstances. Through Leah, Judah was born, and eventually Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. God can redeem the biggest challenges of our lives if we persevere in obeying him, trusting in his love.

Throughout these fourteen years, Jacob’s heart longed for home. His desire to return to Canaan was deeply rooted in God’s promises to his grandfather Abraham and his father Isaac. Canaan was not just home; it was the land that God had led Abraham to, and promised to give him as a covenant. In contrast, Jacob’s brother Esau settled in the hill country of Seir, turning away from Canaan and the promises of God. This divergence underscores the difference between those who value God’s promises and those who prefer their own way.

Jacob’s question—“When shall I provide for my own household also?”—arises as he realizes that he has given 14 years of his life to Laban in exchange for his wives. Leah had already given him several sons, and many more were to come. Now he needed to stop giving his strength to build Laban’s wealth, and become responsible for his own family. This marks a significant turning point, not just for Jacob but for anyone striving to align their lives with God’s purposes. Are we investing in our own household? Are we laying up spiritual treasure for those whom God has entrusted to us?

As followers of Christ, our true home is not on this earth. Philippians 3:20 reminds us, “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.” Like Jacob, we are sojourners, living for now in a world that is not our ultimate home. During this time, we may labor under much injustice and endure hardships, but our hearts should be set on the eternal promises of God.

The Lord spoke to this in Matthew 6:19-21: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Jacob’s longing for Canaan reflects the believer’s longing for home, where we will be with the Lord, never to part again. Yet this doesn’t mean neglecting our earthly responsibilities. In Luke 16, Jesus tells the parable of the unfaithful steward who, facing dismissal, uses his remaining time wisely to secure his future. Jesus concludes, “Make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous wealth, so that when it fails, they may receive you into the eternal dwellings.” (Luke 16:9). We must use our earthly resources wisely to promote justice, righteousness, and mercy. In this way we further God’s kingdom and bring profit to the Master with fruit that will last for eternity.

Jacob’s life also teaches us the importance of perseverance. Though he longed for home, he agreed to work for Laban when he was offered remuneration. He stayed there for six more years of hard toil before he could return to Canaan. Yet Jacob acknowledged God’s blessing even in those years, saying, “The Lord has blessed me” (Genesis 30:30). His faithfulness in the midst of challenges should inspire us to remain steadfast, trusting that God will keep his promises at the right time.

Looking at our own lives in the light of this question, are we satisfied? Despite the busyness and responsibilities of our earthly lives, do we always remember that our “true home” is the kingdom of God and his righteousness? Let us not neglect the needs of our families, for then we would be worse than unbelievers. Yet, let us prioritize their spiritual needs in all our decisions. Let us not be covetous, but seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness. We have no need to worry, for he has said that he will always be with us. Let us be moved to action by Jacob’s question. Let us be mindful for our families, investing in the treasures of righteousness, joy and peace in the Holy Spirit, treasures that will last for eternity.

Like Jacob, let us work diligently during our earthly sojourn. Our toil is not for earthly gain, but for the glory of God. Our aim is to store up treasures in heaven. Arriving at our eternal home, may we hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your master” (Matthew 25:21). Till then, let us keep our hearts faithful to our heavenly Father, trusting in His promises, and living to His glory.

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