WEAVING THE FUTURE

God’s ways are full of surprises, bringing great things from situations that seem hopeless or unlikely. When relationships are strained or the world is in turmoil, God’s promises may seem dim. In such times, the scriptures invite us to join Jacob, Leah, and Rachel, as well as Paul and Jesus, in wondering at the mysteries of God’s gracious love and rich compassion.

Scripture Readings

(Click on the links to go to Bible Gateway)

Genesis 29:15-28 (Jacob marries Leah and Rachel)
Psalm 105:1-11,45b (Give thanks to God)
or
Psalm 128 (Walk in God’s ways)
Romans 8:26-39 (The Spirit helps us)
Matthew 13:31-33,44-52 (Parables of the Kingdom)

Focus Scripture: Genesis 29:15-28

We catch up with Jacob in Haran. When Jacob first arrived in the region, he encountered one of Laban’s daughters, Rachel, with a large flock of sheep at a communal watering hole. Jacob rolled away the stone that was protecting the water source, so that Rachel’s flock could drink. Jacob wept as he told Rachel that he was Rebekah’s son. Rachel took Jacob to meet her father, Laban, who extended welcome and hospitality. As we enter the focus verses, it has been a month since Jacob’s arrival in the home of his Uncle Laban.

In reading this account, it is helpful to recall that in biblical times, marriage was a business deal between two men, the father and the groom. Working and/or paying for brides was standard practice. Jacob agrees to work seven years in order to have Rachel as his bride. It is reported that Jacob “loved Rachel” (v. 18) and that the seven years “seemed to him but a few days because of the love he had for her” (v. 20).

Seven years later, Laban arranges for the customary seven-day wedding celebration. It’s easy to find a little irony in the shock to Jacob when he awakens from the wedding night and discovers that he has actually married Leah. In the ensuing confrontation between Jacob and Laban, Jacob asks, “Why did you deceive me?” (v. 25). The Hebrew word translated here as “deceive” is the same one used to describe Jacob’s deceit of Isaac in Genesis 27.

While there is an element of love and attraction between Jacob and Rachel, this probably was not a factor in Laban’s deliberation and decision to substitute Leah for Rachel. Laban is maintaining the traditions of the culture, in which the oldest daughter marries first. In doing so, Laban maintains Leah’s honour.

Despite his disappointment, Jacob acts with honour. After promising to work for Laban for another seven years, Jacob completes the week-long marriage ceremony with Leah and then marries Rachel as well. (In ancient Israel, polygamy was fairly common, ensuring that families grew; the practice declined over the centuries.) Through the children that Jacob has with Rachel and with Leah, God’s promise to Abraham of a great nation continues. God works with and through those who might otherwise have been rejected: Jacob and Leah.

Psalm 105:1-11,45b is a detailed reminder of God’s power at work to save and preserve God’s people. God keeps the promises made, and this is a cause for praise. The alternate reading, Psalm 128, recounts the blessings of meaningful work and extended family.

In Romans 8:26-39, the apostle Paul paints a picture of the compassionate blessings that come in God’s own time. When we are in relationship with God, nothing can separate us from God’s love, even when current circumstances are difficult and challenging.

Jesus’ parables about God’s reign in Matthew 13:31-33,44-52 are images of amazing growth and priceless worth. The word parable means “set alongside.” Jesus reveals the treasure of God’s presence by laying it alongside tradition, scripture, and life experience.

In times of predictability and in moments of great surprise, God is at work in persistent and amazing ways to bring the promises of God’s reign to fruition. When have you been surprised by the ways in which God is at work in the midst of a challenging situation? What helps you,– as an individual and as a church,– remain open to God’s work of transformation in your midst?

REFLECTION

God of promise, persist in opening our hearts and minds to your presence among us. Send your Spirit to increase our faith and our delight in your surprising ways. Amen.

Comments for this post are now off.