DCLM Sincere Milk 4 June 2022 — Laban’s deceit
DCLM Sincere Milk 4 June 2022 Devotional by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi — Laban’s deceit
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TOPIC: LABAN’S DECEIT
TEXT: GENESIS 29:18-25
18 And Jacob loved Rachel; and said, I will serve thee seven years for Rachel thy younger daughter.
19 And Laban said, It is better that I give her to thee, than that I should give her to another man: abide with me.
20 And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her.
21 And Jacob said unto Laban, Give me my wife, for my days are fulfilled, that I may go in unto her.
22 And Laban gathered together all the men of the place, and made a feast.
23 And it came to pass in the evening, that he took Leah his daughter, and brought her to him; and he went in unto her.
24 And Laban gave unto his daughter Leah Zilpah his maid for an handmaid.
25 And it came to pass, that in the morning, behold, it was Leah: and he said to Laban, What is this thou hast done unto me? did not I serve with thee for Rachel? wherefore then hast thou beguiled me?
Key Verse: “And it came to pass, that in the morning, behold, it was Leah: and he said to Laban, What is this thou hast done unto me? did not I serve with thee for Rachel? wherefore then hast thou beguiled me?” (Genesis 29:25).
MESSAGE:
God is Omniscient and Omnipresent, He sees and knows all things and nothing is hidden in His sight. He knows everything, including our thoughts, before they become actions. No one can be wiser than God. The height of human wisdom is nothing close to the beginning of God’s wisdom.
Laban, the uncle of Jacob, forgot this attribute of God and decided to deceive Jacob. The act of deception describes those who use their cleverness, smartness and intelligence to get the best of other fellow human beings.
In our Bible passage, we see the crafty behaviour of Laban, Jacob’s uncle. Laban welcomed his nephew – Jacob, as a young man. He promised to give his younger daughter, Rachael, to Jacob in return for seven years’ service, only to trick him into marrying his elder daughter Leah instead.
Jacob then served another seven years in exchange for the right to marry his choice, Rachael. However, Jacob still became a great man despite Laban’s deceit.
Friends of Jesus are to run away from any form of craftiness, deception and cunning attitude. Do not be involved in any form of examination malpractice in your school. Avoid lies, wrong information and deceitful behaviour. Be honest and truthful in all your dealings with other people. Remember, God is watching you.
Prayer: Help me God, to be truthful and honest in all my dealings with people.
Further Reading: Joshua 9:3-9
1. Admit that you are a sinner. "For all [humans] have sinned, and comes short of the glory of God....[and] the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 3:23)
2. Repent now. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out ...[for] if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness " (Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9)
3. Believe that God loves you and Jesus died for you. "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet Sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)
4. Invite Jesus into your life through prayer of faith. Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20)
