February 5

February 5.

Jacob & Leah/Rachel -- Leah & Rachel struggle with each other & are used by God.

Today's Readings:

Reading 1: Genesis 29

Reading 2: Genesis 30

Reading 3: Ruth 4:10-11

Jacob deceived Esau, and now Laban deceives Jacob. The principle of sowing and reaping is working again! But even when there are family feuds such as this, God is at work. The competing wives and their respective maids all conspire to produce children, in order to be the most "loved" but in the midst of this competitive behavior, God is at work. The four women give birth to twelve sons, who will become the foundations of the nation of Israel.

The result of this is that they become a byword for blessing, as we see in Ruth 4:10-11.

Reflect today on the truth that God is at work despite whatever wild or dysfunctional motives and behaviors surround you! Can you recall a time when your human motivations were redeemed by God for good?

Have a great day!

Mark.