When Jacob increased exceedingly, amassing cattle, servants (men and women), and livestocks, in the house of Laban, because the Lord God was with him, Laban’s sons started to grumble against him and accused him of robbing their father of everything. They said that Jacob had gained all his wealth at their father’s expense, when in fact, the contrary was true, for God had blessed the house of Laban because of Jacob. Jacob was perceptive and notice the change in Laban’s attitude towards him.
Interesting to note is that when Jacob learns of his cousin’s grumbling and Laban’s unfavorable attitude towards him, the Bible records that the Lord advised Jacob to return to the land of Isaac (his father) and Abraham (his grandfather) and to his relatives there. Esau, the brother that Jacob had wronged was still alive and it is likely that the Lord’s command for Jacob could return could have caused some fear in Jacob, but the Lord beautifully assures that “God will be with him.”
Points to ponder:
Man’s attitude toward us may change with the times, for reasons that are baseless and completely incorrect, and while it is is important for us to be perceptive of people’s attitudes towards us, it is even more important for us to hear and heed the Lord’s advice for us and be strengthened by the fact that where he leads, he will guide and be with us. Are you and I listening to God’s advice for us? Are you assured that God is with you?
Genesis 31:1-3 (KJV)
1 And he heard the words of Laban’s sons, saying, Jacob hath taken away all that was our father’s; and of that which was our father’s hath he gotten all this glory.
2 And Jacob beheld the countenance of Laban, and, behold, it was not toward him as before.
3 And the Lord said unto Jacob, Return unto the land of thy fathers, and to thy kindred; and I will be with thee.
