Genesis 31:25–32 (ESV)
Jacob Flees from Laban
25 And Laban overtook Jacob. Now Jacob had pitched his tent in the hill country, and Laban with his kinsmen pitched tents in the hill country of Gilead. 26 And
Laban said to Jacob, “What have you done, that you have tricked me and driven away my daughters like captives of the sword? 27 Why did you flee secretly and trick me, and did not tell me, so that I might
have sent you away with mirth and songs, with tambourine and lyre? 28 And why did you not permit me to kiss my sons and my daughters farewell? Now you have done foolishly. 29 It
is in my power to do you harm. But the God of your father spoke to me last night, saying, ‘Be careful not to say anything to Jacob, either good or bad.’ 30 And now you have gone away because you
longed greatly for your father’s house, but why did you steal my gods?” 31 Jacob answered and said to Laban, “Because I was afraid, for I thought that you would take your daughters from me
by force. 32 Anyone with whom you find your gods shall not live. In the presence of our kinsmen point out what I have that is yours, and take it.” Now Jacob did not know that Rachel had stolen them.
To a certain degree, I agree with Laban. Jacob should have let Laban know that he could send them off with a proper “good-bye”. However…
Laban does not have a healthy attitude and actually goes against God’s command. He feels he has the right to do harm to Jacob. He also makes a false accusation against Jacob and accuses him of stealing the household gods. Jacob
doesn’t have a clue to the stolen household gods. In fact, he says that if you find them, that person “shall not live”. He doesn’t have a clue that Rachel is the thief! Nor does daddy know that his little girl has
stolen them. Be careful of what you say, it may come back to harm you.
I pray: O Lord, help us to serve you with integrity and honor, as well as
our family, friends, and neighbors. Help us to not harbor anger, but to promote love and reconciliation. Help us to repent of our ways and rejoice in your forgiveness. Amen.