Passage Read: Genesis 29-32
Meditation Verses: 31:38-42
Thought
Jacob, of course, is not happy with how Laban treated him, but this shows both how a believer can endure a harsh and greedy master, and how God can protect and provide for His servant even under such a cruel master. Because he trusted in the Lord and the Lord's promise to provide for him, he could bear the losses of his master, even when it wasn't his fault or responsibility. He could afford to be generous towards his father-in-law even when his father-in-law kept changing his wages to cheat him. His father-in-law had become greedy when he saw he prospered with Jacob's help. That's why he was willing to split his flocks with Jacob, especially when Jacob took the less desirable animals. And Jacob could keep accepting the changes to his "wages" because he knew the Lord would continue to provide for him.
Application
Likewise, as a child of God promised greater things than material wealth, I can be generous with my material blessings to serve and help others in need. But I can also serve harsh and unfair masters, and accept losses that aren't my fault because the Lord will provide for me. The challenge is to trust so completely in the Lord's provision that I can graciously endure the mistreatment by my authority and not grow bitter against them. That doesn't mean I can never reveal what was done to me or what I did for my master, but I'd like to be able to do so without bitterness or having held grudges. Jacob was not Laban's slave, so he had the right to leave at any time. He hadn't agreed to work for a specific period of time for the flocks, but he knew Laban would not be happy about his departure. I too can choose to leave an unjust boss at any time, but there is usually a provision for early notice, and I can honor that because I know the Lord will protect me. Knowing God is for me gives me a greater capacity to endure injustice because I don't have to fight to obtain or maintain anything in this life--none of it is worth holding on to. What is far more valuable is eternal treasure, which is gained by faith and obedience to God, for the purpose of promoting His glory and truth and praise.