Genesis 31:29 “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 speak to Jacob either good or bad.'”
Jacob had enough, so he secretly left Uncle Laban and didn’t say good bye. To take his wives and children without saying anything was an insult. By leaving Laban, he was quitting his job as livestock manager, he was further putting Laban in a difficult spot. Jacob could have been sued for hardship. No notice was given, causing Laban’s business to suffer.
This was Jacob’s pattern; he was underhanded. He selfishly made decisions that infuriated those around him. As a young man, he had to flee his home for his deception provoked his brother to want to kill him.
Laban brought his posse and caught up to Jacob and company (wives, children and workers). He called him out and yelled at him in front of everying. It was a humiliating experience. Yet, he deserved it. God’s people aren’t beyond consequences. When we treat others poorly, we should be “told off”.
Laban pursued him to do him Harm, but God gave him a warning in a dream not to over do it. While Jacob could have gotten into severe trouble, God was looking out for him and didn’t let Laban ruin him.
This sounds familar. God is our Father and he wants us to learn lessons. He doesn’t want us to behave badly, so he will allow consequences. However, because we are his children, he has those that would ruin us on a leash. He will only allow them to go so far.
Ps 91:12 says He sends his angels to bear us up, lest we dash our foot against a stone.
Thank you, God, that even though we make mistakes, you’ve got our backs.