The Last Six Years of Jacob’s Journey in Haran (Padan Aram)
Genesis 30:25-43

Lesson 69

background notes

doctrinal points

1. The blessing of the Lord on the believer’s life ripples out to the unbeliever.

2. The blessing of the Lord on the believer’s life requires no shenanigans from the believer.

 

practical application
1. Are you a boss like Laban?

 

questions
1. Why did Laban want Jacob to stay, even after he had served him well for fourteen years?

2. How did the blessing of the Lord on Jacob ripple out to Laban?

3. How was this truth seen in the life of Joseph?

4. What are shenanigans?

5. How did Laban treat Jacob concerning a work contract?

 

answers
1. Laban realized that he had become prosperous because of God’s blessing on Jacob, and he didn’t want that to come to an end.

2. Even though Laban was an unbeliever, the Lord’s blessing on Jacob was seen in Laban’s life. “What you had before I came was little.” (Genesis 30:30). Laban became more prosperous as a result of Jacob’s presence with him.

3. Blessings came to the pagan Pharaoh and Egypt as a result of God’s blessing on Joseph’s life. See Genesis 41.

4. They are questionable practices of conduct. Jacob did not have to do shenanigans, nor did Abraham and Sarah to obtain the blessing of God on their lives.

5. All Laban cared about was his own advancement and wealth. He changed the contract to suit his purposes, without any concern for Jacob.

 

discuss / consider
1. The blessing of the Lord on the believer’s life ripples out to the unbeliever. This divine principle operates as a testimony to the unbeliever. Can you document this in a contemporary situation?

2. If you have people working for you, even around the home, consider what kind of a boss you are. The Christian employer should set a high standard. What kind of a testimony do you have because of your treatment of others?

 

consider
Do others see God’s hand of blessing on you, and on others because of you? Do others see Christ in you?

memorize

• “Send me away, that I may go to my own place and to my country.” Genesis 30:25

• “...the Lord has blessed me for your sake.” Genesis 30:27