Passage
Genesis 30:25-43 (ESV)
Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch
Acts 8:26-40
Key Verse: 8:35
Jacob Builds His Own House
Date: May. 4, 2015
Daily Bread
Key Verse: 30:30
First, Jacob sought wealth (25-34). Jacob completed the 14-year contract for his two wives. From birth, Jacob struggled to get something. He had wanted honor, so he got the birthright from Esau; he wanted the blessing and deceived his father; he wanted love, so he got Rachel--and three other wives, as well. Now Jacob turned his attention to money. Laban knew that Jacob was the key to God's blessing, so he negotiated a new contract with him. God, in his broad mind, shepherded Jacob and blessed all his labor.
Second, Laban's deception and God's blessing (35-43). Laban agreed to give Jacob the less desirable animals--the spotted, speckled, and dark ones. Then, before the flocks could be separated, he removed all such animals from his flock and gave them to his sons. Jacob worked hard to overcome Laban's treachery. He could succeed only because God blessed him.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for shepherding me even when I only seek your hand of blessing.
One Word: God is the source of blessing
