1/29 Genesis 29:25

25 And in the morning, behold, it was Leah! And Jacob said to Laban, "What is this you have done to me? Did I not serve with you for Rachel? Why then have you deceived me?"


The obvious answer to the question in the above verse is that Jacob reaped what he had sown. He had deceived his own father into giving him the blessing due Esau, and now his uncle Laban has deceived him into marrying Leah. God has a way of helping us see our sins. He brings people into our lives that show us how we act toward Him. Jacob thought he could make deals with God while harboring hidden motives. (Genesis 28:20-21). God sees our hearts, and He will help us to see them too.

Laban saw that Jacob was a good worker and was blessed in what he did. That was why he tricked him into fourteen years of service to him. God will deal with Laban too. We see ourselves in others. Jacob will have to go through a long round of deceiving and being deceived before he faces his own heart. God is faithful to help us. It will cause us to be very frustrated, but it is for our eternal good.

Consider: Have you noticed a recurrent problem with the people God has brought into your life? Have you examined your heart to see if there is something there that you detest that is really at the root of your issues with others? Does it act as a mirror to show you what you are like to God? If the Holy Spirit has shown you the sin in your own heart, ask for forgiveness. Accept that forgiveness and pass it on to those who offend you.