When it was time for Jacob to return to his
homeland, he packed up and left his father-in-law’s home by making a hasty
retreat in the middle of the night. Jacob feared his father-in-law, who was
self-centered, controlling and manipulative. Leah and Rachel could not trust
their father to be fair and respectful.
When
Laban heard of their departure, he was sad and angry. He had been outwitted,
deceived and abandoned. Laban refused to ask himself, "What did I do to
cause this response from my daughters and son-in-law?" Self-examination is
crucial to healthy relationships. Lamentations 3:40 advises, "Let us
examine our ways and test them."
Refusal
to engage in self-examination leads to blaming others for our pain and problems. After
learning of Jacob’s departure, Laban set out to bring them back, but God had other plans. Laban had to face reality. He had lost control of Jacob and his family. Now
he was forced to face himself and the reality of God’s power, mercy and love.
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