Year of the Bible: Part Two of Twelve Sample

Jacob's Family: A Study of Failure of Leadership.

This story is an account filled with rejection, jealousy, rivalry, and deceit. It portrays Jacob's weak leadership and how God can work in even the worst circumstances.

Leah, Jacob's first wife, was given to Jacob through a deceitful act of Laban, her father. Rachel, the wife Jacob loved, was given to Jacob to fulfill an employment contract he had with Laban. Leah was "unloved" by Jacob, but God showed his kindness to her by giving her children, which was considered a sign of God's blessing.

Being barren and inflamed with jealousy, Rachel took matters into her hands to obtain the goal of motherhood. She gave her maid to Jacob to have children through her. This act set off a cascade of wife swapping, family feuding, and strife that eventually ended with eleven children from four different women. Talk about a dysfunctional family! In all of this, Jacob did nothing to heal, reconcile or lead his family into harmony.

As you read through this story, what stands out to you? Do you notice the results of unloving action?

Question: We all influence our families. Are you aware of your God-given call to lead in your family? Do you, like Jacob, tend toward inaction, allowing dysfunction to guide your home and family?

Prayer Focus: Christ heals and reconciles people to Himself and each other. You have been given the ministry of reconciliation in Christ. God wants to use you to restore relationships, especially in your family, so ask Him for His help in these matters. Take care to walk in His wisdom and with His Spirit in each case.