Genesis 30:32-36: a reflection

32I will pass through all your flock today, removing from there every speckled and spotted one, and every black one among the sheep, and the spotted and speckled among the goats. This will be my hire. 33So my righteousness will answer for me hereafter, when you come concerning my hire that is before you. Every one that is not speckled and spotted among the goats, and black among the sheep, that might be with me, will be considered stolen.” 34Laban said, “Behold, let it be according to your word.” 35That day, he removed the male goats that were streaked and spotted, and all the female goats that were speckled and spotted, every one that had white in it, and all the black ones among the sheep, and gave them into the hand of his sons. 36He set three days’ journey between himself and Jacob, and Jacob fed the rest of Laban’s flocks.

Jacob, working for his uncle Laban, proposes a fair arrangement about his wages: he will take only the speckled and spotted animals from the flocks as his pay. Laban agrees, but then immediately undercuts the deal, removing all the speckled and spotted animals himself and putting a three-day journey between them, so that Jacob starts with nothing. It is one more instance of Laban's persistent trickery; he had cheated Jacob before, and he cheats him again, trying to ensure Jacob gains as little as possible.

Notice Jacob's situation: he is dealing with a man who repeatedly treats him unfairly, changing the terms, stacking the deck, cheating him at every turn. Laban was family, and an employer, and yet dishonest and self-serving in his dealings with Jacob. It is a hard position, to labor faithfully under someone who keeps dealing with you unfairly. But the story that follows shows that God prospered Jacob anyway; despite Laban's tricks, God blessed Jacob and increased his flocks.

There is quiet encouragement in that for anyone who labors under unfair treatment. Sometimes we work faithfully for people who deal with us dishonestly, who change the terms, take advantage, cheat us of what is fair. It is discouraging, and it can feel as though we will never get ahead against such treatment. But Jacob's story shows that God is able to provide and prosper us even when others deal unfairly. Your advancement does not finally depend on the fairness of those over you, but on God, who can bless you despite others' cheating. When you are treated unfairly, do your work faithfully, and trust the God who prospered Jacob under Laban to provide for you too.

Lord, Jacob labored under Laban, who repeatedly cheated him and changed the terms, yet you prospered Jacob anyway. When I work under unfair treatment, under people who deal dishonestly, take advantage, or cheat me of what is fair, keep me from discouragement and bitterness. Remind me that my provision does not finally depend on the fairness of those over me, but on you, who blessed Jacob despite Laban's tricks. Help me do my work faithfully, and trust you to provide for me, even when others deal unfairly. You are my provider.