Genesis 29:31-30:28
Jacob wiped the sweat from his brow. One of the shepherds sighed. "Sure is hot today."
Jacob glanced back across the pasture toward the house and noticed his sons playing a game. "The Lord has bless me with many sons
in such short time."The shepherd sat on a nearby rock. "I remember the day Reuben was born. Leah was so surprised she shouted, 'Look! I have a son!'"
Jacob leaned against his staff. "He was barely walking when Simeon was born. Those boys sure kept Leah busy. They fought like two lion cubs."
The shepherd smiled. "Since then Levi and Judah, Dan and Naphtali, Gad and Asher, Issachar and Zebulun joined your family. Sure is a healthy bunch of boys."
"True." Jacob picked up his staff and guided a lamb back to the flock. "When I'm released from my service to Laban, I'll set up a home back in the land God gave to my family. With the help of those boys, we should live as kings."
The shepherd swallowed some water and stood. "Look, there's your little girl toddling out to the boys. She'd better watch out or they'll run into her."
Jacob laughed. "Oh, don't worry about Dinah. She's a tough girl. If she isn't near the action, she cries. Even at her young age she demands the best and the most popular things."
Jacob wiped the sweat again and returned to his work. The wind whistled through the trees and the sheep bleated. Through the sounds he heard his name and turned.
A servant ran toward him. "Jacob, Jacob"
"What's wrong?"
The servant stood for a second and caught his breath. "Your wife, Rachel, has given birth to a son. She said to tell you--his name is 'Joseph'"
Jacob leaped and clapped his hands. "A son? My beautiful Rachel has given me a son? I've waited so long for a son from her."
The servant smiled. "Yes. His name is Joseph."
Jacob ran back to the house laughing. "My Rachel has given me a son. My beautiful Rachel has given me a son."
The nurse greeted him by the door. "Shhh! You'll scare the baby."
Jacob crept closer to his son. He touched the baby's hand. "Tomorrow, my little one, ends the seven years of service to your grandfather. It's time we go to the land God has given to our family, don't you think?"
Baby Joseph squeaked then yawned. Jacob smiled. "My son."
The next day, Jacob met with Laban. "The time has come, Uncle. I've served my seven years as we agreed. You know I've done honest work that has prospered you. I want to take my wives and children back to the land God has given my family."
Laban trembled. He stepped closer to Jacob. "No. Please stay. Please, if I have found any favor in your eyes. Jacob, my son, I have learned by experience that the Lord has blessed me because of your you. You must stay. You could raise your family here with us."
Laban set his arm on Jacob's shoulder. "Name you price. I'll pay anything. Only, please stay."
What will Jacob do? Should he stay at his uncle's and continue working for him or should he go back to the land God gave his family? Will Laban lie to him again?
Some decisions are hard to make. We might wonder which choice we should make. What could we do to help us decide?
27 comments:
Go to the land of GOD.
i loved it.
he should go back to the land god gave him
That was a good story.
SHANNON TRAVIS 1-27-10
i think he should go back to the land God gave him.Michael
I am sure Jacob will go to the land God gave his family.Austin Jordan
Dear mery vee,How i would help i would help by doing clening my room.And clening the house &helping my Dad by helping him with the horses!!!!!!!
LOVE
GENTRY
That was the best one.To help us decide we tell God and say which ones best.from Brett.
I think he should go to the land that
God gave him. The man will probably like it.
From
Jade
jacob sould go to the land God has given him and
not go back to his uncle. Laben may lie to him
love lacey
He should not stay with his uncle. Maybe Laban will lie to him again. He should live in the land God gave to him.
Love,
Maddi
Dear Mary vee,I somtimes have tough choises.I try
to think it through.I think Laban just wants Jacob
there to do things for him.I also think Jacob will move away.
love,Delaney
He could pray to God to see which decision was better. Maybe Laban will trick him again.
Ella
Will Laban trick him again? But he might not. Laban sounds very eager for him to stay. But which decision will Jacob choose?
Bye,
Tommy
Do you mean the land God chose for his family? The promised land?
A good answer. Here is another question for you. Where is this land and why should he go there?
Thank you, Shannon.
Good answer, Michael.
You must know what happens next, Austin!
Helping your dad with the horses sounds like a fun project, Gentry. Other kids that I know who have horses really like taking care of them. Of course, cleaning your room will probably make your parents happy, too:)
God likes to talk with us. Yes, you can tell Him what you would like to do. But, sometimes, God asks us to do things differently. If he listen and obey, we will see that God's way is best.
Words of wisdom, Jade. :)
I think you are right. Laban has lied to him already, which makes him a sneaky fellow and not trustworthy.
Maddi,
Good answer. Sometimes we don't want to be at our school, our siblings, and our friends. God has given them to us like God gave Jacob the land.
Delaney, Your answer is very wise.
Ella,
Good answer. But do you think Jacob already knew God's answer? When he lived at home with his dad Isaac and his mom, Rebekah, do you think they talked about the land God gave them and God's desire for them not to leave?
Tommy,
A very good question. Sounds like you are thinking through what might happen. Here is a clue. Read the questions I wrote for Ella.
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