Personal Relationships

But Laban said to him, “If I have found favor in your eyes, please stay. I have learned by divination that the LORD has blessed me because of you.” Genesis 30:27

Jacob has been in Haran for at least 14 years. He is married to both of his uncle Laban’s daughters, has 11 children, and wants to return back to his homeland. He tells Laban to send him on his way. Under Jacob’s care Laban’s livestock increased greatly and he has been blessed by the Lord wherever Jacob has been. Laban pleads with Jacob to stay, that he has learned “by divination that the Lord has blessed me because of you.” Laban knew who the Lord is, but there is no indication he has a relationship with the Lord. Later, he acknowledges that the Lord is the God of Abraham, the God of Nahor (Abraham’s brother and Laban’s father) and the God of their father (Terah). But still, Laban has his own gods and uses divination. How quickly a relationship with God can change when it is based on family relationships rather than personal relationships. Relationships need work to stay strong. Keep working at your’s.