BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU ASK THE LORD GOD TO DO

Proclamation:

“Laban said, ‘This heap is a witness between you and me today.’  That is why it was called Galeed.  It was also called Mizpah, because he said, ‘May The Lord keep watch between you and me when we are away from each other.’”  Genesis 31:48-49 (NIV)

Explanation:

These are the words of God which were written by Moses under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  Jacob worked for his father-in law, Laban for twenty years, seven years before he was tricked into marrying Leah, seven more years in order to have Rachel as his wife, then six years as his dowry for Rachel.  During that time Jacob fathered twelve children, four with his wife, Leah, two with Rachel’s servant Bilhah, two with Leah’s servant, Zilpah, then three more with Leah, and one with his wife Rachel. (Genesis 29:31 to Genesis 30:24)  When Jacob wanted to leave, he and Laban did not part company on good terms.  They divided the herds of sheep, goats, and cattle between them, with the spotted and streaked animals going to Jacob and the solid color ones remained with Laban. (Genesis 30:32-35)  However God caused Jacob’s animals to be healthier and more productive than Laban’s animals. (Genesis 32:11-12)  Jacob left with all that he had while Laban was away and when he found out he pursued Jacob and caught him in the hills of Gilead.  After a lengthy discussion they ended with the agreement above.  The heap was a pillar of stones and basically a line in the sand which they both agreed not to cross.

Application:

This text has often been used as a benediction at the end of worship services.  However, this is not a blessing, this was more of a curse between two men who did not trust each other and they wanted The Lord God to punish the other if they broke their agreement.  These words are more appropriately spoken to someone that you don’t trust when they will be out of your sight.  This is more of a request for God to punish someone who breaks a promise to you.  However, we should be careful when we ask The Lord God to punish someone for doing wrong.  We are to forgive people of their trespasses and wrong doings as we are forgiven for ours by our Heavenly Father. (Matthew 6:14-15)  We should remember that Jesus, The Christ, told Peter that we ought to forgive our brother who sins against us not seven times but “seventy times seven” times. (Matthew 18:21-22)