Laban had gone to shear his sheep, and Rachel stole her father’s household gods. Genesis 31:19
Author God,
What a story, a true story,
you have given us in your Word.
For all of those reading through the Bible in a year,
we have now gone through much of Genesis,
and we are dumbstruck by all of
the murder, hatred, envy, robbery, lying, and cheating —
by the very people you have promised to bless.
In just part of the true story,
Jacob cheats Esau; Laban cheats Jacob.
Leah is despised; Rachel envies Leah.
Rachel steals her father’s household gods,
then lies about them when he comes looking for them (Genesis 27-31).
As we read your whole Story of grace,
we see people like ourselves,
people who feel envious,
people who cover up the truth sometimes,
people who trick or manipulate others
to get what they want,
people who hate and people who feel hated.
And yet, what we see in this Story over and over again
is you, the faithful, steadfastly loving,
merciful, and forgiving God
who continues to call your people
to be fruitful and multiply,
who sent your Son to forgive and cleanse us
from our sins once and for all.
Give us a deep love
for the truth and hope in your redeeming Word.
In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Read Genesis.
