How does Jacob's experience in Genesis 31:6 relate to Colossians 3:23-24? Jacob’s Service Under Laban — Genesis 31:6 • “You know that I have served your father with all my strength.” • Jacob’s record: twenty years of herding in harsh climates, night watches, and repeated wage changes (see 31:7, 38–40). • He remained diligent even when Laban acted unfairly. Paul’s Charge to Believers — Colossians 3:23-24 • “Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men, because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” • Addressed to bond-servants, yet applicable to every vocation. Key Connections • Wholehearted effort – Jacob: “with all my strength.” – Colossians: “with your whole being.” • Audience of the work – Jacob worked before Laban but consciously under God’s watch (31:42). – Believers work “for the Lord and not for men.” • Reward system – God corrected Laban’s injustice by multiplying Jacob’s flocks (31:9). – The Lord guarantees an “inheritance” to faithful workers. • Perseverance under unjust masters – Jacob endured manipulation. – Paul anticipates inequity, yet redirects focus to Christ’s lordship. Timeless Principles for Today • Work is worship; every task can honor the Lord (1 Corinthians 10:31). • God sees hidden faithfulness and repays justly (Hebrews 6:10). • Mistreatment by people cannot cancel God’s promised inheritance (Ephesians 6:5-8). • Diligence under pressure builds testimony and invites divine favor (Proverbs 14:23; Galatians 6:9). Living It Out 1. Serve with full energy, even when oversight is imperfect. 2. Anchor motivation in pleasing Christ rather than securing human applause. 3. Trust God to balance the scales when compensation or credit seems lacking. |
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