“What Goes Around Comes Around!”
The account of Jacob and his Uncle Laban in Genesis 29:18-30 is a classic example of the adage “what goes around comes around.” Jacob, who had deceived his father into giving him the blessing that rightfully belonged to his older brother Esau by wearing the skins of a goat, awakens “the morning after” his wedding night only to find himself thoroughly “skinned” by his uncle. Just how Laban was able to pull off the switcheroo between the gorgeous Rachel and the . . . well . . . not so gorgeous Leah will no doubt remain a mystery, although when overconsumption of alcohol is involved no other explanation may be required.
As outside observers, we take distinct pleasure in this “Eastwood-ian” type of justice. Although the narrator is intentionally kind in his description, it is quite obvious that Leah was . . . well . . . “not much to look at.” So when we watch the moonstruck stallion wake up face to face with his worst nightmare, we can almost hear Laban whispering raspily through gritted teeth, “Go ahead, punk! Make my day!”
I have to admit that the carnal side of me experienced not a little satisfaction to see that Jacob didn’t simply get away with his schikanery. Retributive justice for the sinner brings me delight . . . except when I’m the sinner; then I plead for mercy. Sometimes we “pay” for our sins by experiencing the logical consequences of our actions, but we can never “atone” for our sins; atonement is acquired only through forgiveness.
This account presents multiple opportunities for forgiveness. Laban offended Jacob by tricking him, but he also offended Rachel and Leah—though in different ways. Jacob offended Leah by choosing Rachel over her. I’m guessing that Leah offended Jacob by her complicity in the deception. Oh what a tangled web we mortals weave!!
The desire to make right the wrong one has done is a sure sign of true repentance; the desire to make right the wrong others have done is a sign of pure love. Ever the champion of the weak, God is constantly at work to right all wrongs. Here’s how His love is displayed in the case of Leah: “When God saw that Leah was unloved, he enabled her to become pregnant, while Rachel remained childless” (Genesis 29:31). May God give us the inclination and the power to forgive others as fully and completely as he graciously (and daily!) forgives us. And may we join Him in His mission to make right the wrongs of this world!
