Freed from the "Labans"

From Our Pastor's Desk

Guess what? Sooner or later, one will meet a “Laban” in life. If you haven’t, you will. Who are they? Back in the book of Genesis we read about the time when Jacob (who later became “Israel”) ran away from home. 

He’d lied to his brother and his life was in danger. So he traveled to his uncle’s house to find shelter there. His uncle Laban greeted him with a kiss. 

But it wasn’t a kiss of affection or love for a relative. It was the kiss of a man who knew he’d found a patsy. Laban saw in Jacob someone he could take advantage of… so he did. 

The Bible warns us about such people. In Proverbs 26:24-26, we’re told: “A malicious man disguises himself with his lips, but in his heart he harbors deceit. 

Though his speech is charming, do not believe him, for seven abominations fill his heart. His malice may be concealed by deception, but his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.” 

So many men/women could be very helpful but some could equally be very destructive. It is for this cause the Bible severally warns us on how we should deal with men. Not all men are bad/wicked but beware, do not put your confidence. 

Jesus said in Matthew 10:16-17 - “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. But beware of men…”  People, no matter how trustworthy they are now, will faint, get tired, and fail you. 

People break promises, betray you and they look for ways to break covenants. Micah 7:5-6: “Trust ye not in a friend, put ye not confidence in a guide: keep the doors of thy mouth from her that lieth in thy bosom. For the son dishonoureth the father, the daughter riseth up against her mother, the daughter in law against her mother in law; a man's enemies are the men of his own house.” 

The prophet then resolved, “Therefore I will look unto the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation…” God has given us the way out. 

He has freed us from the “Labans” of this world. Let’s put our trust totally in God. As we trust in the LORD, we shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever, in Jesus mighty Name. Amen.  

You will have a great turn-around this 2020. 

Remain blessed.  

Shalom.