Tricking the Trickster

July 30, 2017 Tricking the Trickster Genesis 29:15-28 Synopsis: Jacob was a “trickster” from the beginning. He rode out of his mother’s womb holding on to the heal of his larger, stronger twin brother Esau (Genesis 25:23-26). That is how he got his name (heel grabber). Then Jacob got Esau to sell him His birthright for a bowl of lentil or red stew (Genesis 25:27-34). Next (Genesis 27) Jacob, with the aid of his mother, tricked Isaac into giving him the blessing that Isaac intended to give to Esau. Shortly after that trick, with his brother making plans to kill him, Rebekah sent Jacob out of the country to her brother’s family to find a bride. I have very little doubt that Rebekah sent Jacob off with a warning, “Watch out for Laban.” Jacob, the “Trickster,” met his match in his uncle Laban and it costs him. Jacob worked seven years and then seven more to earn Rachel as his wife. Tricking the trickster revealed the truth about him. The one thing Jacob had that he never lost was his love for Rachel. The Lord Blessed Laban during all those years that Jacob served him for the have Rachel. He didn’t want those blessings to end, but this time Jacob turned the table on the trickster. Jacob made a deal with Laban to take only the weak and speckled animals for his wages in caring for Laban’s herds. As a result, he left a very rich man. You and I all know people who found out that Satan is an evil trickster. They thought they could make a deal and get what they wanted only to find out that the “Trickster” had tricked them. Don’t be fooled. The secret to taking down “The Trickster” is to keep your eyes on the eternal treasure God has already prepared for all those who believe (Matthew 13:44; 6:19-21). Text (NLT): Genesis 29:15-28, Matthew 13:44; 6:19-21 Scripture Reading: Romans 8:26-28, NLT