October 9, 2026 -- Day Nine of Joy: Genesis 31:27

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

And Laban said to Jacob, “What have you done, that you have tricked me and driven away my daughters like captives of the sword? Why did you flee secretly and trick me, and did not tell me, so that I might have sent you away with mirth and songs, with tambourine and lyre?”
Genesis 31:27 ESV
 
The word mirth is a translation of the Hebrew word joy. The English word mirth means laughter, pleasure and celebration. That is a great description of joy. Strangely, this first use of the word joy in the Bible is not a celebration, but an accusation. It is almost a threat, anger because of the possibility of joy that has been robbed by the actions of Jacob.
 
Perhaps you know the story. Jacob, whose name means liar or deceiver, worked for his uncle Laban for seven years so that he could marry the love of his life, Rachel. Laban himself was a trickster, and on the wedding night gave Jacob the older sister Leah instead of Rachel. Not sure how that could have been missed by Jacob. Guessing there was a clever use of veils and never unveiling the bride until, jolly with wine, Jacob bedded his new bride. Then he worked for another seven years to secure the hand of Rachel in marriage. What a mess.
 
Joy is absent because of deception.
Joy is absent because of the layers of lies.
Joy is absent because men and women refused to face up to the consequences of their actions before God Who is holy and true.
Joy is absent, in fact hostility is so inflamed, that the men must set up a heap of stones at a boundary point so that if either one of them crossed it with angry intent, God would judge between them.
 
It is an allegory, a depiction of God and His people. It clearly shows what could have been. No wonder Jesus, “who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross” (Hebrews 12:2 ESV).
Joy is restored because Jesus bore away the punished of God’s sin.
Joy is restored and deceptions are atoned for, relationships can be healed in Christ.
Joy is restored because the consequences of human actions have been made right in Christ and believers can find a way forward, if they are in Christ.
Joy is restored so fully that a boundary, a dividing wall of hostility has been removed and believers can walk in true community.
 
A story of what was not, prepares the reader for the greater glory of Jesus’ work.
A story of what was not, makes the heart of the reader open to the work of the Holy Spirit to bring to the believer the riches of the storehouse of heaven.
 
Holy Father You are the foundation of joy for all who believe.
Holy Jesus You are the source of joy for all who trust in You.
Holy Spirit You are the deposit of joy, guarding it within us until the fullest, eternal expression of joy is ours in the new heavens and new earth. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/Ty8tw7ydxB4?si=yyit1dLytvH4ZrxE

 

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