Scripture to Read: Genesis 31:43-55
In today's devotion, we see a covenant made between Jacob and Laban. While Laban claimed everything Jacob had was his, Laban does suggest to Jacob that the two of them should make a covenant. This covenant would be a promise that neither of them would seek to harm the other from that day forward. The covenant between Jacob and Laban was meant to be a witness (Genesis 31:44), the heap was to be a witness (Genesis 31:47, 52), and the pillar was to be a witness (Genesis 31:52). The words spoken in their covenant and the landmarks displayed were a testimony of what Jacob and Laban agreed upon. If Jacob failed to be faithful, he would have to deal with the most important witness of them all, God (Genesis 31:50, 53). Jacob responded to Laban by swearing to the covenant and offering a sacrifice. Genesis 31 ends with Jacob and his family parting ways with Laban. The covenant Jacob and Laban made began to be lived out as they departed from each other. We will never be asked to create a covenant exactly like these two men, but we can see these "witnesses" of this covenant encourage us to be a witness of a greater covenant, the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. The cross is a witness that Jesus died for our sins, and the empty tomb is a witness that He is alive! As we witness the picture and power of the gospel, may we share our testimony of what God has done for us!
Challenge & Application
1. How are the cross and empty tomb witnesses of the covenant God has made with His people?
2. Who can you share your Christian testimony with this week?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!