Reading Through The Bible: Number 60
While Abraham had waited for 100 years to have his son Isaac, it becomes apparent that his brother Nahor had not had such a long wait. Nahor’s son Bethuel has children, including Laban and Rebekah, who are marriageable age. In answer to earnest prayer by Abraham’s servant, God reveals that Rebekah is to be Isaac’s wife.
In the wings waits Laban her brother. I find it interesting that the record states in Exodus 24:30 that Laban instantly noticed the golden nose ring and golden bracelets on Rebekah!
Laban fully reveals his covetous, hard-dealing nature years later as he deals deceitfully with Isaac’s son Jacob!
What a curse is covetousness! Today covetousness is not only socially acceptable but widely encouraged! A grasping selfish nature leads to a life of misery for both its possessor and those with whom they have to do and reveals a nature which is quite the opposite to that of Jesus. Some names that come to mind as I think of covetousness are Achan, Balaam, Ananias and Saphira, Judas, and the master of them all, Lucifer who covets the very honour and worship due only to God.
Jesus, in both His holy law and during His life on earth, spells out the evil of covetousness: “Thou shalt not covet” the tenth commandment says, while in Luke He says: “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.” (Luke 12:15) and in Acts 20:35: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
Colossians 3:5 Calls covetousness “Idolatry” and Hebrews 13:5 says: “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
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Have a great day!