As we arrive at Genesis 29, Jacob’s story balances on two paradoxical factors. On the one hand, God has promised to bless Jacob with the blessing of Abraham and Isaac. On the other hand, Jacob has behaved with cunning manipulation rather than faith. He exploited his brother’s desperation to buy the birthright, and he deceived his elderly, blind father to steal the blessing. Why should this scoundrel benefit from God’s blessing? Will the man whom God has chosen ultimately tarnish God’s glory? Should we think less of God for moving forward with a man such as Jacob? And if not Jacob, then who will God accomplish God’s mission in the world?

God knows exactly what Jacob has done. God will not ignore Jacob’s sin, but neither will God remove Jacob from his plan of redemption. Rather, God will discipline Jacob. As the Apostle Paul reminds us, “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap” (Gal. 6:7). In Genesis 29, Jacob will reap from his uncle Laban what he has sowed in his own, immediate family. By this discipline, God avoids condoning Jacob’s sin and he avoids rejecting Jacob altogether. Furthermore, God is not distracted by this discipline, as though this were a deviation in his plan for redeeming the world. On the contrary, God uses this discipline for his purposes. Indeed, Genesis 29 teaches that God fulfills his promises through discipline.