Links for today’s readings:
Read: Genesis 31 Listen: (7:47), Read: Mark 9 Listen: (6:16)
Scripture Focus: Genesis 31.28-29
28 You didn’t even let me kiss my grandchildren and my daughters goodbye. You have done a foolish thing. 29 I have the power to harm you; but last night the God of your father said to me, ‘Be careful not to say anything to Jacob, either good or bad.’
Reflection: Fear and Power, Power and Fear
By John Tillman
The short list of people in scripture God spoke to in a dream gets shorter when we exclude people who worshiped God.
Abimelek was the first non-worshiper God spoke to in a dream. (Genesis 20.3-7) Laban is the second. In both cases, the followers of God deceived the powerful men because they feared violence and the men received a warning from God. Perhaps the last non-worshiper warned in a dream was Pilate’s wife. She begged Pilate not to “have anything to do” with the innocent man, Jesus. (Matthew 27.19)
Laban warned Jacob, and Pilate warned Jesus, that they had the power to harm them. (Genesis 31.29; John 19.10) In Laban’s case, he turned from whatever violence may have been in his heart to settle for scolding Jacob and complaining about the theft of his household gods. In Pilate’s case, he tried to settle for having Jesus flogged and released. But in the end, he was more fearful of political forces than of his wife’s dream. (John 19.12-16)
We will face many enemies threatening us with their power, often using language similar to Pilate’s and Laban’s. “I have the power to harm you.” “Be smart. Submit.” “I’m the authority here.” “You’ll regret disobedience.” Some may use God’s name to cause fear and assert power. “This is God’s will.” “He’s God’s man.” “You better get on God’s side.”
Fear and power. Power and fear. They go together. Fear is both a means to gain power and a tool to maintain power. In both cases, fear manipulates others into weapons.
Have you been threatened by the powerful? Have you been told by the powerful who to fear? Have you been weaponized by fear?
We may have reason to fear. We may need escape. We may need shelter. In some cases, like Jacob, we may not be wholly innocent. We can rely on God who proves to be a shelter from the powerful for the fearful—even those who aren’t blameless.
Like Laban, perhaps we have rashly set out to act in fear. We fear loss of power, community, or family. Let us hear the warning of God who protects those pursued by the powerful, and have mercy on the fearful.
Because of Jesus, we need not fear power. Like our Lord, no one can have power over us if not given from above and no power, not even death, can separate us from the love, care, and shelter of Christ.
Divine Hours Prayer: The Request for Presence
Bow down your ear, O Lord, and answer me, for I am poor and in misery.
Keep watch over my life, for I am faithful; save your servant who puts his trust in you. — Psalm 86.1-2
– From The Divine Hours: Prayers for Autumn and Wintertime by Phyllis Tickle.
Read more: Urgent Desire for More
Do we trust what we will inherit by giving up our worldly possessions to benefit others?
Read more: Hot-Button Conundrums
The right answer to difficult issues is not always in “the middle.” But Jesus stands in the center of God’s will.