Hidden Treasure

44 “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field." (Matthew 13:44)

What is your most valued possession? For what or whom would you give everything you have?

For Jacob, after making a vow to honor God with a tenth of all God gives him, it seems he has found the one for whom he would give all - Rachel. In Genesis 29, Jacob makes his way to his uncle, Laban. He arrives, first, at a well, and asks those gathered there if they know of his uncle. As they are talking, they see Rachel (she's a shepherd!) approaching the well with her father's sheep. This scene brings to mind Jacob's mother, Rebecca (Laban's sister), coming to the well when Abraham's servant was looking for a wife for Isaac. It seems likely that Jacob knew this story, as well. Even so, Jacob lives with, and works for, Laban for a month without saying anything about wanting Rachel's hand until Laban finally asks Jacob to name his wages.

It's Jacob who offers to work seven years for Rachel's hand.

Jacob seems to be working very hard to behave honorably, and not continue the deceitful ways his mother encouraged in him. However, he has met his match in Laban. After working seven years, Jacob asks for Rachel, but is given a veiled Leah (her younger sister) instead. Jacob objects (AFTER spending the night with Leah), and is given Rachel after agreeing to spend the week with Leah, and work another seven years. In the face of Laban's deceit, Jacob remains faithful. Perhaps the real hidden treasure was Jacob's changed heart and his new God-honoring life.

45 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls.46 When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it."

(Matthew 13:45-46)