Bartering

Genesis 30

A bit of bartering going on - Rachel barters for a few mandrake plants with her Leah.  Rachel gets the mandrakes - Leah gets a bit of private time with Abraham resulting in the birth of Issachar.  Lots of children in chapter 30 born to Abraham...  Most of his family was born while serving his father-in-law to pay for his brides - yet another exchange - work for wives.

Appears though that Abraham is getting a little tired of paying for these wives and after all these years he finds he's made Laban rich and he has nothing except for wives and children.  Nothing to support this large family with - dependent on his father-in-law - he strikes up another bargain with Laban, taking away all of the herd that is speckled or spotted. He ends up with a really nice sized herd. You have to read the chapter to see how that little miracle occured!

Jesus did a little bartering himself.  The stakes weren't mandrakes or herds - well maybe they were - herds of lost sheep.  On the cross, he gave his life for ours. 

I'm sitting in Durand, MI this morning and heading out in a few moments.  Anxious to get on the road and get back home and get prepared for the rest of the week... :)  Anxious to get back and share the events of the NALC Convocaton.  I don't have the patience that Jacob had - can you imagine working for your father-in-law for 14 years to pay the price you owe to marry his daughters?  That kind of patience I'm still working or rather God is still working on in me..  God's Peace be with you all...