The Powerless gods
Genesis 31:22–30 (NASB95)
22When it was told Laban on the third day that Jacob had fled, 23then he took his kinsmen with him and pursued him a distance of seven days’ journey, and he overtook him in the hill country of Gilead. 24God came to Laban the Aramean in a dream of the night and said to him, “Be careful that you do not speak to Jacob either good or bad.” 25Laban caught up with Jacob. Now Jacob had pitched his tent in the hill country, and Laban with his kinsmen camped in the hill country of Gilead. 26Then Laban said to Jacob, “What have you done by deceiving me and carrying away my daughters like captives of the sword? 27“Why did you flee secretly and deceive me, and did not tell me so that I might have sent you away with joy and with songs, with timbrel and with lyre; 28and did not allow me to kiss my sons and my daughters? Now you have done foolishly. 29“It is in my power to do you harm, but the God of your father spoke to me last night, saying, ‘Be careful not to speak either good or bad to Jacob.’ 30“Now you have indeed gone away because you longed greatly for your father’s house; but why did you steal my gods?”
Laban discovered Jacob’s secret departure and chased him through the hills of Gilead. Laban accused Jacob of deception and theft. He mourned the loss of his daughters, grandchildren, and especially his household gods. Laban’s complaint about his “gods” reveals a deep irony. If these idols had any real power, they would have protected themselves. Instead, Rachel stole them, hid them, and they did nothing. Laban’s gods could not speak, act, or defend their owner. They were silent and helpless.
God showed His true power. He warned Laban in a dream not to harm Jacob. God’s intervention protected Jacob and restrained Laban. While Laban’s idols sat powerless and hidden, the living God acted. God spoke, guided, and shielded His servant. The story exposes the emptiness of idols and the strength of the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Modern believers face their own powerless gods. Money, status, and possessions can become idols. These things cannot save, guide, or protect us. They can be lost or stolen in a moment. Only God remains faithful and strong. The church must trust God alone. He is not silent or weak, and He acts for His people. Let us turn away from anything that cannot save and put our hope in the living God who speaks, acts, and provides.