Pastor Julien Cyrus
But in the morning when Jacob awoke, it was Leah who was with him! And he said to Laban, “What is this that you have done to me? Was it not for Rachel that I served with you? Why then have you deceived me?” (Genesis 29:25).
Having agreed to work seven years for his uncle, Laban, in exchange for marrying his beautiful younger daughter, Rachel, Jacob manfully fulfilled his part, and Laban finally threw a wedding feast.
However, unknown to Jacob, the goalposts were moved under the cover of darkness and a heavy bridal veil as Laban switched his older daughter, Leah, into the marriage bed instead of Rachel.
The next morning, as Jacob loudly protested, Laban claimed that local custom prevented the younger daughter from marrying before the older one and forced Jacob to work another seven years to also marry Rachel.
Here, Jacob fell for a “bait and switch” scam, which consequently presented him with a completely different product than the one he originally envisaged.
We live in an increasingly deceptive world where false narratives are branded and marketed by smooth talk and flattery to deceive the gullible. In Eden, the serpent lured Eve into eating the forbidden fruit by assuring her: “You will not surely die: For God knows that when you eat from it, your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil” (Genesis 3:4-5). Of course, he lied!
Paul reveals that Satan disguises himself as an angel of light, and his servants as ministers of righteousness (2 Corinthians 11:14-15). John warns us not to accept things at face value, but to test their character to see whether they are from God (1 John 4:1).
With truth fast becoming a rare commodity, there is a crisis of trust. Everything must be substantially documented, whereas in the past, a simple handshake was adequate, and a man’s word was his bond.
To adequately survive this environment, Paul showcases the full armour of God in Ephesians chapter 6. This is not made of metal or some other strong material, but is 100 per cent information-based.
We need a belt of truth around our waist, and the breastplate of righteousness to cover our chest. Our feet should be fitted with the gospel of peace. We must hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery darts of the devil and take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, to complete our outfit.
To complement this, we must always pray in the Spirit and stay alert while we persistently intercede for all the saints (Ephesians 6:13-18).
We need the comfort of a relationship with someone who is unchanging, someone who never lies and is faithful through the ages (Titus 1:2).
Jesus, who is the way, the truth, and the life, is the only one who fills this void. He says, “All who came before me were thieves and robbers. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:8,27).
