Title: Seek Permission
Memorize: You shall not steal. Exodus 20:15 (Nkjv)
Bible Reading: Genesis 31:30-34 (Nkjv)
[30] And now you have surely gone because you greatly long for your father’s house, but why did you steal my gods?”
[31] Then Jacob answered and said to Laban, “Because I was afraid, for I said, ‘Perhaps you would take your daughters from me by force.’
[32] With whomever you find your gods, do not let him live. In the presence of our brethren, identify what I have of yours and take it with you.” For Jacob did not know that Rachel had stolen them.
[33] And Laban went into Jacob’s tent, into Leah’s tent, and into the two maids’ tents, but he did not find them. Then he went out of Leah’s tent and entered Rachel’s tent.
[34] Now Rachel had taken the household idols, put them in the camel’s saddle, and sat on them. And Laban searched all about the tent but did not find them.
Message:
Stealing is taking something that does not belong to you without permission.
Many children assume that they have the right to take their parents’ belongings without asking, just because they are part of the family; this is wrong.
Every item in a home has its purpose, and taking something that belongs to someone without consent can disrupt plans and cause unintended consequences.
In today’s Bible reading, Rachel took her father’s idols without his knowledge. Not only did she steal them, but she also denied it when confronted.
The result was tragic her husband unknowingly placed a curse on the thief, which ultimately led to her untimely death (Genesis 35:16-19).
This story serves as a warning; taking what does not belong to you can bring serious consequences.
My dear child, if you are in the habit of taking things from your parents or friends without permission, I implore you to stop that habit today.
Also, if you are not granted permission to take something, do not rebel. Instead, be content and make do with whatever you have at that moment.
Action Point:
If you have taken anything from anyone without permission, return it today and ask for his or her forgiveness.
HYMN 3: ALL TO JESUS I SURRENDER
1 All to Jesus I surrender,
All to Him I freely give;
I will ever love and trust Him,
In His presence daily live.
Refrain:
I surrender all, I surrender all;
All to Thee, my blessed Savior,
I surrender all.
2 All to Jesus I surrender,
Make me, Savior, wholly Thine;
Let me feel Thy Holy Spirit,
Truly know that Thou art mine. [Refrain]
3 All to Jesus I surrender,
Lord, I give myself to Thee;
Fill me with Thy love and power,
Let Thy blessing fall on me. [Refrain]
Bible In One Year: Mark 15:27-47, Deuteronomy 28
Authors: Pastor E. A. Adeboye and Pastor Folu Adeboye