Nougat 20

In Jamaica, there’s a term we use that’s derived from an English word, but conveys a bit more than the original description. A curmudgeon is simply a bad-tempered person. But the Jamaican adjective ‘kumoogin’ (or is it cumooxhin?) speaks to someone who who is stingy and mean spirited. Ever met such a one? In today’s Holy Nougat, one such person comes to mind.

“For you had very little before I came, and it has been busting at the seams in abundance. So ADONAI blessed you with my every step. So now, when am I myself going to make something for my household also?”” Genesis‬ ‭30:30‬ ‭TLV‬‬

Laban, the subject of the rant and the source of Jacob’s misery was plainly cumoochin. He was also a ginnal (trickster … not to be confused with genial), and seemed to have out-tricked the master trickster with the bride switcharoo.

But he underestimated his opponent. He failed to realize that Jacob had a brain as well as practical farm skills. He was about to be played.

You see, there’s also a saying, ‘every unfair game plays twice’. It suggests that Justice must prevail.

From the nougat we realize that Laban’s wealth, stock and business investment, grew exponentially under Jacob’s management. And though in one sense Jacob was ‘free’ to leave, the terms of his contract necessitated him working for 14 years without wages, as dowry for his wives. He was as poor as he arrived, but his family had grown from 1 (himself only) to many – 4 wives and nearly three times as many children! In his victimized state, Jacob bided his time so he could leave permanently. The onlookers may have pegged him as a fool to remain with Laban for another 6 years. But Jacob HAD a game plan.

And that’s the lesson for each of us. No matter how blessed or untenable our situation, we NEED a game plan. It is not enough to sit in our spaces and not prepare for contingencies – Covid taught us that. We must prayerfully seek God’s face for direction even when the going is great. (And, if the going is rough, that’s more reason to pray for God’s mercy and direction).

And, when we see someone in an untenable situation; or when faced with a curmudgeon or someone as cumoochin as Laban; remember that we place the curmudgeon in God’s care, and by God’s grace seek to help the victimized.

Stay strong, stay safe, and if not – stay in God’s peace

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May all we seek be found in Christ