Oh to be born Rachel... Beautiful eyes, beautiful figure and I imagine a beautiful smile! I say beautiful smile because it’s easy to smile when everyone in your world treats you like you are something special. You can tell that Rachel’s father knew that she was a valuable girl, thinking he could use her as a bargaining tool to get more work out of Jacob… and he did. We can easily determine that Leah was probably very jealous of the way that Rachel was treated by the men in their family. How many of us have known of a situation where a woman is chosen not because of her “good works” but because of her “good looks?” I’m sure we have all seen it at one time or another. But aren’t you glad that God’s love for us isn’t tainted by the way we look? God is never impressed with outward appearance and His attachment to us will always be based on a love that goes much deeper than our skin. Don’t you wish that more men had that kind of depth and character? Well either way, one thing that I can surely minister to you today is that whether you are born a Leah or a Rachel, you still need God!
Man’s acceptance and approval surely feels good to us but it is a very weak substitute for faith. When it comes down to the big issues in life, we are going to need the help of someone much bigger than man. The biggest stumbling block in Rachel’s life was the one thing that most women want desperately. Because of the favor and acceptance that she had with man, Rachel didn’t know how to go to a higher power. When she couldn’t conceive a child, she sought the help of her maid and not God. Instead of praying, she cried out to her husband thinking that he could fix her! And when they finally left out on their journey, she stole the little fake gods from her father’s house that he worshipped (small wooden statues)?! Even though Rachel was desperate it seems that she had no earthly idea who it was that could really help her. I’m thinking that she should have paid more attention to the names that were given to Leah’s sons… Reuben (behold, God sees); Simeon (He has heard); Levi (attached to the Lord); Judah (let God be praised); Issachar (God's reward); and Zebulun (dwelling of honor)!
Rachel had a good start in life but no promise of one without any problems. Just because a woman looks like she has everything, doesn’t mean that she does! You wouldn’t have to take too many steps in her shoes to figure that out. No woman will be exempt from issues or pain in this life and a deeper look into that wisdom is a cure for much jealousy and envy. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that some women have it made or that maybe their life is easier or better. Every woman will have something to contend with and each of us will have something to overcome. A good ending will be all about who we decide to serve and make our God (remember there’s only one, the great I AM). Rachel did eventually seek and find the one true God and as He did with Leah, He heard from heaven and gave her children as well - two sons! She died giving birth the second time (sad) but in that sadness, she did leave a legacy that lives on today. Rachel’s agony over the state of her children is mentioned in the New Testament during the time that King Herod was seeking and attempting to kill Jesus. We are reminded that on her deathbed, Rachel left mothers everywhere a message: it is God who we can cry out to and He will hear, help and save. God’s love for Rachel was purer, greater and more beneficial to her than that of any man. How sad that it took her so long to figure it out. But I’m thinking, better late than never… Next week, Bilhah and Zilpah… Between Two Women.
Loving U Like a Sister,
Regina
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