The house of Jacob as we have studied, focusing on Rachel and Leah showed a disjointed family and the impact of favouritism. So, Leah and her servant produced a total of eight sons and a daughter. On the other hand, Rachel’s servant, as at this time, had produced two sons. When we thought the whole story was about to fold up, God showed up again. God had been in this family drama by enabling Leah to conceive when God saw that Jacob does not love Leah. Rachel, the favourite one, continued the cycle of childlessness. We learned that God does not approve of favouritism. We also learned that deception of any kind has the likelihood to cause more harm than good. After years of sister rivalry, God stepped into the story again. The truth is, it is only when God steps into your story and makes it His story that you will experience a divine turnabout. As long as you want to remain the author of your own life’s story, you hardly experience the wonders and miracles of God. Then God remembered Rachel; he listened to her and enabled her to conceive. She became pregnant and gave birth to a son and said, “God has taken away my disgrace.” (Genesis 30:22-23) Rachel had a difficult experience with childbearing and the experience made her bitter. However her story changed because God remembered her. Genesis 30:22-24 states that, “Then God remembered Rachel; he listened to her and enabled her to conceive. She became pregnant and gave birth to a son and said, “God has taken away my disgrace.” She named him Joseph, and said, “May the Lord add to me another son.” What a joy? After all the years that Rachel had been waiting to have a child, the Lord finally showed up. The joy in Rachel’s heart would have been contagious. Her son Joseph was no ordinary son. In the future, he would be a great person and save the world from famine. Joseph did not have an easy life. Just like his mum, he had to contend with his brothers until they finally got rid of him by selling him as a slave. Jacob once again became the source of Joseph’s woes. Jacob demonstrated favouritism towards Joseph just as he had shown towards Rachel and the result was far worse than we expected. For now, let’s celebrate with Rachel, God has been gracious to her. The story of Rachel reminds us to fully trust and rely on God for our life’s challenges. Rachel depended on Jacob to give her a child, she even contended for mandrakes to aid her to have a child. However, it was when God showed up in Rachel’s life that Joseph was born. The birth of Joseph would have been a delight to Rachel and Jacob. Their love would have been ignited again. Rachel’s deepest longing was met. As she looked into Joseph’s eyes, Rachel would have declared words of love and affection. I believe Rachel would have had great plans for her son. She was actually looking forward to having another son. When we look down on a man for help, we might be worn out by disappointment, delays, deceptions etc. However when we look up to God, He makes all things beautiful in His own time. His timing might not align with our timing but if we are steadfast and do not lose faith, God will show up big time for us. I don’t know what your expectations are but I am trusting God for mind-blowing testimonies. May God answer us speedily and may we put our trust in Him to rescue, deliver and provide for us. He is Jehovah Jireh (Yahweh yireh): The Lord will provide… Hallelujah.
top of page
bottom of page
Comments