Recently, I have been studying
the life of Abraham through the life of Joseph. It has been a great study,
even though I have heard and read these stories over and over again. It is
amazing how God’s word always has something new to teach you. This time
as I read the focus was about encountering God rather than experiencing the
blessings of God (even though the blessings took place).
The lives of these men and women
are so prevalent to us today. Like us, each had their struggles such as,
marital issues, dysfunctional families, struggled with generational sins,
celebrated birthdays, babies were born, experienced loneliness and lack of
contentment, prosperity took place, called to leave their families to start a
life in a new place, etc. During all the craziness that went on in the lives
of this family, God still showed up. He showered them with His blessings, His
steadfast love, His mercy, His protection, His faithfulness, His provision, His
goodness, etc. However, the most important thing is that they encountered
God.
As I read about the individuals
who are the focus of these stories, I found my attention more on the women who
were highlighted. These women had encounters with God, yet, they did not
allow these encounters to affect their lives for the long-term. It saddened me
to read about their dissatisfaction, their controlling habits, and their
manipulations each allowed and acted out in their lives. Their actions greatly
affected those around them, especially the behavior of Leah and Rachel.
Granted these two women were thrust into a situation that was not ideal,
however, this did not excuse their conduct. Here we have two women, two
sisters, who longed for what they did not have. Leah desired her
husband’s love, but was blessed with many sons were she found short-lived
happiness. To Leah, her sons were meant to force Jacob’s attachment to
her. Rachel had Jacob’s love, but she did not appreciate it and blamed
him for not giving her the sons she thought would bring her happiness. The
focus of these two women was on the object or objects they wanted to acquire
not on what it should have been. Each woman wanted what they didn’t have
and missed out what they did have; missing out on God Himself.
How often do we desire the
blessings from God or the things we want God to bless us with and ignore the
encounters we have had with Him? Take time out today to encounter Him, not
what He can give you on a tangible level. Believe me you will find that your
encounters with Him are far more precious and long lasting.
Read Genesis 29:31-Genesis
30:1-24 for Leah and Rachel’s story.
Read Genesis 12-Genesis 50 for
the whole story.
