Women of the Bibleনমুনা

Rachel

Do you ever wonder why women's outward appearance, the beauty, seems to get so much attention? We're rarely told about a man being "handsome"; and yet so often, a woman's beauty appears to play a massive role in her life events – think of Sarah, of Bathsheba, and today's focus, Rachel.

It seems to have been "love at first sight" for Jacob.

She must've known he agreed to work seven years for her father Laban in return for her hand in marriage. Yet she was forced into Laban's deception involving her sister Leah and ended up as his second wife. Even worse, Leah immediately began popping out sons, while Rachel remained barren (29:31) – not the position of preeminence she was accustomed to!

She blamed it on Jacob and furiously took matters into her own hands (30:1-3). (Can you recall a Bible episode where that turned out well??) Perhaps she was someone used to everything going her way? Greatly admired beauty can lead to that.

When the time came to return to Jacob's homeland, she stole her father's household idols, then sat upon them to keep him from finding them during his search (31:33-35). We do not read any scripture that shows an indication of her having a faith relationship with God.

1. What do you do when things don't go your way? Trust that God has a better plan, or decide to follow your own?

Prayer: Lord, help me to examine my true motives: pride or trust at work.