Relationship Lessons From Leah and Rachel's Family Lifeنموونە

Now at the time of wheat harvest Reuben [the eldest child] went and found some mandrakes in the field, and brought them to his mother Leah. Then Rachel said to Leah, “Please give me some of your son’s mandrakes.” But Leah answered, “Is it a small thing that you have taken my husband? Would you take away my son’s mandrakes also?” So Rachel said, “Jacob shall sleep with you tonight in exchange for your son’s mandrakes.” When Jacob came in from the field in the evening, Leah went out to meet him and said, “You must sleep with me [tonight], for I have in fact hired you with my son’s mandrakes.” So he slept with her that night. God listened and answered [the prayer of] Leah, and she conceived and gave birth to a fifth son for Jacob. Then God remembered [the prayers of] Rachel, and God thought of her and opened her womb [so that she would conceive]. So she conceived and gave birth to a son; and she said, “God has taken away my disgrace and humiliation.” She named him Joseph (may He add) and said, “May the LORD add to me another son.” Genesis 30:14-17;22-24(AMP)

Jacob loved Rachel alone, yet he slept with Leah and his wives' handmaids. Sexual relationships mean different things to people. Some have sexual relations to procreate, express love, or fill a void only God can fill. You have probably heard the saying, "if you love me, you will sleep with me." Leah and Rachel’s family situation shows one can have sexual relations without love.

What intrigues me is God's mercy amid this chaotic family situation. Leah and Rachel were victims of their father's deceptive acts. In addition, Leah and Rachel were married to a man who was growing in his relationship with God and overcoming his own tendency for deception. Leah and Rachel did not have role models to show them how to do marriage God's way. They were in the process of becoming the women God created them to be and God answered them when they called upon him.

God specializes in working through messy situations. Even when we miss the mark or make mistakes, we have an invitation to come to the throne of grace for mercy and grace to help in times of need. The story of Leah and Rachel brings God's lovingkindness and mercy to mind (Please look up Psalm 103:8-14 and read it out loud)

God loves you and your mess can become a message of hope. Today, go before the throne of grace for mercy and empowerment to fulfill God's purpose for your life (Hebrews 4:16).