I know. we women constantly hear messages and read devotionals on contentment. Before I continue, please understand that contentment isn't just a woman's problem. Yet we, as women, play a vital role in teaching it to others in our own homes and social circles. Genesis 31-32 focus on Leah and Rachel's "baby competition". Each one is striving to outdo the other. I find it very interesting and entertaining that God chose to have this section of their lives recorded. It is quite humerous to watch as they vie for the attention of their husband, until you read a few chapters later and see how their actions effect the family. Very quickly the humor is gone, and the solemnity and conviction set in. From the very beginning their children become pawns in a game. Let's take just a moment and look at the meanings of their names:
Leah's children and step- children:
-Reuben: See a son: kind of like, "Haha, Rachel, so there!"
-Simeon: hearing: "God's answering my calls. So what's going on Rachel?"
-Levi: Joined/ Unity: "Move over Rach, Jacob is mine."
-Judah: praise : This was the first son that she seems to stop and praise the Lord for.
-Gad: a troop: "Rachel, look at all these sons I am giving Jacob."
-Asher: happiness: "Many kids = happiness, Rach."
-Issachar: hireling :"Thanks for the trade, Rachel. My mandrakes for a night with our husband."
-Zebulon: dwelling: "Jacob is sooo mine."
-Dinah: judgement "Oops well, a girl is better than nothing."
Rachel's children and step-children:
- Dan: judged: "It's my time to shine."
-Nephtali: wrestling:"You wanna fight, Leah, let's fight."
-Joseph: adding to: "This boy is my ticket to Jacob's love."
-Benjamin; sorrow: "It is over and I am beaten." Jacob changes his name to Benjamin "Son of my right hand" after Rachel's death.
The Affects of Discontentment:
Just like Leah and Rachel, we are blinded by the the misconception that fulfillment is found in our status. The relationship, the house, the car, the position, the ____________. Yet we forget as they did that fulfillment is only found in our relationship with the Lord. It is very clear that though both of these women were Jews, their hearts were not with God. Genesis even records that Rachel stole her household gods to take with them back to Bethel. Leah and Rachel used and abused those around them. They were so driven by selfishness and manipulation that they became insensitive to the feelings of Jacob, their servant girls, and their sons. They also forgot the blessings around them. Leah was blessed with seven of her own children, and Rachel, two. Each of them also had the opportunity to raise adopted sons. In their competition to beat the other, they forgot to enjoy each precious life and moment. Unfortunately, both were reminded of this gift when Rachel was dying after her second son. The saddest outcome of Leah and Rachel's story is the legacy that they left for their sons. It was not one of love, joy, and peace, but one of hate, unhappiness, and contention. Their children, who became the twelve tribes of Israel, were self-centered, adulterous, sensual, scheming, murderers. Yet God in his mercy chose to use this disfuntional family as a part of his plan to save the world.
Time to Ponder:
Stop and think about the times that your family interacts or you get together with "the girls". Where do the conversations often lead. Has is become a complaining session? Has sharing the news become a "Whose News is Best" competition? Do you find yourself resenting other's blessings. If so, maybe it is time to review Philippians 4, Ask yourself, "On what am I basing my happiness?"
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