Genesis 30:1-24
Today's Scripture

It seems strange (at least to me) that the nation of Israel (the leaders of the twelve tribes) would begin with quarrelling between two sisters. They were married to the same man--one had born him four sons while the other was barren. The second, Rachel, gives her servant girl to Jacob and she bears him two sons. Leah then gives her servant girl to Jacob and she bears him two sons. Leah also became pregnant again and had a fifth then sixth son, and a daughter. Finally Rachel, too, became pregnant and had a son, Joseph.

So, so far--six sons by Leah, two by Leah's servant and two by Rachel's servant. Rachel finally has one son of her own, and Leah also has a daughter. Jacob has twelve children at this point--11 sons and one daughter. In spite of the rivalry between his wives, Jacob was blessed with a family who would be the heads of the tribes of Israel.

I wonder if God would have worked things differently if Laban hadn't deceived Jacob, or if there weren't the enmity between the sisters, Leah and Rachel. But he works through us in our sin and frailty. He can work through the messes of our lives and redeem them for his purposes, too. But how much better if we choose his path from the very beginning!
- posted by Suzi @ 10:20 AM