When Jacob Meets Rachel

Contributed by Bill Crider

Thursday, 29 May 2008

This love story is quite different from the popular movie in the 1990's, When Harry Meets Sally. In Genesis 28-31, we read about this love story. Jacob had tricked his brother, Esau, and stole both his birthright and inheritance. Father
Isaac was old and could not see well, but Mother Rebekah assisted Jacob in this deceptive act.

When the blessing was made, in that culture, it could not be reversed. Therefore, Jacob, in fear of his brother's reaction, knew he must leave the country.
Mother and Father encouraged him to go; to your Uncle Laban to take a wife from his daughters.

Esau, in contrast, chose wives from the daughters of Canaan that greatly displeased his father. (28:7-8) It was during his flight to Haran, Jacob encountered God in a dream. In fact, it was the angels of God ascending and descending a
ladder that he saw. And the Lord stood above it, and spoke to Jacob. I am the Lord God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed.(Genesis 28:12-13). Thus,
the covenant promise of God to Abraham was transferred to the next generation;from Abraham to Isaac and now to Jacob.

So Jacob travels on and comes into the land of the people of the east;(29:1). He beholds a water well
and inquires about his uncle, Laban, from shepherds nearby. Oh, yes, we know him; in fact, here comes one of
his daughters now to water her sheep;. (29: 9). Jacob rolled the stone from the well so she could water the sheep.
And Jacob kissed Rachel, and lifted up his voice and wept. (29:11). Love at first sight! When Jacob meets Rachel!

This is one of the most romantic stories in the Bible. We know of Jacob's eternal love for her. He labored seven
years for her only to be tricked by his father-in-law, who substituted Leah, the older sister, to be his wife. Then Jacob
agreed to work seven more years for Rachel. (It must have been pure love at first sight) Finally, he took her as his wife.

Though he already had many children by Leah and her handmaidens, his sons with Rachel were most
favored;Joseph and Benjamin. This was God's way of continuing the covenant agreement that began with
Abraham.
Truly they were devoted to each other and God blessed the union of Jacob and Rachel. Their sons grew to be special
agents of God, used in mighty ways. Joseph rose to power in the land of Egypt after being discarded by his older
brothers because they were jealous of him;. Benjamin stayed close to his father for Jacob was afraid he might
lose this younger son who was a constant reminder of his precious Rachel. She had died along the way back to Canaan.

(Remember, Joseph was thought to be dead for many years). What devotion these sons learned from their father.

Jacob and Rachel probably were not married in June. That doesn't really matter. But June has been a favored
month to plan weddings for years. So when June appears on the horizon, we are reminded of this. Though couples line
up for wedding licenses throughout the year, June continues to lead the way. Just look at the announcements and
invitations you are receiving! True, Jacob and Rachel were not concerned with the month or season to seal their love. For
after fourteen years of hard work, Jacob was ready to seal the deal, and so was Rachel regardless of the
calendar date. They were in love. It was not just an arranged marriage; it truly was love at first sight.

Looking back, we all can see how God has worked in our lives, bringing about events to further His cause and purpose in
our lives. Even in choosing a life-mate. When we hear of ones celebrating a June wedding, take a moment and ask
about how they met, what has made the difference in their relationship. And probably you will hear someone mention
their Jacob meets Rachel moment. (1 Cor 13:13)




Bill Crider is the Minister to Senior Adults at First Baptist Church Minden


http://www.nwlanews.com/index2.php?option=...f=1&id=8776.

your moment will certainly come