Monday, September 14, 2009

Day 15 (Genesis 29,30; Psalm 15)..."Persistence!"

Jesus teaches about a widow that got what she wanted through persistence. (Luke 18:1-8) Today, we read about Jacob's persistence for Rachel. He worked seven years for Laban and was deceived into thinking he would receive Rachel's hand. Instead he received Leah. He was not defeated as he signed off on another seven years for Rachel. Another story of persistence concerns Rachel who waited painfully as Leah and other servants gave birth. Finally, Rachel's persistence paid off with the birth of Joseph. There are numerous themes in Genesis such as creation, sin, covenant, consequences and faith. I never noticed this obvious theme of persistence. I like it! Fulfilling God's purposes comes through persistence. Let's keep our eyes open to other stories ahead and this theme of persistence.
Posted by at

3 comments:

  1. TanyaSeptember 15, 2009 at 8:11 PM

    I think that God was teaching Jacob a valuable lesson that we have all learned in life, that deceit always leads to deception. Gods shows him this as Rachel's Daddy tricks him into marrying her older sister. Yet even before Christ comes to save us, God shows his love by allowing Jacob to finally marry Rachel after 14 years of waiting, and in a way forgives him for his deceit. Jacob was persistent in his pursuit of happiness, and is rewarded with his chosen bride. How do you think it would have been if Jacob would have never deceived his father? That's just a lesson all in His plan.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Matt MobleySeptember 16, 2009 at 8:03 AM

    I think that Jacob likely met his match in Laban. Laban and Jacob clash later because they are so much alike - both very shrewd. This time I noticed in the text that Jacob actually married Rachel after the first WEEK of marriage with Leah - he worked seven more years after that. Still, it is a remarkable story of persistence and determination. "Never give up!"

    ReplyDelete
  3. TanyaSeptember 16, 2009 at 9:56 PM

    Thanks Rev Matt. for clearing that up, You are right, he did get to marry her that week, but he still had to wait 14 years to be free to go with his family. Thanks for challenging my post so that I would be able to grow and gain the knowledge needed to share God's word, with others.:)

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)