Title: Rachel's earnest wish (Genesis 30:1-2)
Contents
Every person has a wish. Rachel also had an earnest wish. Verse 30:1 says, “Give me a child. Otherwise, I will die.” This is a strong desire to get a new life for Rachel, Jacob's beloved wife. We saints, the beloved children of God and spiritual brides of Christ, must also have the earnest desire to give birth to a new life spiritually. This is the way to complete God's salvation plan, the work that pleases God the most, and the secret to enriching our spiritual life, and at the same time, it is an exciting work with an eternal reward promised.
What are the characteristics of Rachel's earnest wish?
1. It was a wish that could not be replaced by anything else
1) Rachel was a woman who had nothing to be envious of as a woman. First, she was a thrifty beauty. (29: 11) Second, she was a healthy woman. Third, she was the wife of her husband's favor. His husband Jacob was so devoted to Rachel that he worked as a servant for 14 years in order to get him as his wife by loving and loving Rachel (29:18). But Rachel became the wife of her sisters Leah and Jacob. Rachel didn't lack anything compared to her sister Leah, but she lacked one thing. Leah had six sons and one daughter, but Rachel was childless.
2) Not having children was a pain and suffering that could not be filled with the devoted love of a husband. It was a shame, a blemish, and a flaw that even her own beauty could not cover. Therefore, they wished to have children, but the news was negligible, and as a result, they almost died. It wasn't just out of jealousy. You become a mother only when you have children, and you forget your family. Not only that, but it is a woman's privilege, duty, and mission. We must apply Rachel's desire to have children in our spiritual life.
3) The church is the bride of Christ. The church has received its original duty and mission to conceive and give birth to new life. A church without the birth of new life is a church that has neglected its most noble duty. When new life is not constantly born, no matter how perfect an organization, many beautiful businesses, and good facilities, it cannot be said that it has fulfilled its mission as a true church. It is the biggest flaw that nothing can replace. Therefore, like Rachel, “Give me children! Otherwise you will die!” There must be a wish.
2. It was an important lifelong wish
1) 30:1 says, “Otherwise I will die.” It is very healthy and natural to want to have children. It was so intense that it aroused envy and jealousy. And it was morbidly radicalized. Rachel, earnestly wishing to have children, said, “Let me have children. Otherwise, I will die.” He exclaimed. This is a rediscovery of what the value of existence is. So I finally decided to give up my life. In fact, the gospel cannot be effectively witnessed unless you sacrifice your life and blood.
2) In fact, Rachel did everything she could to get a child. First, she ran to her husband and begged (verse 1). Second, according to the custom of the Gentiles, she gave her husband Bilhah, the maidservant, so that she could bear children. .But I was not satisfied (verse 3). Third, I made concessions to my husband and asked for a ‘mandible bond’ that was said to be helpful in producing children (verse 14). So I started praying to God. This is precious.
3) He gave up all human methods and began to pray, risking his life (verse 22). That prayer was finally answered. Genesis 30:22 says, “God thought of Rachel, and God heard her and opened her womb…” Leading life to Christ in this way is a life-long work so precious that you have to risk your life for it, and it is the work that God is most pleased with. Therefore, when we pray for this and move forward with the determination to dedicate our lives, please believe that miracles will happen and the bright door of evangelism will open wide (Acts 20:24).
3. It was a wish that would surely come true someday
1) In verses 22-24, “God remembered Rachel, and God heard her and laid her womb, and she conceived and bore a son, saying, “God has washed away my shame.” And he called her name Joseph. I want to add another son to me again.” I did. Finally, God considered Rachel's position and heard her prayer. He opened the door of his womb and gave him his most precious son, Joseph. So he washed away all shame and shame. And he gave birth to more Benjamin.
2) God puts a wish in us and works. He is a God who always answers those who wish, earnestly, desperately, and patiently wait until the end. In fact, he realizes that many years have passed before Rachel has a child. As T, H. Leale points out, “this long wait was God's grace to Rachel.” First, it was a period to learn humility, second, it was a period to realize that only faith is the solution, and third, it was to give the best. what a good God
3) The Bible introduces women who gave birth to precious sons. Sarah miraculously gave birth to Isaac at the age of 90. Rachel also gave birth to Joseph and Benjamin in response to prayer. Hannah also gave birth to Samuel in response to prayer, and they all had three sons and two daughters. Manoah's wife also gave birth to Samson and saved Israel from the Philistines. Ruth also became a widow, but after becoming the wife of Boaz, she was finally included in the genealogy of the Messiah. With deep prayer, life-risk adventures, and God's miraculous hand, they fulfilled their wish. We too must fulfill the wish of salvation of souls while we are alive.