Doing it our way while it is very luring and desirous can have great long term consequences that we did not bargain for!
Then Rachel and Leah answered and said to him, “Is there still any portion or inheritance for us in our father’s house? Are we not considered strangers by him? For he has sold us, and also completely consumed our money. For all these riches which God has taken from our father are really ours and our children’s; now then, whatever God has said to you, do it.” Genesis 31:14-16
In Genesis 31, the Bible tell us that Jacob decided to flee from his father-in-law Laban. He explained to his wives why he was running from his father-in-law. Rachel and Leah had their share of disappointment and frustration towards their father. They considered themselves a stranger in their fathers’ eyes. They didn’t see themselves valuable in his eyes but only a commodity to be sold to others. Their only value was the profit he was receiving from them. Jacob worked for Laban for 14 years as free labor for the compensation of marrying Leah and Rachel.
Those kinds of feelings are hurtful in any close relationship. Sometimes the questions of, “Why do you love me?” or “Why do you want me around?” crosses our minds when it appears that one person in the relationship is there for the benefit they derive from the other person.
Rachel decided to take it upon herself and do something about them not getting their fathers’ inheritance. She stole her father’s idols to maintain an inheritance for herself. Rachel’s decision had a few problems. First of all, one who owns the goods should allocate an inheritance. The owner of the goods decides who should be the benefactor of their inheritance. Stealing something that we think we deserve doesn’t make it an inheritance. Two wrongs don’t make a right. Secondly, she was trying to manipulate the blessing of an inheritance by holding on to Dad’s “Good Luck” charms or heirlooms. She entered witchcraft by relying on objects for blessing rather than on the Lord. Thirdly, she had to lie and deceive her husband and her father about those idols, so they won’t find out about them.
Can we ever twist God’s hand to bless us? Is there any level of irresponsibility or cruelty on other people’s part that justifies our actions to manipulate a situation for our benefit?
With whomever you find your gods, do not let him live. In the presence of our brethren, identify what I have of yours and take it with you.” For Jacob did not know that Rachel had stolen them. Genesis 31:32
Jacob would have never made that vow/statement if he knew Rachel his loving wife stole the idols. Laban did not find those idols. However, by Rachel deceiving her husband, she opened the door for Jacob unknowingly to give permission for her life to be taken away. By her deception, she placed herself under a curse of death! Since she wasn’t caught with those idols, her life wasn’t taken right away. However, she lost her life when she gave birth to her youngest son Benjamin! Was it really worth it for Rachel to do it her way to get the father’s inheritance!?
Doing it our way, may give us temporary relief and pleasure, but doing it His way, gives us the inheritance of joy, peace, and contentment!
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