Day 31
1 When
Rachel saw that she wasn’t having any children for Jacob, she became
jealous of her sister. She pleaded with Jacob, “Give me children, or
I’ll die!” 2 Then Jacob became furious with Rachel. “Am I God?” he asked. “He’s the one who has kept you from having children!” 3 Then
Rachel told him, “Take my maid, Bilhah, and sleep with her. She will
bear children for me, and through her I can have a family, too.”
THE VALIDATION OF THE WORLD
Ancient
Middle Eastern culture placed great value on a woman who could bear a
child, especially a son. Jacob's wives, Rachel and Leah, were sisters
and rivals who used childbearing (by giving birth themselves or through
their maidservants) to bolster their sense of self-worth. Their
competition quickly degenerated and produced sinful attitudes and
behavior as they focused on validating themselves by the worldly
standard.
Like them, we can define our worth, and the worth of our
children, by achievements and the ability to possess what others value.
When we measure our significance in these ways, we become slaves to the
thoughts and opinions of the world rather than the thoughts and
opinions of God. Remember where your true citizenship lies.
Rest in your identity in Christ instead of chasing after worldly validation.
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