I thought of a lot of songs and phrases that could describe this story: “Love at First Sight,” “The Things We Do For Love,” “I Love You Just the Way You Are (Sung to Rachel, though, not Leah).” While this may seem a little silly, this love story is a convoluted mess that once again describes the human condition. Deception and intrigue are ever-present in the life of the Patriarchs, yet God chooses to use them to bring about His kingdom and His purpose.
Jacob goes to the land of Laban’s family, meets Rachel, with whom he falls madly in love. He loves her so much that he is willing to work 7 years to have her as his wife, only to be duped by Laban at the wedding, who pulled a bait-and-switch on Jacob by sending Leah into his tent on his wedding night to consummate their nuptials! After a presumed night of bliss with his love, Rachel, Jacob is appalled and infuriated to learn that he was really sleeping with Rachel’s less attractive sister, Leah. What a shocker that must have been. He approaches Laban, demanding an explanation. What he receives is an excuse based upon tradition, but still dishonest: I could not have my younger daughter getting married before my older daughter.
The only way Laban would agree to give him Rachel was if he pledged to serve another 7 years. Although the deceiver, the supplanter, Jacob, had been outwitted, he knew he had no choice. He agreed to work another 7 years and received his true love, Rachel, whom he loved so deeply. Then his quest for the one he loved was complete. Little did he or Rachel know that she would one day birth Joseph, who would save not only the children of Israel (Jacob), but also all of Egypt and the surrounding lands. God had a purpose for Jacob and Rachel to fulfill, in spite of the deception and trickery rampant in this family.
What does all this mean to us? Two things come to mind. First, if God can use a deceptive, cheating man and his family to fulfill His purpose, then He can use you and me. We are imperfect and–at times–unholy, but God still reaches out to use us for His glory if we will listen for His voice and fulfill His calling upon us. Second, the love Jacob had for Rachel typifies the deep love God has for us. Jacob went to extreme lengths–for a human being–to have the love of his life, Rachel. In a similar, but even more extreme gesture, God sent His son to die for us, that He might restore to fellowship with Him and take us as His bride. That love is deep! While I am sure that Rachel loved Jacob, I would ask us to reflect and ask ourselves, “How deep is your love for the Savior of your soul?”
Devoted To You 