Femme Friday Rachel

 Now, for the rest of the story. 

Last week I wrote about Leah, a sister wife from biblical times. Leah was the co-wife to Jacob with her literal sister, Rachel. Leah was a second choice, Rachel was the first. Jacob was tricked into marrying Leah, then waited another seven years to marry Rachel. A beautiful happily ever after, right? 

Not quite... 

Rachel was the younger, more beautiful sister of Laban's children. Rachel was probably her dad's favorite. She was crafty, smart and beautiful. Rachel was the chosen one of the two sisters. Chosen by Jacob, chosen by Laban. But in the one area she wanted most, it seemed Rachel was not chosen to bear children. 

Leah was given a quiver full of children. It was the one point of power she used to mock her sister. Rachel pleaded with God for kids. God gave Rachel a son. This son, Joseph, also seemed blessed. He had dreams and was favored by his mother, as her only son. Joseph was also favored by his father, even though Joseph was the youngest. It was because Joseph was Rachel's son, Jacob's first choice. Joseph started having dreams. He then interpreted those dreams for his older brothers. These dreams featured Joseph as the leader, his brothers as followers. Joseph was proud, boastful and excited that one day his family would bow to him. Joseph's brothers were resentful, jealous and filled with hate for their little brother. 

Where was Rachel in all this? I'm sure she was mending tents, making sure the meals were cooked. Maybe she was also whispering in the ear of her husband and son how special her boy was. That someone who received visions from their God was surely blessed? I am sure that Rachel saw her own lowly position elevated through her son's. 

Rachel never gets to experience that hope as reality. Tragically, Joseph's older brothers take him to the desert and plan to kill him. One of them, suggests instead they just sell him to slave traders. Joseph is then carried off to the land of Egypt. He will get to be used mightily for the Lord. But Rachel never gets to experience this wonder. Instead, Rachel has one more son for Jacob. Then we are told she passes away. 

Have you had hopes met, only to see them dashed away before you could fully embrace them? Been told you were first choice, only to live life and find out your place wasn't so favored after all? How do you respond to these lessons? We can never really know what happened with Rachel after Joseph's story continues beyond her narrative. To me, her story is a cautionary tale to not show favortism between children. To be humble even in the face of promised blessing. These are the lessons I learn from Rachel.