He will provide a place to settle

The journey of the delivered Israelites from Egypt to the promised land took a longer time. The journey of eleven days took forty years to complete (Deuteronomy 1:2-3). Their leader, Moses died just before they took possession of the lands across the Jordan. By this time, a whole generation of people who encountered God and yet murmured against Him had perished in the wilderness. Will the people ever get to their destination? Why will God cause His own chosen nation to wander about for forty years for a journey that takes eleven days? Will the Israelites find a place to call home? These and many other questions were probably on the hearts of the people as they journeyed for forty years.

I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses. ‭‭(Joshua‬ ‭1:3‬)

Have we not also asked God questions such as these before? We have doubted, almost given up, and sometimes questions the very core of our faith. We have asked questions such as “Does God really care?” in our lowest moments. Imagine beginning the year without a place to call home. What will you do if you are on a very tight budget and rent becomes difficult to pay? In the midst of all this, you have spent a whole lifetime walking with the Lord through the waters, the storms and the wilderness. The Israelites had similar experiences and for them, they had to dwell in tents for forty years. Joshua, the new leader after Moses received these words from the Lord, “I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses. Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the great river, the Euphrates—all the Hittite country—to the Mediterranean Sea in the west. No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.‭‭” (Joshua‬ ‭1:3‭-‬6‬).

The Lord promised to settle the people on every place they set their feet. Joshua was encouraged to be strong and courageous, obey the words of the book of the Law, meditate on it, and not to be afraid (Joshua 1: 9). The words of promise did not automatically propel the Israelites into the promised land. They had to fight the settlers on the land, they had to consecrate themselves to obey every instruction from the Lord and whenever they disobeyed, they faced defeat from their enemies. At the end of their journey,  God gave them a place to settle, they found a home but that didn’t come without them listening and obeying the words of the Lord. Obedience was their key to their new home. Fear had to be discarded and they had to be ready for battle. As we look forward to being settled by God this year, we should also desire to obey the words of God, move on His commands and drive away fear from our hearts.

For us, we might not need to engage in physical fights to drive away the enemy but we would have to engage in spiritual battles to get rid of anything that is hindering us from possessing our place of inheritance. Our faith must be demonstrated through our actions. The Lord is going ahead of us but we must be willing and ready to stand in agreement with Him. He will provide a home for us but we need to be strong and courageous. Let’s personalize this promise made to King David:
“And I will provide a place for [my people Israel] and will plant them so that they can have a home of their own and no longer be disturbed. Wicked people will not oppress them anymore, as they did at the beginning.”
1 Chronicles‬ ‭17:9‬ ‭(also in 2 Samuel 2:7)

A charge to wives: Women in the church in Ephesus

Paul established the church in Ephesus through the initial contact with twelve disciples (Acts 19). After baptizing these people into regeneration, and placing his hands on them to receive the Holy Spirit. The church in Ephesus was birthed. However, Paul faced a series of opposition in Ephesus caused by the silversmith Demetrius who made images of the goddess Artemis. Yet, the church stood strong. The letter to the church in Ephesus was Paul’s explanation to the believers’ new identity in Christ. Paul charged the believers on different facets of their new life in Christ. From Chapter 4:17 till the end of the letter, Paul touched on different issues regarding Christian living, marriage, children, homebuilding among others. This post will consider the charge to the wives in Ephesus as presented in Ephesians chapter 5. This charge is relevant even today.

Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. (Ephesians 5:22)

In Ephesus 5:21, Paul states that “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” This begins the charge to Christian households. Paul admonished that submission be made to one another in the home. Then, Paul addresses each player in the home. We will focus on the charge to the Christian wives:
“Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.” (Ephesians 5:22‭-‬24)
First, Paul already set the premise that in the home, submission should be made to one another. But to the wives, Paul specifically directed the Christian wives to submit to their own husbands as they submit to the Lord. Why the specific emphasis on the submission of wives? Naturally, many of us as women will not easily submit to our husbands just as we submit to the Lord. In fact, the idea of submitting itself is not pleasant to many wives and to the extent of submitting as the Lord is not quite an easy route. However, if we fail to submit to our own husbands, then we have no head at all as we saw in 1 Corinthians 11:3, “But I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.”

Paul further explained that “For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.” (Ephesians 5:23-24). This supports the points raised in 1 Corinthians stated above. Until you see your husband as your spiritual head, submission to him just as to the Lord will mean nothing to you. Remember, Paul does not state that submission is one-way in marriage. He addresses the two-way dimension of submission but the Christian woman should consider submission to the husband as submission to the Lord. This is very critical and affects our relationship with the Lord.

In general women must learn to submit to their own husbands. Your credentials and qualifications do not void submission. Therefore, it is necessary to review our intentions behind every decision we make in relation to marriage. If a man is spiritual but lacks character, know that you will be living the rest of your life submitting to him. Before you agree to a holy wedlock, know that submission is a given in Christian marriages.

The Christian Woman’s submission to God: Head covering

Growing up, I only knew that as a Christian woman, I needed to cover my head with a head scarf to church. When I later inquired about why I needed to cover my head, I was told that Apostle Paul commanded it. No further explanation was given as to why Apostle Paul commanded it. No wonder years later, a generation arose that was not impressed with the head covering dogma and the majority of these young women refused to cover their heads until the church stopped complaining about it. Now, head covering is not a compulsory dress code for that denomination. Many of the things or the dogmatic practices in various denominations are treated just like the issue with the head covering. Even leaders are not well informed on why a church considers one thing a priority over the other. The issue of head covering in the Bible as perceived in the first letter to the people of Corinth addressed specific issues in the Corinthian church.

But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head—it is the same as having her head shaved. (1 Corinthians 11:5)

First we need to understand that Paul wrote to a specific congregation but the letter has truths that are applicable in all generations. In 1 Corinthians 11:2-16, Paul addresses the issue of women and head covering in the church. We need to understand that this was a fragment of a whole apostolic letter and at this point in the letter Paul was addressing the concerns about submission in the church. The apostle states that “But I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God” (1 Corinthians 11:3). Here, Paul outlines a hierarchy or chain of command that every Christian must submit to: the headship of God the Father, God the Son,the husband and then the wife. In the Corinthian culture, a married woman was required to wear a head covering as a sign of her submission to her husband’s authority and tentatively the submission to God’s authority.

Furthermore, in the Corinthian culture women kept long hair and the men kept short hair. They perceived the woman’s hair as her glory given for her covering: “For if a woman does not cover her head, she might as well have her hair cut off; but if it is a disgrace for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, then she should cover her head. But if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For long hair is given to her as a covering.” (1 Corinthians 11:6,15). Paul reasoned that submission to the husband and God is a pattern that even the angels consider and learn from humanity (1 Corinthians 11:10). As Paul addressed this cultural issue that was disrupting the smooth flow of the church, Paul did not entirely abandon the culture. He used the cultural significance of head covering to teach a spiritual truth of submission in the body of Christ. Head covering or submission wasn’t an act of inferiority but an act of obedience to God’s pattern of authority.

Unfortunately, the issue of head covering has not been justly explained in the body of Christ. In fact, it has rather become a sign of a church with “suppressed women” rather than an understanding of authority. Must every woman wear a head covering? Maybe we need to go back and understand the cultural significance of this as well as the spiritual implications. Wearing the biggest head covering and refusing to submit to the authority of your husband shows a woman with an uncovered head. Truth be told, head covering is now more fashionable in the church than a religious requirement. There are still cultures in the world, especially in the Middle East that require head covering for married women. Whenever women in such cultures wear head covering as a result of marriage, Paul wants us to consider this in relation to the chain command in the Christian home. Remember, you cannot submit to God if you are not submitted to your husband. Your head is uncovered.

To the unmarried sisters, submission is required even if you marry an unbeliever… therefore, before you say “I do” make sure that you say “I don’t” to any character deformity that will make submission difficult and unreasonable. No woman wants to submit to her bully.

The Proverbs 31 woman: The industrious wife

The number of women in business and industry has shot up in recent years. Many women are actively in fields that were previously considered male-dominated fields. Thus in most parts of the world, there is a higher tendency for women to excel in their careers. Unfortunately, there are still laws and traditions that prohibit women in certain places from advancing in life. Even as we pray that nations and societies will open up to accept women in certain positions, we should also encourage women to be prepared, equipped and made ready to lay hold of opportunities. The Bible presents diverse women who rose up to be important members of their societies. Whereas societies prevented women from voting for a long time, in the Bible, we find women who were judges, influential Queens, rich business owners, religious leaders among many others. Christianity doesn’t oppress women. We see women as instrumental partners of God’s agenda. The Proverbs 31 woman shows a woman of substance, grace and value.

She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. (Proverbs 31:13)

Other than being a wife of noble character, the Proverbs 31 woman has other amazing qualities. In this post, we shall consider her hardworking and entrepreneurial skills. First, she is crafty with creating clothing for her home and business. Proverbs 31:13 states that “she selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.” This all-in-one woman also shops for the best food supplies. Proverbs 31:13 says, “she is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.” Not just that, this woman does not allow her work to interfere with her home duties. Therefore, “she gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants” (Proverbs 31:15). As if these are not enough, “she considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard” (Proverbs 31:16). This woman does not leave all her other tasks, but “she sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks” (Proverbs 31:17). The different businesses she manages are not left unattended because this woman “sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night” (Proverbs 31:18). Thus at work and at home, she has a balance, none is left unattended. As if these skills are not enough, this woman is also skilled in home crafts and is diligent in homemaking. Proverbs 31:19 says that, “in her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.”

This woman is really hard working both in her home and at her businesses. Her line of trade might not be relevant to us but her desire for entrepreneurship is worth emulating. She is multifaceted and is not limited to just one thing. She understands the principle of investing in different ventures. In the 21st century, she could have been a career woman working in the industry, managing a side business and actively taking care of her home. She does not focus on one and neglect the other. The reason this woman is so organized and productive is the fact that she plans her day. She wakes up early in the morning and begins her day on an active mode. She understands the dynamics of work and family. She doesn’t sleep all day and wakes up to just watch TV. Even though she has a husband who would be as industrious and supportive as she is, this woman understands that she has to be engaged in profitable ventures. 

Whether working in an office, managing her own business, managing her home, or being a stay-home mother, the Proverbs 31 woman doesn’t slack in her responsibilities. She ensures that her home experiences her presence as much as she is dedicated to her work. Can the 21st Century career woman make time for her home and family considering the demands of work? The answer is YES! It is possible. If you want to keep your home and work life balanced, you need to make sacrifices such as avoiding overtime shifts, being intentional about spending time with your family and avoiding unnecessary time wasters. 

Michal: The princess of Israel and giant slayer

The women in the Bible series reveal to us many different women in the Bible. We get to know what they did right and what they did wrong. We learn from their strengths and avoid their mistakes as much as we can. This week, we shall focus on Michal, the daughter of king Saul. Michal’s story is quite similar to the story of most 21st Century women. She was a lady who knew what she wanted and she pressed for it. She was a princess who loved a warrior. Maybe this might draw your attention to the stories you read as a child. The popular theme in the stories about a princess falling in love is usually clouded in a series of discord, hatred, battles to fight and opposition from the people around them. Suddenly, there is a turnaround and they live happily ever after. However,  if you are married, you know that the ever after is full of different stages. Yes, you would be happy but there are times that you also deal with life’s challenges. 

Michal, like any young woman, was attracted to the champion of the day, David. In a very dramatic way, David had defeated a giant and led the army of Israel to a resounding victory (1 Samuel 17). This feat attracted David lovers and haters. The people loved David but the king, the father of Michal, hated David. What was David’s crime? “When the men were returning home after David had killed the Philistine, the women came out from all the towns of Israel to meet King Saul with singing and dancing, with joyful songs and with timbrels and lyres. As they danced, they sang: “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.” Saul was very angry; this refrain displeased him greatly. “They have credited David with tens of thousands,” he thought, “but me with only thousands. What more can he get but the kingdom?” And from that time on Saul kept a close eye on David. (1 Samuel 18:6‭-‬9). Saul’s initial attempt was to have David marry his first daughter Merab because that was part of the package for the person who could defeat Goliath (1 Samuel 17:25). David refused to marry the king’s daughter because he knew the implications of being an in-law to the king.

Now Saul’s daughter Michal was in love with David, and when they told Saul about it, he was pleased. (1 Samuel 18:20)

Therefore, Merab was given to another. Saul’s attempt to get David marry his daughter was for Saul’s evil schemes. Michal loved David. She was in love with the champion of the day. In 1 Samuel 18:20, the scripture records this: “Now Saul’s daughter Michal was in love with David, and when they told Saul about it, he was pleased.” Michal’s love for David was Saul’s own way to trap David. However, Saul was wrong because Michal was ready to do everything to save her husband. “When Saul realized that the Lord was with David and that his daughter Michal loved David, Saul became still more afraid of him, and he remained his enemy the rest of his days” (1 Samuel 18:28‭-‬29). When we read the account of David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17), you tend to wonder why Saul would hate on David. But, it all started when the women composed songs that credited David with tens of thousands and Saul with just a thousand. David’s victory attracted the attention of the women in the city. Michal, like the other women, fell in love with the champion. While David remained on the field as a shepherd, he was obscured to these women.

The “falling in love” stage of life is very common and during that stage, lovers are willing to do anything for the other. As a princess, Michal would have become a potential wife to great and mighty people. But, she chose David, the man who could kill giants. Michal’s love for David, transcended her father’s hatred for David. Women naturally are attracted to men who command power and authority. Unfortunately, how we deal with the “falling in love” stage influences our marriage. You could love with your senses and make constructive decisions or love with your eyes and ears and make terrible mistakes. 

As we are in the season of love, you might want to check your love barometer. Are you in love for fame, for fortune, for gains, for companionship, for marriage or for other reasons? Valentine’s Day reminds us of selfless love for humanity. It is not a button for sexual immorality among the youth. If the princess falls in love with the giant slayer, the right thing needs to be done. Michal didn’t run into the arms of David. She was given to David after David had fulfilled his obligations. Don’t use Valentine’s Day as an excuse for fornication. Sex is not a gift. Nine months later, you will reap what you sow! 

Ruth: The wife of Boaz and the mother of Obed

Ruth experienced a roller-coaster experience in Moab. She moved from a young and happy married woman to a young and poor widow. If her hopes were in her husband alone, her hopes would have been shattered. The only comfort around her were other widows (mother-in-law and sister-in-law) who were also in grief. Life indeed gave Ruth lemons. Instead of sulking about how sour the lemons were, Ruth made for herself a lemonade. She did not settle at the widowhood stage. She knew that life in Moab wouldn’t be easy either. Ruth challenged herself and moved to Bethlehem with Naomi. She knew that being a stranger in a foreign land comes with its own challenges. But, she was determined to brace Bethlehem and allow the God of Naomi  to fix her broken pieces.  

Sometimes, the only way to step into your destined future is to have faith in God. Faith without deed according to James (2: 20) is dead. Ruth took a step of faith when she followed Naomi to Bethlehem. Her relocation was very instrumental. While she remained a widow in Moab, she was of no use to the guardian-redeemer. However, when she moved to Bethlehem, she met her destiny helpers. In the previous post, we saw that Boaz promised Ruth that he wouldn’t relax until the matter of her redemption is settled. True to his words, Boaz met the closest guardian-redeemer at the town gate. Witnessed by the elders of the town, Boaz laid before them the case of Naomi and Ruth’s redemption. Then Boaz said, “On the day you buy the land from Naomi, you also acquire Ruth the Moabite, the dead man’s widow, in order to maintain the name of the dead with his property.” At this, the guardian-redeemer said, “Then I cannot redeem it because I might endanger my own estate. You redeem it yourself. I cannot do it.” (Ruth 4:5‭-‬6).

So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife. When he made love to her, the Lord enabled her to conceive, and she gave birth to a son.  (Ruth 4:13)

Boaz, being the next guardian-redeemer, took charge. He announced to the elders and all the people, “Today you are witnesses that I have bought from Naomi all the property of Elimelek, Kilion and Mahlon. I have also acquired Ruth the Moabite, Mahlon’s widow, as my wife, in order to maintain the name of the dead with his property, so that his name will not disappear from among his family or from his hometown. Today you are witnesses!” (Ruth 4:9‭-‬10). Thus Ruth and Naomi came under the authority and care of Boaz. “So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife. When he made love to her, the Lord enabled her to conceive, and she gave birth to a son.” (Ruth 4:13). 

Ruth gained a home, a husband and a son. She received double for all her troubles. Many sons were born during the same period but the son of Ruth was different. He was no ordinary baby. “The women living there said, “Naomi has a son!” And they named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David.” (Ruth 4:17). The son of Ruth was the grandfather of king David. Jesus Christ was a descendant of king David. 
“This, then, is the family line of Perez: Perez was the father of Hezron, Hezron the father of Ram, Ram the father of Amminadab, Amminadab the father of Nahshon, Nahshon the father of Salmon, Salmon the father of Boaz, Boaz the father of Obed, Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of David.” (Ruth 4:18‭-‬22)

The blind beggar at the roadside of Jericho couldn’t see but his spirit could transcend to the ancestry of Jesus. “He called out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”(Luke 18:38). Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” “Lord, I want to see,” he replied. Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, praising God. When all the people saw it, they also praised God. (Luke 18:41‭-‬43). 

Naomi saw bitterness but Ruth saw a future and a hope. What you see determines how far you can go. Look beyond your pain, loss, grief and illnesses and see the good future the Lord has for you. Take a step of faith and move into your newness. Don’t stay longer in the Moab of your life, move to Bethlehem, that is where pleasantness is found. May God restore unto us a double blessing for all that we have lost.  Ephphatha…we can see victory in Bethlehem!

Ruth: Obedience is a key to breakthrough

Most people have a deep quest to have their way in matters concerning their lives. It seems ridiculous to some people to have others tell them what to do. Our quest for “What we want” in comparison with “What God wants for us” is the main reason people prefer not to serve God. We are in a generation of ME, MYSELF and I. We crave for things that will satisfy us and give us a sense of fulfillment. We barely consider how our cravings fit into God’s bigger plan for our lives. Some people see God as a Headmaster with a very big heart for discipline. They barely see the holy, merciful, gracious, just, righteous and sovereign God. Obedience is a key to breakthrough. Even mundane societies thrive on the obedience of its citizens. In 1 Samuel 15:22b, we are told that “To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.” As much as we love ourselves, our desires in life must be subjected to the word of God. If what we want goes contrary to God’s word,  then obedience to God is better than our desires.

Ruth had left everything in Moab and relocated to Bethlehem. To find food for sustenance, Ruth went to pick leftover grains and found favour before Boaz. All this while   Ruth’s dedication to Naomi had not changed. Naomi knew that Ruth deserved a good home, and a husband to take care of her. Naomi had a plan to put the needs of Ruth above her own needs. Ruth 3:1-4 records the following: “One day Ruth’s mother-in-law Naomi said to her, “My daughter, I must find a home for you, where you will be well provided for. Now Boaz, with whose women you have worked, is a relative of ours. Tonight he will be winnowing barley on the threshing floor. Wash, put on perfume, and get dressed in your best clothes. Then go down to the threshing floor, but don’t let him know you are there until he has finished eating and drinking. When he lies down, note the place where he is lying. Then go and uncover his feet and lie down. He will tell you what to do.”

“I will do whatever you say,” Ruth answered. (Ruth 3:5)

Naomi’s plan would have been quite overwhelming in today’s contemporary society. Ruth did not complain about the details. She listened carefully and her response to Naomi showed her willingness to commit to the plan. Ruth told Naomi, “I will do whatever you say” (Ruth 3:5). As a sign of her obedience, “she went down to the threshing floor and did everything her mother-in-law told her to do” (Ruth 3:6). Ruth showed her obedience with her actions. She did not wait for days, weeks or even a month to decide what to do. The next action of Ruth after the conversation with Naomi, took place in Boaz’ threshing floor. Ruth was committed, she had the opportunity and she took it in obedience.

Boaz was startled to find a woman lying at his feet. “Who are you?” he asked. “I am your servant Ruth,” she said. “Spread the corner of your garment over me, since you are a guardian-redeemer of our family.” (Ruth 3:9). Boaz was amazed by Ruth’s gesture. In response, he said:
“The Lord bless you, my daughter. This kindness is greater than that which you showed earlier: You have not run after the younger men, whether rich or poor. And now, my daughter, don’t be afraid. I will do for you all you ask. All the people of my town know that you are a woman of noble character. Although it is true that I am a guardian-redeemer of our family, there is another who is more closely related than I. Stay here for the night, and in the morning if he wants to do his duty as your guardian-redeemer, good; let him redeem you. But if he is not willing, as surely as the Lord lives I will do it. Lie here until morning.” (Ruth 3:10‭-‬13).

Before Ruth returned to her mother-in-law in the morning, she knew that the matter would be settled by the end of day. She would either be the wife of the closely related guardian-redeemer or the wife of Boaz. Ruth’s obedience to Naomi was the key to her marriage. If she disobeyed, she would have missed the opportunity. 

God has set before us many open doors. Our obedience to Him is the key to unlocking those doors. The door of breakthrough does not open until we break through with prayers, obedience, perseverance, dedication, and endurance. Ruth’s obedience was the access point to her marriage. Your obedience might be the only way to get what you want. What is God saying to you? 

Asenath: The wife of Joseph

Getting married is a big thing and most couples spend a fortune to prepare for their big day. It comes with massive preparation and making sure that everything is done perfectly. Recently, most couples are resorting to wedding planners so that the load of planning will be taken away. Obviously wedding planners do charge enough fees to cover up for their services. How would you feel if you had your marriage planned by the highest authority of the land? Technically, you are saved from all the pressure of planning, and the financial burden that comes with it. One person who had such a surreal marriage experience is Joseph. His past was filled with painful experiences. He lost his mum while he was still a child. He was sold as a slave by his own brothers. He was convicted and imprisoned for a crime he did not commit. But, God wasn’t done with him yet. While in prison, God opened a great door of dream interpretation ministry and that officially launched Joseph into his career. The day he left the prison, he was crowned as the prime minister of Egypt. As a great personality, he needed a wife that matched his current position. There comes Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera, the priest of On. 

Pharaoh gave Joseph the name Zaphenath-Paneah and gave him Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On, to be his wife. And Joseph went throughout the land of Egypt. (Genesis 41:45) 

Asenath’s upbringing was totally different from Joseph’s. She would have been prepared as an important lady, with religious beliefs of her father. Definitely, Asenath was not prepared to be married to an ex-convict who rose to become prime minister. Joseph’s past was not relevant to the Egyptians. Therefore, Asenath wouldn’t have been worried about stigmatization. I believe Joseph would have been vindicated of the wrong accusations laid on him by Potiphar’s wife. Joseph’s life changed totally. “Pharaoh gave Joseph the name Zaphenath-Paneah and gave him Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On, to be his wife. And Joseph went throughout the land of Egypt” (Genesis 41:45). Asenath and Joseph’s marriage was arranged by the Pharaoh of Egypt. It would have been a national ceremony.  Joseph had a task to ensure that Egypt survives the impending famine. Asenath had a task to ensure that her husband is well taken care of and ready for his assignment. “Before the years of famine came, two sons were born to Joseph by Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On. Joseph named his firstborn Manasseh and said, “It is because God has made me forget all my trouble and all my father’s household.” The second son he named Ephraim and said, “It is because God has made me fruitful in the land of my suffering.” (Genesis 41:50‭-‬52).

Asenath might not be listed as a heroine in the Bible, but we cannot forget the important role she played in Joseph’s life. She might have accepted the God of Joseph as her God which meant the denial of her father’s gods. In the future, the children of Asenath and their descendants became part of God’s bigger story. Manasseh and Ephraim became two important tribes in Israel. There are many women who play background roles in the lives of their husbands. Such women are barely seen. They work backstage and since we don’t focus on the backstage events, we always fail to acknowledge them. If the world doesn’t celebrate you, it doesn’t mean you are not an amazing person. Asenath supported the work of Joseph and ensured that the home was well taken care of as Joseph went throughout Egypt to collect grains. Whether you play backstage roles or onstage roles, know that your service is keeping the world a better place. Remember, “whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom” (Ecclesiastes 9:10). Be serviceable now, tomorrow might be too late.

Rachel and Leah: God joined the drama

Jacob’s decision to marry two sisters didn’t come without concerns. First, Rachel was the most loved wife and Leah wasn’t loved. Jacob repeated the mistake of his parents: favouritism. Jacob should have been more knowledgeable about the effects of favouritism and the consequences it brings. However, he was in love with Rachel but Leah was just “a mistake of a wife.” Imagine the joy in Rachel’s heart and the bitterness in Leah’s heart. It was a public display of favouritism and God was not pleased at all. If rivalry between two strange women can be sore, rivalry between two sisters who both feel cheated by their father is worse. Romans 2:11 states that, “God does not show favoritism” and James 2:9 also quotes that, “if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers.” Therefore, Jacob was not obeying God by favouring Rachel over Leah. Therefore God Himself joined the drama. 

When the Lord saw that Leah was not loved, he enabled her to conceive, but Rachel remained childless. (Genesis 29:31)

Remember, the biggest concerns of Jacob’s family had been childbirth. Sarah and Rebekah faced the issue of childlessness for years. When God stepped into the situation,  this is what happened: “When the Lord saw that Leah was not loved, he enabled her to conceive, but Rachel remained childless” (Genesis 29:31). God opened the door of childbirth for Leah. She escaped the familiar trend of childlessness but for Rachel, she remained childless. When you are loved by man, they do their best to make you happy, but when you are loved by God, He gives you the best of the land. Rachel had Jacob but was childless, Leah had God and she had it all. In a few years, Leah’s family grew bigger and Rachel remained the same. “Leah became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Reuben, for she said, “It is because the Lord has seen my misery. Surely my husband will love me now. She conceived again, and when she gave birth to a son she said, “Because the Lord heard that I am not loved, he gave me this one too.” So she named him Simeon. Again she conceived, and when she gave birth to a son she said, “Now at last my husband will become attached to me, because I have borne him three sons.” So he was named Levi. She conceived again, and when she gave birth to a son she said, “This time I will praise the Lord.” So she named him Judah. Then she stopped having children.” (Genesis 29:32‭-‬35).

Leah’s naming patterns remind me of traditional African communities where names are based on situations. Leah was obsessed with getting her husband’s attention that she missed God’s providence in her life. She kept naming her sons after her emotions. When she finally had the fourth son, Leah changed the naming pattern. She said “This time I will praise the Lord” and the child was named Judah. Indeed God deserved all her praise. While Leah escaped from the generational issue of barreness because God showed her mercy, Rachel lived in bitterness. She became envious of her sister and she kept nagging Jacob for a child. “When Rachel saw that she was not bearing Jacob any children, she became jealous of her sister. So she said to Jacob, “Give me children, or I’ll die!” Jacob became angry with her and said, “Am I in the place of God, who has kept you from having children?” (Genesis 30:1‭-‬2). The drama in Jacob’s house was not pleasant and Jacob might have felt the heat of pain and bitterness. He had to live with it. The decision to marry two sisters and  the desire to show favouritism contributed to the heat in his home. 

If Jacob was pressed, imagine Rachel and Leah. The sisters might have been on serious loggerheads and daily, each would have tried to be the best. Rachel was loved but had no children, Leah wasn’t loved but had enough children. What is the next move of this broken family? Will God leave the drama? 
If there is any lesson to learn today, bear in mind that God does not show favoritism (Romans 2:11) and, if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers (James 2:9).

Rebekah and the stolen blessing

Rebekah and Isaac as we saw earlier, had their favourite sons. Esau was for Isaac and Jacob was for Rebekah. Now, “when Isaac was old and his eyes were so weak that he could no longer see, he called for Esau his older son and said to him, “My son.” “Here I am,” he answered. Isaac said, “I am now an old man and don’t know the day of my death. Now then, get your equipment—your quiver and bow—and go out to the open country to hunt some wild game for me. Prepare me the kind of tasty food I like and bring it to me to eat, so that I may give you my blessing before I die.” (Genesis 27:1‭-‬4). Isaac’s love for Esau was so tied to wild game that before he could give his son his final blessing, Esau had to first hunt for a game and make food for his father. That doesn’t sound like unconditional love. “No meat, no blessings”, kind of love is not the one God has shown to us. And this is where it gets messier. Rebekah loved Jacob and would do anything for him. “Now Rebekah was listening as Isaac spoke to his son Esau. When Esau left for the open country to hunt game and bring it back” (Genesis 27:5). “Will Rebekah pretend she didn’t hear what Isaac said?” You know the answer, right?

Go out to the flock and bring me two choice young goats, so I can prepare some tasty food for your father, just the way he likes it. Then take it to your father to eat, so that he may give you his blessing before he dies.” (Genesis 27:9‭-‬10)

What a bag of mess? The couple’s public display of favouritism was about to generate a family feud. After recalling the instruction Isaac gave to Jacob, “Rebekah said to her son Jacob, “Look, I overheard your father say to your brother Esau…Now, my son, listen carefully and do what I tell you: Go out to the flock and bring me two choice young goats, so I can prepare some tasty food for your father, just the way he likes it. Then take it to your father to eat, so that he may give you his blessing before he dies.” (Genesis 27:6‭, ‬8‭-‬10). Rebekah wanted Jacob to steal the blessing meant for Esau. Although Jacob protested against the idea because of their physical differences, Rebekah had the perfect work plan to disguise Jacob to make him look like Esau. After Rebekah cooked the food just like Isaac loved it, she went ahead to disguise Jacob to look like Esau. The plan worked and Jacob presented the food to his father. Isaac was surprised at the speed of making the food. Since Isaac was blind, he was deceived by the smell of Esau (Jacob was in Esau’s clothes) and the goatskin body of Jacob. The blessing was given to Jacob fullscore. Isaac blessed him from his heart. Afterall, He thought he was blessing Esau, his firstborn and favourite son. Jacob  through the orchestrated effort of Rebekah stole the blessing meant for Esau.

What was Rebekah’s motivation for helping her son to deceive her husband? Was it because of the prophecy given to her that the oldest will serve the youngest? Was it because of her love for Jacob? Ultimately Rebekah was totally wrong for initiating the biggest sibling rivalry. God didn’t seek for her hand to bless Jacob. Her actions had further consequences. “Esau held a grudge against Jacob because of the blessing his father had given him. He said to himself, “The days of mourning for my father are near; then I will kill my brother Jacob” (Genesis 27:41). When Rebekah got to know of Esau’s plan, she hitched her plan B. She told Jacob, “Flee at once to my brother Laban in Harran. Stay with him for a while until your brother’s fury subsides. When your brother is no longer angry with you and forgets what you did to him, I’ll send word for you to come back from there. Why should I lose both of you in one day?” (Genesis 27:43‭-‬45). The fact is, Rebekah never saw her loving son again. By the time Jacob returned from his long journey,  Rebekah had already died. The stolen blessing rid her of her beloved son and officially gave Jacob the tag, “the deceiver”. For most part of Jacob’s adult life, he went through a circle of deception, either from him, from the people around him or from his own children. Years later, Esau would forgive Jacob for stealing his blessing but it took them over 20 years to fix the mess caused by Rebekah. 

Rebekah was beautiful, hardworking, strong, resilient, loving but she had her own flaws that generated into a family feud. Whenever we work on ourselves, we should not only be interested in building our strengths. We should find the best ways to overcome our weaknesses. If we overlook our weaknesses, they will move from a tiny serpent to a big dragon dragging us far away from God’s perfect plan for us. Every lie told is a step away from God and a step closer to the devil. Thou shall not lie!