Jacob shows his love for Rachel (Gen. 35:20)

 

SPIRITUAL DIARY FOR 05-01-2007

 

My Worship Time                                                 Focus:  Jacob shows his love for Rachel

 

Bible Reading & Meditation                                         Reference:  Genesis 35:20

 

            Message of the verse:  “20 Jacob set up a pillar over her grave; that is the pillar of Rachel’s grave to this day.”

 

            Rachel was buried somewhere between Bethlehem and Jerusalem, which was near where she had died giving birth to Jacob’s last son.  As one reads the Bible they sometimes seem to skip over things because they do not know that there is a greater meaning to them, and that is one of the things that I love so much about studying the Scriptures, and reading other commentaries that help me to understand these meanings.  In the case of Rachel’s grave and her death near the place where Jesus would be born there is greater meaning, as can be seen by the names given to Jacob’s last son.  The two names given, as mentioned in the last SD, can give a great meaning of the ministries of Christ, man of sorrow and Son of my right hand, as the Lord now sets at the right hand of God the Father.  After the birth of Jesus King Herod killed all of the baby boys two years old and younger, and this where we read about Rachel’s crying in Matthews Gospel.  If Jesus had not been born in Bethlehem, then it would have been best known for the grave of Rachel, which makes one think of sorrow, while the birth of Jesus the town of Bethlehem is known for the birth of the Savior, which brings joy to the hearts of all who have accepted Him as their Lord and Savior.

 

            Spiritual meaning for my life:  I’ve seen in this lesson that God does indeed make all things work together for our good and for His glory.

 

The Word of God has been challenging to my heart as I read and studied it this morning.

 

My Steps of Faith Today:  To continue to trust the Lord to work out things for our good and for His glory in the possible illness of Sandy.  I am very thankful to the Lord for seeing her through the procedure she went through yesterday.

 

Memory verse for the week:  2 Chronicles 14:11 (NLT) Then Asa called to the LORD his God and said, "LORD, there is no one besides You to help in the battle between the powerful and those who have no strength; so help us, O LORD our God, for we trust in You, and in Your name have come against this multitude. O LORD, You are our God; let not man prevail against You."