Friday, October 2, 2015

Reflection - Rebekah - Women of the Bible with her human weaknesses

Source Website: http://www.wordlibrary.co.uk/article.php?id=169
Author: Dele Oke, The Living Word Library, Christian Resource Centre


A woman of godly character but not without her human weaknesses
PHOTO: A woman of godly character but not without her human weaknesses
Rebekah, who was described as very beautiful and have a caring heart, pushed Jacob, her son, into deceiving his father and stealing his brothers blessing (Genesis 27:2-13). The same mistake that many parents make; they chose favourites among their children.
Jean-François Portaels (Belgian painter, 1818-1895), Painting - ” Oriental beauty ”
Posted by Istanbul Tours, Ottoman Harem
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvu2RELRB5JkqUkmOEYtU5FiLbtSYwXmv5zokg3MYP3RskJh2WS03l_P_fu5U22n4fayijahOt7VqJieV3CaXopTuFul5RsmKfqajnLJgRRD7JH65HMb6DuQYEX6D8SCBkIdYm2n5Zpsk/s1600/harem.ikbal.jpg
http://www.turkeyforholidays.com/images/harem.ikbal.jpg
http://www.turkeyforholidays.com/Ottoman-harem.html


Genesis 24-27
The wife of Isaac. A woman of godly character but not without her human weaknesses.

Abraham, Isaac's father, had sent his trusted servant back to his country and people to choose a wife for his son. Remember Abraham was now living in the land of Canaan.

Abraham's servant went back to Abraham's country, sought God for guidance and immediately came in contact with a very godly young girl (Genesis 24).


Abraham's servant went back to Abraham's country, sought God for guidance and immediately came in contact with a very godly young girl (Genesis 24).
PHOTO: Abraham's servant went back to Abraham's country, sought God for guidance and immediately came in contact with a very godly young girl (Genesis 24).
Posted by Clen Burnie United Methodist Church
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGS3AZuITSwR3AoP8qUXAjqKXRdkecpT26WJn8r3WmlL_kvfxWpuPuMjHTPfOnfRngQTIr0DRzSgzV-xpODZMQcdGtJZnrleqk_Ne9OOshMquZIjB1BFaFGDYzj6wTk5hAVb46mdlahs0/s1600/Genesis-24_html_20553fe8.jpg
http://www.gbumchurch.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Genesis-24_html_20553fe8.jpg
http://www.gbumchurch.org/wordpress/?page_id=78


Rebekah, inspired by nothing more than a caring heart, drew water, not only for the servant but also for his camel's. Supplying water for thirsty camels is a very demanding job.

Rebekah, who was described as very beautiful, put her self through a lot of hard work for no apparent gain. She was a woman of godly character. Something of great worth in God's sight (1 Peter 3:3-4).


Rebekah described as very beautiful, more than a caring heart, drew water, not only for the servant but also for the camel's. Supplying water for thirsty camels is a very demanding job.
PHOTO: Rebekah described as very beautiful, more than a caring heart, drew water, not only for the servant but also for the camel's. Supplying water for thirsty camels is a very demanding job.
Posted by Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania 
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCJG3-Zlbv8fDigmQrqK9l5Haar0jDrnLSzslYZ7sa8F2Zo0ZuO0voGwYnMu0dZxaVQ1EL168DLYZGqaGkBGYwsyAoFw5ydetMhTm5UzxtF-nA1iz7ZD2j9KKLQ9LPwy6-DFY8XxJTpwA/s1600/20.jpg
http://wol.jw.org/cmn-Hant/wol/mp/r24/lp-ch/yc/2014/20 - 20.jpg
http://wol.jw.org/cmn-Hant/wol/d/r24/lp-ch/1102013524


As a woman of God, the greatest investment you can make in your life is that of a godly character (1 Timothy 4:7-8). Let the word of God remold your life. It's in seeking God that you will find fulfillment (1 Timothy 6: 6). As you seek the kingdom of God all other things will be added unto you (Matthew 6:33).

This is the secret to a fulfilled life that so many women have missed. The godliness in Rebekah is what opened the door to her destiny. She was not sitting there complaining of her situation, but rather allowed the love of God to shape her life. As the fruit of the spirit takes root in your life so shall the favour of God follow (Galatians 5:22). As you draw close to God, God will draw close to you. When God is close to you favour will follow (James 4:8)


Strength of a Woman
PHOTO: Strength of a Woman
As a woman of God, the greatest investment you can make in your life is that of a godly character. This is the secret to a fulfilled life that so many women have missed. The godliness in Rebekah is what opened the door to her destiny. She was not sitting there complaining of her situation, but rather allowed the love of God to shape her life.
Posted by domitaliajinx, Digital Art / Photomanipulation / Emotional©2011-2015 domitaliajinx
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http://img09.deviantart.net/7751/i/2011/034/7/4/strength_of_a_woman_by_domitaliajinx-d38pgcs.jpg
http://domitaliajinx.deviantart.com/art/Strength-of-a-Woman-196023052


After providing Abraham's servants with water, Rebekah assured him that there was enough room in her parents house to accommodate him and his camel's for the night. Again, her kind heart led her to help a stranger. This again exposed her to the blessing of God (Hebrews 13:1-2).

After Abraham's servant made his mission clear to Rebekah's parents they agreed to give her hand in marriage. Notice that she was consulted about this decision and it was only her consent that made it possible. Her discernment led her to make the right choice (Genesis 24:47-60).


Rebecca at the Well, Antonio Bellucci cir. 1700
PHOTO: Rebecca at the Well, Antonio Bellucci cir. 1700
Posted by Pommersfelden. Schloss Weissenstein, Oil on canvas 176 x 135 cm.
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http://www.artita.ru/dat/b/bellucci/6.jpg
http://www.artita.ru/view-bellucci-6


According to the culture of the day, Rebekah's initial accepting of the nose ring (Genesis 24:47) was a clear sign of the servant's intention and her acceptance of it.

Woman of God. There are many decisions in life that you are going to have to make. Sometimes making the right one is vital. The closer you get to God, the better the chance of you have of making the right choice.

Rebekah followed the servant back to Isaac and became his wife (Genesis 24:66).


Genesis 24:60 - And they blessed Rebekah
PHOTO: Isaac Meeting Rebecca by Friedrich Bouterwek
Posted by Heather on Tuesday, 7 May 2013
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirbXVvfYB0JnufO8jCqINnQnTc4GFNwa3zy4tS8t0Xh3oOqFDeTZIEOBl1Bq6tGxkE-6ZtVR1hlPeya41LpmoIZ7s4pMDwFiLnPqQoQ1EoOAiYmo3YtYftMl8NGeH8CmwqJ6rE8vPTT-Y/s1600/isaac-meeting-rebecca-by-friedrich-bouterwek-1.jpg
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http://www.womeninthescriptures.com/2013/05/breastfeeding-women-in-scriptures-part-1.html


A close relationship between a man and a woman in marriage is vital. Together you can lift one another up spiritually, physically and emotionally. When one is down the other can lift the person up.

This was true of Isaac and Rebekah. Rebekah was barren and Isaac prayed for her and God heard his prayer (Genesis 25:21). Couples need to lift each other up in prayer. There are times when it is your prayers that will help your partner.

Rebekah was a woman of prayer and had no less access to God than Isaac did. Indeed we see her seeking God's face over the issue of her children and getting a clear answer (Genesis 25: 22-25). Maybe she had gained her confidence back after becoming pregnant.

Couples need to support one another. Taking support from your partner is not a sign of weakness. Rebekah could certainly hear from God directly, nevertheless she still allowed Isaac to do it when it regarded child birth. My guess is that they had both been praying for children together and as discouragement set in Isaac took it up more aggressively.

Notice that this was not an easy period for the couple. Even with Isaac's prayer it still took twenty years of marriage before Rebekah had her children (Genesis 25:19-21,26).

Patience is always necessary in receiving from God. Patience is human endurance coupled with God's grace which combines to give us the ability to seek God's face in prayer, without giving up, until the answer is received (James 5:7-8). Rebekah was a woman of patience. She was also a woman who knew when to lean on her husband. This was part of her strength.

God's favour continued to abide (accept) with Rebekah. Being a beautiful woman she soon ran into the same problem Sarah faced. God protected her (Genesis 26:7-11). Incidentally Isaac showed the same weakness that was in his father Abraham. He too cowardly lied about the true identity of his wife.


Rebekah, being a beautiful woman she soon ran into the same problem Sarah faced.
PHOTO: Rebekah, being a beautiful woman she soon ran into the same problem Sarah faced. God protected her (Genesis 26:7-11). Incidentally Isaac showed the same weakness that was in his father Abraham. He too cowardly lied about the true identity of his wife.
Paintings Reproductions Ernst Rudolf, The Harem Bath
Rudolf Ernst Paintings 1854 - 1932  Austria, Orientalism
Posted by World Classic Gallery Ltd
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http://www.allartclassic.com/img/Rudolf_Ernst_ERR032.jpg
http://www.allartclassic.com/pictures_zoom.php?p_number=193&p=&number=ERR032


A godly woman should know the weaknesses in her husband and pray about them. Do not allow them room to affect or even destroy your marriage. Every human being has weaknesses. We should not resent the weaknesses in our partner but rather prayerfully guard against them. Rebekah was soon to show her weaknesses.

It was Rebekah who pushed Jacob, her son, into deceiving his father and stealing his brothers blessing (Genesis 27:2-13). This resulted in great conflict in the home (Genesis 27:41-43).


Isaac Blessing Jacob - Gioachino Assereto - religious Painting Art
PHOTO: Isaac Blessing Jacob - Gioachino Assereto - religious Painting Art
It was Rebekah who pushed Jacob, her son, into deceiving his father and stealing his brothers blessing (Genesis 27:2-13).
Posted by Brad Snowder
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http://www.lib-art.com/imgpainting/0/2/20720-isaac-blessing-jacob-assereto-gioachino.jpg
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Isaac and Rebekah made the same mistake that many parents make; they chose favourites among their children. This is something that all parents should guide against. The results of such actions can cause conflicts in your home that can go on for many years. You have been warned!  

Reflection - Rebekah - Women of the Bible with her human weaknesses
Author: Dele Oke, The Living Word Library, Christian Resource Centre



Reference
NIV, New International Version, Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

1 Peter 3:3-4 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Peter+3%3A3-4&version=NIV

1 Timothy 4:7-8 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Timothy+4%3A+7-8&version=NIV

1 Timothy 6: 6 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Timothy+6%3A+6&version=NIV

Galatians 5:22 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+5%3A22&version=NIV

Genesis 24 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+24&version=NIV

Genesis 24:47 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+24%3A47&version=NIV

Genesis 24:47-60 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+24%3A47-60&version=NIV

Genesis 24:59 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+24%3A59&version=NIV

Genesis 24:60 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+24%3A60&version=NIV

Genesis 24:66 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+24%3A66+-+&version=NIV

Genesis 24-27 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+24+-+27&version=NIV

Genesis 25:19-21,26 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+25%3A19-21%2C26&version=NIV

Genesis 25:21 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+25%3A21&version=NIV

Genesis 25: 22-25 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+25%3A+22-25&version=NIV

Genesis 26:7-11 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+26%3A+7-11&version=NIV

Genesis 27:2-13 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+27%3A2-13&version=NIV

Genesis 27:41-43 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+27%3A41-43&version=NIV

Hebrews 13:1-2 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+13%3A1-2&version=NIV

James 4:8 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+4%3A8&version=NIV

James 5:7-8 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+5%3A+7-8&version=NIV

Matthew 6:33 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+6%3A33&version=NIV

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