Showing posts with label Human weaknesses. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Human weaknesses. Show all posts

Tuesday, October 13, 2015

Reflection - Potiphar's wife - Women of the Bible (plotting against Joseph)


Joseph flees the advances of Potiphar's wIfe but she manage to grap part of his cloak, whlch falls off in his hasty retreat.
PHOTO: Joseph flees the advances of Potiphar's wIfe but she manage to grasp part of his cloak, whlch falls off in his hasty retreat.
Painting by Arthur Heinrich Wilhelm Fitger, Joseph and Potiphar's Wife
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9QOkjCy2GxS6TQ4ibDT7T_1gyzjmZDkRP988AfKi7LRKeUT8hl278N0gQQoERKqR-uXX-5AYzvajXDu3oGwN-YfoJMeZjrsneHeRWa49vTdXmMIhgfFCd6OUEGh5P5u00fJxuWu3zZx8/s1600/FitgerJosephPotipharWife.jpg
http://www.augustastylianougallery.com/Gallery/ArthurHeinrichWilhelmFitger/FitgerJosephPotipharWife.jpg
http://www.augustastylianougallery.com/Gallery/ArthurHeinrichWilhelmFitger/JosephAndPotipharsWife.html



Potiphar's wife otherwise nameless in the Bible, lived in Egypt in approximately the sixteenth century BC. Her husband was the captain of the guard for Pharaoh, sort of like the head of the secret service, someone who protected the monarch and kept an eye on possible traitors, dissidents, and troublemakers.



Potiphar's wife otherwise nameless in the Bible, lived in Egypt in approximately the sixteenth century BC. Her husband was the captain of the guard for Pharaoh.

PHOTO: Potiphar's wife otherwise nameless in the Bible, lived in Egypt in approximately the sixteenth century BC. Her husband was the captain of the guard for Pharaoh.
Painting by Ernani Costantini, Study of the Potiphar's wife, 1984
Posted by Marco Goldin, Women of the Bible, twelve paintings of Ernani Costantini ...

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQZTA2T27jGiRYuIxofERIbMSsQK26wCSwmijeu-pDigxQ9De9G9SyIYWEPAzkYFHJdXau6svKahxRvKQI4g5rG5W1SxXYgg5Wct8T_Cvy5UXrQruQUs3qP7LzulXcD8-SzcD64caR5bA/s1600/04_potifar_pastelli.jpg
http://www.costantini.org/pics/paint/donnebibbia/04_potifar_pastelli.jpg
http://www.costantini.org/it/paint/donnebibbia/critica.shtml



Potiphar buys Joseph the son of Rachel and Jacob as a slave from the Ishmaelites who had previously purchased Joseph from his ten older brothers. These brothers sold Joseph into sIavery out of Jealousy, and then explained his disappearance by saying Joseph was killed by a wild animal (Genesis. 37:12-36). The oldest brother Reuben tried to rescue him from the hands of the other brothers but was unsuccessful.



Potiphar put Joseph in charge of his entire household. But Potiphar’s wife lusted after this handsome young man

PHOTO: Potiphar put Joseph in charge of his entire household. But Potiphar’s wife lusted after this handsome young man.
Posted by My Bible, My Personal Chronological Bible Study
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY4xSTTFUtxky1CL4tqfOJY9nD928eJYiJrwRvHWXboQJ1uEVlSNcskL8a1R3oKpqktgCFKROaBiJ6c4VAycDLxlLPS7IMsQBhiAFd2rNSPeWZT4bczuH9dC3N05hgsUn9XdsvDr3xaL4/s1600/Potiphars-Wife.jpg
http://newsyoucanbelieve.com/bible/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/Potiphars-Wife.jpg
http://newsyoucanbelieve.com/bible/2010/01/14/day-014-chronological-reading/



Potiphar makes Joseph a domestic servant, and he proves himself to such an extent that Potiphar promotes him to be the head of the entire estate. Meanwhile Joseph doesn't go unnoticed by Potiphar's wife, who has a very sensual appetite and sees how young, handsome, and virile (masculine) Joseph is.



Potiphar's wife, who has a very sensual appetite and sees how young, handsome, and virile (masculine) Joseph is, she soon atlempts to seduce him.

PHOTO: Potiphar's wife, who has a very sensual appetite and sees how young, handsome, and virile (masculine) Joseph is, she soon attempts to seduce him.
Painting by Ernani Costantini, Potiphar's wife, 1984
Poems by Antonio Bruni
Posted by Eva Maria - Women of the Bible

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzQukRbtpFqKJPl41hc8g93XDp5TUy3gZRi-2jKS2TirLJl8vGBhaqEQ436b3p4aA_aOr-HPb8G8I6kIQOPHnNhxnvRv70u9Zk7gVWlw_ZXbQaIygLTlGSgmCx_LE5MdH0ARwhHkg7d00/s1600/04_moglie_potifar.jpg
http://www.costantini.org/pics/paint/donnebibbia/04_moglie_potifar.jpg
http://www.costantini.org/it/paint/donnebibbia/donne.shtml



She soon attempts to seduce him. But Joseph resists her luring enticements ("lie with me"), day after day, as he is an honorable young man who avoids sins and the betrayal of his master: "Look, with me here, my master has no concern about anything in the house, and he has put everything that he has in my hand. He is not greater in this house than I am, nor has he kept back anything from me except yourself, because you are his wife. How then could I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?" (Genesis 39:8-9). His refusal of her advances, of course, only angers Potiphar's wife. So Joseph leaves in a hurry, and Potiphar's wIfe keeps part of his cloak, which falls off in his hasty retreat.



And though she spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her or even be with her. Joseph resists her luring enticements('lie with me').

PHOTO: And though she spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her or even be with her. Joseph resists her luring enticements ("lie with me").
Jean-Francois De Troy, Joseph and Potiphar's Wife
Posted by Thomas Hawk (flickriver), photo taken on 23 December 2010

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDK1wPEMQJrINH82B6yXc3ShtTW204FIgM3QSaCZ6v4TktCSFa7zEofHzb0vieYWqrma8Vr4ASyY683Mc-wmmGVP5POAX9MYR2nsWnXwOiKs4KBJYcolUz9u2xN_tqWz18ZmP2QccuK4E/s1600/8072904300_f4dfbcba6a_k.jpg
https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8171/8072904300_f4dfbcba6a_k.jpg
https://www.flickr.com/photos/thomashawk/8072904300/



One day he went into the house to attend to his duties, and none of the household servants was inside. She caught him by his cloak and said, 'Come to bed with me!' But he left his cloak in her hand and ran out of the house. (Genesis 39:6-12)

PHOTO: One day he went into the house to attend to his duties, and none of the household servants was inside. She caught him by his cloak and said, “Come to bed with me!” But he left his cloak in her hand and ran out of the house (Genesis 39:6-12).
Painting by Nicolas Bertin at Rijksmuseum, Joseph and Potiphar's wife (1690 - 1710)
Posted by oceansbridge.com

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghuAO-1WQPbEEaTdSekeI32_3F-zt71nIbTHGCeLwyrdSr_iDQl7t4YW_AasrpDkwtHPEgem22-8LiM1tCQiSxUVT9tBAo4-Owk6BGNK1SlPt0lG8Y01TZ_ekGqGcKO2rAcuPksizcYiQ/s1600/Joseph-and-Potiphars-wife-1690-1710-ZZ-Nicolas-Bertin.3279.jpg
http://www.oceansbridge.com/paintings/museums/rijks-museum/big/Joseph-and-Potiphars-wife-1690-1710-ZZ-Nicolas-Bertin.3279.jpg
http://www.oceansbridge.com/oil-paintings/product/129854/josephandpotipharswife16901710



The vixen then lies to her husband, claiming that Joseph tried to rape her. She shows him the garment as evidence (Genesis 39:16–20). Potiphar has Joseph immediately Imprisoned, with no Interrogation, let alone a trial (Genesis 39:19-20).



Potiphar’s wife was angry. She told Potiphar lies about Joseph. She said Joseph tried to rape her. Potiphar believed his wife (Genesis 39:16–20).

PHOTO: Potiphar’s wife was angry. She told Potiphar lies about Joseph. She said Joseph tried to rape her. Potiphar believed his wife (Genesis 39:16–20).
Posted by pixshark.com
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipCiFnl6A9ZCbVUXkIDQMyPO99zkXnSsCQrGQKAXwIsbPWBaQpQqrYbI8hEaDX2_jxnhyphenhyphenXDys3O0Yf4DaUmQfoSA9JomPrm6IFlo7hou3ZWgjVkQDD1lmPatiQxzXVgh8fkdfv1xmVYhQ/s1600/31118_000_015_06.jpg
https://www.lds.org/bc/content/shared/content/images/gospel-library/manual/31118/31118_000_015_06.jpg
https://www.lds.org/manual/old-testament-stories/chapter-13-joseph-in-egypt?lang=eng



Potiphar was angry at Joseph. He has Joseph immediately Imprisoned, with no Interrogation, let alone a trial (Genesis 39:19-20).

PHOTO: Potiphar was angry at Joseph. He has Joseph immediately Imprisoned, with no Interrogation, let alone a trial (Genesis 39:19-20).
Posted by pixshark.com
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTOTerWlh1yL0iYJLoR9QpScSF1chSE5qC0ICgVHPzNoq8zXTv5bp6k1zeh2QJqnTbrKK01ZzVsKRwlfmRTTPOWu_E8tf0aJt7T0JOfYmUAYLYiKZB9OX50eH-DaV3fWAzifCshJy8Y7Q/s1600/joseph4.jpg
http://www.biblestudy1.com/images/joseph4.jpg
http://pixshark.com/joseph-in-potiphars-house.htm



Potiphar's wife had tried to seduce Joseph into an adulterous affair, and failing that, she then lied and slandered the poor man into jail. We hear no more of her even though Joseph's time in the big house is not permanent. The wife of Potiphar is remembered only for her lustful advance, toward a chaste and honourable man. The seductress loses on all accounts. Not only does she not become the illicit lover of Joseph, but Joseph eventually rises to a royal appointment in the Pharaoh's court that is higher than even her husband's position. The Ironic twist: Joseph's high position in court may have never happened had it not been for his time in jail. While he was imprisoned, Joseph was summoned to interpret a dream of Pharaoh (because he did so for his fellow inmates), and that won him Pharaoh's favor and position as governor (Genesis 41).



Potiphar’s wife failed to seduce Joseph, who resisted this temptation by saying it would be a sin against God. sexual sin is not just between two consenting adults. It is an act of disobedience against God.

PHOTO: Potiphar’s wife failed to seduce Joseph, who resisted this temptation by saying it would be a sin against God. Sexual sin is not just between two consenting adults. It is an act of disobedience against God. [2]
Painting by  Carlo Cignani (Italian, 1628–1719), Joseph and Potiphar's Wife
Posted by Christie

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgngLAlywb4XLeiyK-AHuGjZjuZJ90IoSoTY2bVMOoOabod7AqBzfJjQRAgAGmDzZg427UsoO6UOR9JAY82-9oWbo6OCt0kGBHOK3rAinC0FFASQZ6TGGRVLjERj2Cw6sgAHlkgsVXOVDQ/s1600/after_carlo_cignani_joseph_and_potiphars_wife_d5744784h-1.png
http://www.christies.com/lotfinderimages/d57447/after_carlo_cignani_joseph_and_potiphars_wife_d5744784h.jpg
http://www.christies.com/lotfinder/paintings/after-carlo-cignani-joseph-and-potiphars-wife-5744784-details.aspx



Potiphar’s wife failed to seduce Joseph, who resisted this temptation by saying it would be a sin against God. Joseph didn’t say, “I’d be hurting you,” or “I’d be sinning against Potiphar,” or “I’d be sinning against myself.” Under pressure, such excuses are easily rationalized away. Remember that sexual sin is not just between two consenting adults. It is an act of disobedience against God. [2]



Sometimes merely trying to avoid temptation is not enough. We must turn and run from them, especially when the temptations seem very strong, as is often the case in sexual temptations.

PHOTO: Sometimes merely trying to avoid temptation is not enough. We must turn and run from them, especially when the temptations seem very strong, as is often the case in sexual temptations.
While in slavery in Egypt, his boss’ wife attempted to sleep with him, he refused and she implicated him and this led Joseph to prison. But ….…. it was from prison Joseph became prime minister of Egypt and reconciled with his family and brothers.
Posted by Sola Oyeniyi on 4 October 2015
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmACFKSlKldO1BjnFymxY9fb6Z3-RigAgzKaun3hzp5qp-EqNAN6pLKq6m97H6t-KgcGPDt5tV6nzXXfBhAB-9UHOZurkpew88FBGXW03U3hy__jmWn3BZAT0bWcGSPmcktsrgqll06j4/s1600/RV-AH920_MASTER_P_20120824005004-1.jpg
http://si.wsj.net/public/resources/images/RV-AH920_MASTER_P_20120824005004.jpg
http://thesheet.ng/7-popular-bible-stories-every-christian-child-knows/



Joseph avoided Potiphar’s wife as much as possible. He refused her advances and finally ran from her. Sometimes merely trying to avoid temptation is not enough. We must turn and run from them, especially when the temptations seem very strong, as is often the case in sexual temptations. [2]

By Rev. John Trigilio, Jr., Rev. Kenneth Brighenti, Women in the Bible For Dummies



I Would’ve Slept with Potiphar’s Wife

PHOTO: I Would’ve Slept with Potiphar’s Wife
“She was beautiful. She was there everyday. Always walking about the house. She wore this scent that I really like. It smelled good.”
“It’s the question that all people ask when things go terribly wrong. Why, God?”
"God tell me Nothing. I was afraid. Then I was angry. Angry at God for letting that horrible thing happen to me. My heart was hard. I wanted to rebel."
"I didn’t because I was afraid. God showed me that He was blessing me. It was obvious. From a slave to a position of power. I was afraid of God because I was starting to know Him."
“Word of advice. When you’re being invited by Potiphar’s wife, run. Leave your cloak behind or what have you. Let her make her accusations. Run like you’re going to die."
“Because the truth is, if you don’t run, you’re probably already dead.”
Posted by Sean
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilNq_bho-5A6IzWAGS31NTcyC3DFIdFRfQ6A2KKlYJt9vL0WhwqHDozqz3yZBTI4AP1c66qlvLT7dtkvjg5GSvRcONrt2BUFlAkJZTW5DZk2C7wvVrbwYwQyp74v82TorDrHkSy2TQ5SA/s1600/Woman-Tempting-1.jpg
http://cdn.h3sean.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Woman-Tempting.jpg
http://h3sean.com/wouldve-slept-potiphars-wife/




Reference

[1] Women in the Bible For Dummies,  By Rev. John Trigilio, Jr., Rev. Kenneth Brighenti,
https://books.google.com.sg/books?id=AWANBijXqJEC&pg=PA208&lpg=PA208&dq=Potiphar%27s+wife+-+Women+of+the+Bible&source=bl&ots=vm21CftjKs&sig=luUV1HLqRwjNl4bjjodG0LWk12I&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0CFcQ6AEwCTgKahUKEwiYiO6x077IAhWQ1I4KHa2CC6I#v=onepage&q=Potiphar%27s%20wife%20-%20Women%20of%20the%20Bible&f=false

[2] Day 014 ~ Chronological Reading, Posted by My Bible, My Personal Chronological Bible Study,
http://newsyoucanbelieve.com/bible/2010/01/14/day-014-chronological-reading/


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.


Genesis. 37:12-36 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis.+37%3A12-36&version=NIV

Genesis 39:6-12 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+39%3A6-12&version=NIV

Genesis 39:8-9 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+39%3A8-9&version=NIV

Genesis 39:16-20 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+39%3A16%E2%80%9320&version=NIV

Genesis 39:19-20 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+39%3A19-20&version=NIV

Genesis 41 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+41&version=NIV

https://books.google.com.sg/books?id=AWANBijXqJEC&pg=PA208&lpg=PA208&dq=Potiphar%27s+wife+-+Women+of+the+Bible&source=bl&ots=vm21CftjKs&sig=luUV1HLqRwjNl4bjjodG0LWk12I&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0CFcQ6AEwCTgKahUKEwiYiO6x077IAhWQ1I4KHa2CC6I#v=onepage&q=Potiphar%27s%20wife%20-%20Women%20of%20the%20Bible&f=false

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
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGMvEh6H1o1-v4Ug60tlx9hgvimwsPgEhmq6vEbaCVY0k8BeWcxLIKuRN9bE2A3MPLoXKvxyMuqNEQMV_-RlUiegW-vqzp6mEXpV79kJPpNthedZYWIOQK2f-n3yAOSI6IB6L1xxKV8-0/s1600/strength_of_a_woman_by_domitaliajinx-d38pgcs.jpg
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.

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjln7uuGRb70HXfDU0RZPaUqNWQQwmHFK2ZfTKIoaaJlJl1Kis3tA4dGblNFHP-_C8qv1zfA-nxjlnMkN-4Rl8hy4RS5oyYhgXwCyR5x80sPL5cLUo60QQtxx8r8NozcogVbOXZVBRQXZo/s1600/6.jpg
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
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgElNpIeIVgNXMYSFOV4UV56DSF4BQl-mFb1WMzcgqOFmqRYyz8VHCqPVx1XE-momRXjm1bjYozIBs4zx08c1nxRxfFXgecfQPlt9ctXofmz3cSaSs114u-kPEG37-kc-XLRoQjrbyn0TQP/s1600/isaac-meeting-rebecca-by-friedrich-bouterwek.jpg
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

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnOZuPnS96UD0JcvVqZM1spccsa6sUWKr6Xc37rh1wwlD5KapQILE3GeksPitPPaCt9mJz7Pzc9F5hLxvktzAGC20LpRASoGGy85fjH8oyHv7m4GFZLjohpXls10-v2G47-ZP75swH12k/s1600/Rudolf_Ernst_ERR032.jpg
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
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQMNWqDkrg1q0zgl3vJkte8SqlCqAXLrHzYf5dAQhhuC1JS8xkWgAlx_pM2Wnjgxrzi082PSqT4iXiG3YwXeuzILLIfhqjxlPhtwg8V3RRr7IcHv8eFH8bzwpsl005TeTai8Yv1hRnvMA/s1600/20720-isaac-blessing-jacob-assereto-gioachino.jpg
http://www.lib-art.com/imgpainting/0/2/20720-isaac-blessing-jacob-assereto-gioachino.jpg
http://www.lib-art.com/artgallery/20720-isaac-blessing-jacob-assereto-gioachino.html



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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