All the Single Ladies...of the Bible: Part 2

Part 1 of this series was all about Rebekah and how her experiences could be translated into our lives today as practical advice for women of GOD to be prepared for a man of GOD. Six useful tips closed the post, which I hope are helpful.

Now, on to Rachel. Rachel's narrative is a bit different. While Rebekah was sort of born to privilege, Rachel was not so bad off either, but she had a career. Rachel was a shepherdess. In fact, that is where she meets her husband...while at work.

Genesis 29:9 (Common English Bible translation)

9 While he (Jacob) was still talking to them, Rachel came with her father's flock since she was its shepherd.

The custom in Haran where Rachel lived seems to be that all the shepherds gather at the well to water their sheep together. Jacob was there at just the right moment and Rachel was on her way to perform an aspect of her job right on time. Well, that was all that was needed. He saw Rachel and it appears to be love at first sight. He becomes overjoyed with the fact that he's found what he was looking for. So much so that he actually waters the flock for her and then kisses her and weeps out loud. Now that's really something.

Genesis 29:10

10 When Jacob saw Rachel the daughter of Laban his uncle, and the flock of Laban, Jacob came up, rolled the stone from the well's opening, and watered the flock of his uncle Laban. 11 Jacob kissed Rachel and wept aloud.

How awesome would that be? Today that might be too weird. Between women's liberation, the feminist movement, and strong themes of female emancipation from any male dominance, this wouldn't play out the same way. Even in the church women feel free from having to submit to anyone simply because they're a man. No, in this age a situation like this would have to involve the Holy Spirit, big time, for a woman not to deck a guy. Notwithstanding, they eventually got married. Jacob worked 7 years to have Rachel be his wife (since her dad was somewhat shady he even had to put in another 7 beyond that), but to him it was like a few days since he loved her so much.

Genesis 29:20

20 Jacob worked for Rachel for seven years, but it seemed like a few days because he loved her.

Yes, GOD writes wonderful romance! So, here's some wisdom to glean from the story:

1.) Be diligent in your work. Show up on time, use your time wisely: don't take longer lunches than necessary, don't leave things for someone else to do if you can do it yourself, be pleasant, and do the work with excellence, not to make your boss happy, but to please GOD. Colossians 3:23 Whatever you do, do it from the heart for the Lord and not for people. HE's the ultimate boss.

We'll move on to Ruth next...her story is like a fairy tale, a real rags to riches account of love worth waiting for!