Let’s Make A Deal

Let’s Make a Deal

Leah And Rachel

Read: Genesis 30:14-16

The rivalry between Leah and Rachel reached a new low when Leah’s son found some mandrake plants, which were believed to be aphrodisiacs. When Rachel begged for the plants, Leah bitterly asked if it wasn’t enough that Rachel had already stolen her husband. So Rachel agreed to give up her turn for being with Jacob that night in return for some of the plants. Leah met Jacob as he came from the fields and informed him that she had “paid” for him with mandrakes. The sisters were so caught up in their envy and competition that they treated their husband like a male prostitute.

Many people enjoy haggling over prices and relish the satisfaction of getting a good deal. But this attitude causes problems when it moves out of the business world and into relationships. Thinking that “everybody has a price” causes some people to manipulate others rather than interact with them in honest, healthy ways. No one wants to be treated like a commodity to be bought and paid for.

Sometimes people even try to make deals with God. When we’re in trouble, it’s tempting to promise God that we will change our ways or give up a bad habit if he will help us out. If someone we love is seriously ill, we may vow to serve God for the rest of our lives if only he will heal our loved one. But God doesn’t work that way. We can make requests, but there is nothing we can pay him to make him do what we want. God’s love and mercy are graciously offered; they are not to be haggled over like these two jealous sisters haggled over their husband.

There is joy for those who deal justly with others and always do what is right.

Psalm 106:3