It is quite apparent that Jacob was not a spiritual leader in his home. He allowed competition and division to occur between Leah and Rachel. Jacob even permitted his children to be treated like commodity. Here are a few examples:
1. Rachel was jealous of Leah because Rachel was barren.
Gen. 30:1-2 “And when Rachel saw that she bare Jacob no children, Rachel envied her sister; and said unto Jacob, Give me children, or else I die. And Jacob's anger was kindled against Rachel: and he said, Am I in God's stead, who hath withheld from thee the fruit of the womb?”
2. Leah was jealous of Rachel because Rachel had Jacob’s affections.
V14-16 “And Reuben went in the days of wheat harvest, and found mandrakes in the field, and brought them unto his mother Leah. Then Rachel said to Leah, Give me, I pray thee, of thy son's mandrakes. And she said unto her, Is it a small matter that thou hast taken my husband? and wouldest thou take away my son's mandrakes also?”
3. Jacob was NOT the leader in his home.
“And Rachel said, Therefore he shall lie with thee to night for thy son's mandrakes. And Jacob came out of the field in the evening, and Leah went out to meet him, and said, Thou must come in unto me; for surely I have hired thee with my son's mandrakes. And he lay with her that night.”
LESSON - Divisiveness occurs when people are selfish. If the husband refuses to make his home a place that honors the Lord, family members have a tendency to fend for themselves, thinking mostly of themselves first and foremost. Our homes must be a refuge from the world with every member understanding their place and responsibilities in the home. Above all, dads must lead by example to point their home to Jesus. When our eyes are on the Lord, everyone understands their “God called” place within the home and then division is replaced with unity. Consider this! There will be no mirrors in Heaven. It’s not about you.
~Mike