Read Genesis 29:1-30:24

                Note: Binyamin is born later in chapter 35

Contrast this story to that of Yitzchak and Rivkah.

Which story is more romantic?

Which story do we see more problems?

Of Leah and Rachel, which is more godly?

What Ya’akov meant to marry Rachel, or did his desires blind him to the will of God?

Therefore, since the Messiah suffered physically, you too are to arm yourselves with the same attitude. For whoever has suffered physically is finished with sin, with the result that he lives the rest of his earthly life no longer controlled by human desires, but by God's will. [1Kefa/1Peter 4:1-2]

 I can't do a thing on my own. As I hear, I judge; and my judgment is right; because I don't seek my own desire, but the desire of the one who sent me. [Yochanan/John 5:30]

What happens when we let our eyes be our guide?

The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise. [Mishlei/Proverbs 12:15]

What is to be our guide?

For the mitzvah is a lamp, Torah is light, and reproofs that discipline are the way to life. They keep you from an evil woman, from a loose woman's seductive tongue. Don't let your heart lust after her beauty or allow her glance to captivate you. [Mishlei/Proverbs 6:23-25]

This kind of lust is generally what we think of when we talk about lust, but what other types of lust are there and how does this passage relate to them?

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. [1Yochanan/1John 2:15-17]

A man approached Yeshua and said, "Rabbi, what good thing should I do in order to have eternal life?" He said to him, "Why are you asking me about good? There is One who is good! But if you want to obtain eternal life, observe the mitzvot." The man asked him, "Which ones?" and Yeshua said, "Don't murder, don't commit adultery, don't steal, don't give false testimony honor father and mother and love your neighbor as yourself." The young man said to him, "I have kept all these; where do I still fall short?" Yeshua said to him, "If you are serious about reaching the goal, go and sell your possessions, give to the poor, and you will have riches in heaven. Then come, follow me!" But when the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he was wealthy. [Mattityahu/Matthew 19:16-22]

In this last passage, what was the guide to this man’s life?

He followed Torah, so what was his problem?

What is the difference between good desire and bad?

How blessed is the man who perseveres through temptation! For after he has passed the test, he will receive as his crown the Life which God has promised to those who love him. No one being tempted should say, "I am being tempted by God." For God cannot be tempted by evil, and God himself tempts no one.  Rather, each person is being tempted whenever he is being dragged off and enticed by the bait of his own desire. Then, having conceived, the desire gives birth to sin; and when sin is fully grown, it gives birth to death. [Ya’akov/James 1:12-15]

Trust in Adonai, and do good; settle in the land, and feed on faithfulness. Then you will delight yourself in Adonai, and he will give you your heart's desire. Commit your way to Adonai; trust in him, and he will act. [Tehellim/Psalm 37:3-5]

In what ways do we put our desires before pleasing God?

Despite Ya’akov’s actions and desires, God’s will was done. The tribes of Isra’el still came from him.

What does this show us about our fulfillment of God’s will in our life?

         
     Prayer:

    Thank God for what He has taught you in this study.  Ask God to help you to see and desire His will, more than the things of the world, however beautiful or pleasing they may be. Ask God to show you ways in which you may already pursuing things that are not His plan for your life, and ask for the wisdom and courage to seek the better things.