On the Way to Ephrath..

In Genesis 35, Scripture records for us the death of Rachel:

"And Rachel died, and was buried in the way to Ephrath, which is Bethlehem" (35:19).

Notice that her death occurred "on the way" to Ephrath, or Bethlehem! Ephrath means, "fruitfulness", and Bethlehem means, "the house of bread", and comes from the word "Bethel", which means "the house of God". What a sad story! Is it really possible to be as distinguished as Rachel, yet die on the way to sustenance and fruitfulness? Perish on the way to the house of God? Indeed. Moses died, receiving not the promise (Deut 34:5; Josh 1:1-2; Heb 11:39). Esau too (Heb 12:16).

Why do we think Rachel, like Esau, missed out on her full inheritance, and her ultimate destination in God? Well, a few chapters back will provide us with the dismal answer...

In Genesis 31, we see an interesting instance with Rachel and Laban. Rachel stole some "images that were her father's" (Gen 31:19). It is uncertain what these images were, but Scripture calls them "gods" (31:30). To some it appears very likely that these "gods" were a sort of images devoted to superstitious purposes, not considered as gods, but as representatives of certain Divine attributes. Others consider them to be outright idols. Whatever the case may be, these images were a source of sin for Rachel. She deceived her family, and hid them in her baggage:

"With whomsoever thou findest thy gods, let him not live: before our brethren discern thou what is thine with me, and take it to thee. For Jacob knew not that Rachel had stolen them. And Laban went into Jacob's tent, and into Leah's tent, and into the two maidservants' tents; but he found them not. Then went he out of Leah's tent, and entered into Rachel's tent. Now Rachel had taken the images, and put them in the camel's furniture, and sat upon them. And Laban searched all the tent, but found them not. And she said to her father, Let it not displease my lord that I cannot rise up before thee; for the custom of women is upon me. And he searched, but found not the images" (Gen 31:32-35).

Rachel possessed hidden deception, idolatry and perversity. Rather than confront her internal issues, she literally sat on them, keeping them buried, and dormant, yet alive! As was the case with Esau, such a heart will only cause us to despise our very journey.. Rachel named her fruit Benoni, which means, "son of my sorrow" (Gen 35:18). Reader, can we relate to this story? Are our personal failures and shortcomings an instance to allow the flesh to fester? Or are we, as Jesus, completely open and naked before the Holy Spirit? The reason Jesus bore perfect fruit was because He knew no sin and was perfectly transparent with His Father.. He said, "I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me" (Jn 5:30). And, "I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things" (Jn 8:28). And still, "...I seek not mine own glory" (Jn 8:50).

This truth was a principle difference between Jesus and those of His day: "I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father" (Jn 8:38). Friends, which "father" will we mimic? That of the flesh or that of the Spirit? The answer to this question will play a significant role in our spiritual lives. It just may determine whether or not we die on the way to fruitfulness!

Sadly, so many believers who are controlled by their personal, carnal issues. Some are more severe than others, but all are detrimental. It is foolish to think we can go on to the "house of God" and be genuinely "fruitful" believers all the while nourishing and cultivating our personal sin! We, like Rachel, may have our problems, but don't just hide them down deep.. don't merely suppress them and go your merry way. Rather, let the Holy Spirit prick your heart; allow the fire of God to expose and correct you. Concerning this, Judson Cornwall has said: "The altar is the divine sanitation system, for fire is a great sanitizer, a never-failing disinfectant. This altar is not an educational system, it is a burning process. God doesn't intend to brainwash us, He is trying to barbecue us. The answer to our flesh isn't pampering, controlling or hiding; the answer to all carnality is the fire of God's brazen altar - the cross of Jesus". It'll be painful, of course, but the end will justify the means:

"For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer. Selah. I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah. For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found: surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him. Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah. I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye" (Ps 32:4-8).

Rachel died on the way to her portion.. will we?