There was a time, not so long ago that women were judged by how many children they gave birth to and how each one behaved in public. However, now with the advent of the Intelligent Woman, the new normal is foregoing parenthood, pursuing a career and enjoying life without the hassle of children. While the western world is buying into this notion, Islamic women are averaging 6 children per household. If this trend continues, Islam will gradually take over the earth’s population as the baby boomer generation passes on and modern families having just one to two per babies home.
As I read about the establishment of the 12 tribes of Israel, 4 woman took part. Because Jacob loved Rachel more, Leah is blessed to have the first 4 children: Reuben, Simeon, Levi and Judah. Unable to have children, Rachel offers Bilhah, her maid servant to Jacob, bearing Dan and Naphtali. Attempting to one up her sister, Leah offers Jacob her maid servant, as Zilpah gives birth to Gad and Asher. Like a cat fight from the past, Genesis 30:14-16 reveals how Jacob is caught in the middle. Submitting to the promise made to her sister, Leah has 2 more children through Jacob, Issachur and Zebulun. Desperate for a child of her own, God opens Rachel womb to have Joseph in Genesis 30:22-24.
Unfortunately, children are the legacy parents leave behind. Although one may enjoy a life without children, your name and your hard work will vanish over time. Therefore, don’t buy into this selfish concept. Be open to the person God designed you to be so that your offspring will multiple the earth. Impress God’s word upon any children that you are fortunate to have, Deuteronomy 6:6-9, so that when you are gone, each may follow in the footsteps of Christ!
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 