TRANSFERRED FAVOUR

Genesis 29:16–26.

16 And Laban had two daughters: the name of the elder was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel.

17 Leah was tender eyed; but Rachel was beautiful and well favoured.

18 And Jacob loved Rachel; and said, I will serve thee seven years for Rachel thy younger daughter.

19 And Laban said, It is better that I give her to thee, than that I should give her to another man: abide with me.

20 And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her.

21 And Jacob said unto Laban, Give me my wife, for my days are fulfilled, that I may go in unto her.

22 And Laban gathered together all the men of the place, and made a feast.

23 And it came to pass in the evening, that he took Leah his daughter, and brought her to him; and he went in unto her.

24 And Laban gave unto his daughter Leah Zilpah his maid for an handmaid.

25 And it came to pass, that in the morning, behold, it was Leah: and he said to Laban, What is this thou hast done unto me? did not I serve with thee for Rachel? wherefore then hast thou beguiled me?

26 And Laban said, It must not be so done in our country, to give the younger before the firstborn.

Introduction: There are true-life stories that sound like comedy. Sometimes, the people we expect to be in front are found at the back, while those we expect to remain at the back suddenly move to the front.

Sometimes, life does not give us exactly what we bargained for. At other times, it gives us something we never imagined possible.

Have you ever watched someone receive the opportunity you prayed for? Have you ever laboured for something, only to see another person enjoy the result? Have you ever felt that somebody else has taken the position, recognition, relationship, or blessing that should have been yours?

Perhaps you have prayed, fasted, served God faithfully, and remained committed, yet somebody else appears to be receiving the favour you expected.

The question is: What should you do when it looks as though favour has been transferred from you to somebody else?

The fact that somebody else is celebrating today does not mean your own season has ended.

The fact that somebody else has received an opportunity meant for you does not mean God has forgotten you.The fact that your expectations have been delayed does not mean your destiny has been cancelled.

Sometimes, what looks like rejection is part of a process that leads to a greater revelation of God’s purpose.

I. WHAT YOU MUST UNDERSTAND ABOUT LIFE JOURNEY.

1. Any journey without God is dangerous and deadly – Proverbs 3:5–6 (5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths)

You cannot successfully navigate through life journey without the owner of life.

Education is good. Connections are good. Money is useful. Opportunities are important. However, none of these can replace the presence and direction of God.

When God directs your steps, He can lead you through circumstances you do not understand.

2. Journey with the one who knows the beginning and the end – Revelation 1:8 (8 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.)

God sees what you cannot see. He knows the opportunities ahead of you, the challenges you will face, and the people who will influence your destiny. You may see rejection today, but God sees the whole picture. You may see a closed door, but God knows whether another door is waiting for you. (Never judge the whole story by one painful chapter)

3. Journey with the one who can calm the storm – Mark 4:35–41 – (35 And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side. 36 And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships. 37 And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. 38 And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? 39 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. 40 And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? 41 And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?)

The disciples encountered a terrible storm while Jesus was in the boat with them. The presence of Jesus did not prevent the storm from arising, but His presence meant that the storm would not have the final word.

Being a child of God does not mean you will never experience disappointment. It means you have someone to depend on when disappointment comes. When people disappoint you, remain with God.

When your plans fail, remain with God.

(The storm may be loud, but the voice of Jesus is greater!)

4. Journey with the one who will never leave you nor forsake you – Hebrews 13:5 (5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.)

People may change their minds about you. Friends may withdraw their support. Those who once celebrated you may suddenly ignore you.

(But God’s faithfulness does not depend on the changing attitudes of human beings.)

– When you have God, you still have hope.

– When you have God, your story is not finished.

– When you have God, you can rise again after disappointment.

II. WHO WAS RACHEL?

1. Rachel was the younger daughter of Laban.

Genesis 29:16 tells us that Laban had two daughters: Leah was the elder, while Rachel was the younger. Rachel was the woman Jacob desired to marry.

2. Rachel was beautiful – Genesis 29:17 describes Rachel as beautiful in form and appearance. (17 Leah was tender eyed; but Rachel was beautiful and well favoured.)

She possessed physical attractiveness, which distinguished her in the eyes of Jacob.

– However, we must remember that physical beauty alone does not determine a person’s destiny.

– A person can be attractive and still experience disappointment. A person can possess many advantages and still face difficult circumstances.

– Do not assume that because your life appears favourable today, you will never encounter challenges tomorrow.

3. Rachel was loved by Jacob. Genesis 29:18 tells us that Jacob loved Rachel. His affection for her was so strong that he agreed to serve Laban for seven years in exchange for her marriage. (18 And Jacob loved Rachel; and said, I will serve thee seven years for Rachel thy younger daughter.)

Yet, despite being loved by Jacob, she experienced a painful disappointment on the wedding night.(Being loved by someone does not mean every circumstance will work out according to your expectations.)

5. Jacob was willing to work for seven years just to have Rachel.

6. Rachel was the woman Jacob took years preparing to Mary – This teaches us that preparation does not always eliminate surprises.

– You may prepare carefully for an examination and still face unexpected questions.

– You may prepare for a marriage, business, ministry, or promotion and still encounter challenges.

7. Rachel was associated with the family business.

In Genesis 29:6–9, Rachel appears in connection with the family’s sheep and watering activities.

– She was actively involved in caring for her father’s flock.

– Her involvement reminds us that there is dignity in diligence and responsibility.

6. Jacob kissed Rachel when they first met.

Genesis 29:11 records that Jacob kissed Rachel and wept aloud after meeting her. (11 And Jacob kissed Rachel, and lifted up his voice, and wept.)

This event preceded the marriage arrangement.

Jacob’s affection was evident from the beginning.

III. WHO WAS LEAH?

1. Leah was the elder daughter of Laban.

This distinction becomes important when we examine what happened on the wedding night.

2. Leah has weak eyed. Genesis 29:17. Different school of thought established that

3. Leah was not the woman Jacob initially preferred. Genesis 29:18 clearly tells us that Jacob loved Rachel. Jacob’s preference created a painful situation for Leah because she became part of a marriage in which her husband had originally desired her younger sister. This reminds us that people can find themselves in painful situations without having chosen them.

4. Leah became Jacob’s wife before Rachel.

Jacob had worked for seven years to marry Rachel. However, Laban gave Leah to him instead. When Jacob discovered what had happened, he confronted Laban. Genesis 29:25 records Jacob’s question to Laban: why had he deceived him? (25 And it came to pass, that in the morning, behold, it was Leah: and he said to Laban, What is this thou hast done unto me? did not I serve with thee for Rachel? wherefore then hast thou beguiled me?)

Laban’s explanation in verse 26 was that it was not customary in their place to give the younger daughter in marriage before the firstborn. (26 And Laban said, It must not be so done in our country, to give the younger before the firstborn.)

5. Leah became the mother of several sons.

Although Jacob initially preferred Rachel, Leah bore several sons, including Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah. Genesis 29:31–35 (31 And when the LORD saw that Leah was hated, he opened her womb: but Rachel was barren. 32 And Leah conceived, and bare a son, and she called his name Reuben: for she said, Surely the LORD hath looked upon my affliction; now therefore my husband will love me. 33 And she conceived again, and bare a son; and said, Because the LORD hath heard that I was hated, he hath therefore given me this son also: and she called his name Simeon. 34 And she conceived again, and bare a son; and said, Now this time will my husband be joined unto me, because I have born him three sons: therefore was his name called Levi. 35 And she conceived again, and bare a son: and she said, Now will I praise the LORD: therefore she called his name Judah; and left bearing.)

Judah’s descendants later included King David and, according to the New Testament genealogies, Jesus Christ. Matthew 1:1–3 (1 The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. 2 Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren; 3 And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar; and Phares begat Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram;)

Never allow another person’s preference to determine your understanding of your worth or your future.

IV. PREPARATION FOR THE WEDDING

1. Invitations would be sent to family members, friends, and the community.

A wedding is usually a public event involving people who gather to celebrate the union.

Wedding preparation is usually full of excitement, expectations, and public congratulations. The bridegroom has completed his period of service. The family is prepared for the celebration. The guests have gathered.

Everything appears to be going according to plan.

But sometimes, a situation can change at the very moment we expect everything to work out.

2. A feast would accompany the celebration.

Genesis 29:22 (22 And Laban gathered together all the men of the place, and made a feast.) – A feast can include food, drinks, music, and fellowship. In our own cultural setting, people might expect jollof rice, fried rice, rice and stew, pounded yam, amala, eba, semovita, malt, soft drinks, and other refreshments.

The point is that a wedding feast is a time of joy and celebration.

3. The celebration could create public expectations.

Imagine the expectations surrounding the marriage of Jacob and Rachel. Jacob had worked for seven years. The marriage had been anticipated for a long time. Yet, the result was different from what he expected.

WHAT HAPPENED ON THE WEDDING NIGHT? – Genesis 29:21–26 (21 And Jacob said unto Laban, Give me my wife, for my days are fulfilled, that I may go in unto her. 22 And Laban gathered together all the men of the place, and made a feast. 23 And it came to pass in the evening, that he took Leah his daughter, and brought her to him; and he went in unto her.)

1. The custom of the land became a factor.

Laban explained that the younger daughter was not customarily given in marriage before the firstborn.

2. Jacob had expected Rachel, but Laban gave him Leah – The situation reminds us that cultural practice, family decisions, and human arrangements can affect our expectations.

3. Laban’s decision brought disappointment.

Jacob had fulfilled the agreed seven years of service, but he did not receive the outcome he had expected. His reaction in Genesis 29:25 shows his shock and disappointment. (25 And it came to pass, that in the morning, behold, it was Leah: and he said to Laban, What is this thou hast done unto me? did not I serve with thee for Rachel? wherefore then hast thou beguiled me?)

This was not a small misunderstanding. It involved marriage, trust, and a serious breach of expectations.(Even when you have done your part, other people may not always do theirs.)

Do not allow their failure to turn you into a bitter person.

4. Leah became involved in a painful family situation – Leah became Jacob’s wife through the arrangement made by her father. Although Jacob had not initially chosen her, she was now part of the marriage. Romans 8:28

5. Jacob eventually married Rachel as well. – Laban told Jacob to complete Leah’s bridal week and then promised Rachel in exchange for another seven years of service. Jacob agreed, and he married Rachel too.

V. WHAT TO DO WHEN IT LOOKS LIKE FAVOUR HAS BEEN TRANSFERRED

1. Remain calm – Psalm 37:7 (7 Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.)

The psalmist encourages us to rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him. When someone else receives the opportunity you desired, do not immediately conclude that God has rejected you.

When somebody else is celebrated, do not assume your own season of celebration has been cancelled. Being calm does not mean pretending that you are not hurt. It means refusing to allow your pain to control your decisions.

2. Refuse envy and bitterness. Proverbs 14:30; Hebrews 12:15 (30 A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.)

(15 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;)

Envy can make you unhappy about another person’s progress.

Bitterness can cause you to carry yesterday’s disappointment into tomorrow’s opportunities.

When you allow hatred to occupy your heart, you may begin to treat innocent people as enemies

Do not assume that every opportunity is meant for you – 1 Corinthians 12:4–6 (4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.)

God gives different gifts, responsibilities, and assignments to different people.

Not everyone will occupy the same position.

Not everyone will have the same opportunities.

Not everyone will follow the same timetable

3. Keep doing what is right – Galatians 6:9 (9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.)

– Do not abandon your work because someone else has been recognized.

– Do not stop serving God because another person has received an appointment.

– Do not become dishonest because someone else appears to have succeeded through dishonesty.

4. Remember that God can bring restoration after disappointment – Joel 2:25 (25 And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpiller, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you.)

– God’s ability to restore gives us hope when life has been painful.

– Restoration may not always mean receiving the exact thing we lost. Sometimes, it involves healing, renewed purpose, a new opportunity, reconciliation, or the strength to move forward.

(Do not limit God’s ability to help you by insisting that He must work through only one person, one opportunity, or one route.)

Never allow another person’s success to make you forget your own calling. – John 21:21–22 (21 Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? 22 Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.)

CONCLUSION:

Does Jesus care when my heart is pained.

Too deeply for mirth and song.

As the burdens press and the cares distress,

And the way grows weary and long?

Chorus –

O yes, He cares,

I know He cares,

His heart is touched with my grief;

When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,

I know my Savior cares.

Rev. Emmanuel Ekeke