"Now Deborah, Rebekah’s nurse, died and was buried under the oak outside Bethel." (Genesis 35:8)
Do you know who Deborah is?
In the book of Genesis, she is mentioned twice. Once by her proper name and twice by her “profession” or a description of her life. She was a nurse.
What would “the story of our life” say?
Some feel insignificant because the business card does not carry V.P. after their name. The title does not include CEO. Business card; most of us don’t even get a card!
2017 ranked the top 500 companies in the world based on revenue. The revenue is generated by the things we feel are worthy to be purchased with hard-earned money. Time we spend at work day in and day out.
But, there are some things money just can’t buy.
When I was a little girl I remember my grandmother making cloths for me. I still recall my ¾ sleeve shirt with reflective sparkles that matched everyone else’s shirt in my family. We all had one!
My grandfather made me an ironing board out of real wood. The craftsmanship was impeccable. I wanted to iron my dolls clothes and he granted my wish.
My mom handed me her crochet leftovers and I created a one-of-a-kind skirt that I proudly wore to school.
Money is not what we remember.
Luxuries are not at the top of memory lane.
It’s the people we interact that are held dear in our hearts and memory bank.
My grandparents and mom were creative and giving individuals. They have shaped who I am.
No great wealth, but a plethora of riches!
Deborah was Rebekah’s nurse. In the scriptures it reads that when Rebekah left her household to become Isaac’s wife, the nurse was part of the deal in those days.
Scripture also notes, that she traveled with Jacob. Interestingly enough Jacob was Rebekah’s favorite son. You remember the struggle with Esau and Jacob right?
In Genesis 35, we read that Jacob buries the nurse. What nurse? Her name is noted here. Deborah is laid to rest.
How did she end up with Jacob? This was his mother’s nurse now traveling with Jacob and his family. She must have been someone very special and trustworthy.
This heart warming piece of Scripture points to the incredible woman this most have been.
She was there when Jacob was a baby. She is with him now as he travels with his family, 2 wives, 2 concubines and 11 sons that are noted.
Twice she is mentioned.
This nurse must have been special not only Rebekah but to her son Jacob as well.
Scripture pauses just to mention this burial, to honor this life!
People make life special. Relationships are key!
Jesus desires a relationship with us.
He warned about being attached to the temporary trinkets of this world.
Jacob was a wealthy man. Money is not the problem. Our emphasis is the concern.
When money becomes our focus, the Scriptures warns us. “Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless.” Ecclesiastes 5:10
Things come and go.
Jesus spoke about having treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21).
Relationships are a precious gift from God!
When life’s clock sounds the alarm and our life is over, may we too have the honor of being remembered as people who loved and served God faithfully.
May there be a pause to acknowledge that we honored a Mighty God and served him well. That we loved people and shared God's love with all.
May our names reflect dignity, respect and be reflective of a life that pointed everyone to the Lord!
He came to save us! Save us all.
God bless you!~Liz
