Unfair! Unfair! (Part Two)

Read: Genesis 30:1-2; John 21:18-22; Romans 8:18; 2 Corinthians 4:17

Last week, we looked at two examples of what we are calling unfairnesses. Inequities for which God takes responsibility. The first involves God's animals and the second and more difficult one involves deafness and blindness, Job 38; Exodus 4. The Bible never says that the playing field will be level, and these scriptures are examples of that truth; however, what happens in the here and now is not the final word. More about that later. For now, let's turn a corner just a bit to look into two different biblical vignettes to see what we can learn about dealing with unfairnesses in both our own lives or in the lives of those we love.

First, let's look at Rachel and Leah. In truth there are two examples of unfairness in the stories of these two sisters. Let's start with Leah. A bit of background. Jacob had left his home because of the anger of his brother Esau. He was told by his father and mother that his brother's anger would wane if he went away and spent time with his relatives. While he was away, he was to choose a bride who would not be an idolator like the women whom his brother had married. That's when Jacob met the two sisters, Rachel and Leah. From the get go, Rachel was the woman Jacob desired. She was beautiful, and Jacob worked for seven years so she could be his wife. The wedding occurred, and the unfairnesses began. When morning came, it didn't take long for Jacob to discover that Leah had been given to him as a wife not Rachel. When he learned of his father-in-law's duplicity, Jacob was angry. We don't know what Leah's reaction was, but it is difficult to imagine that she wasn't hurt by Jacob's disappointment. What a way to begin a marriage. Unfair! It was obvious that Jacob didn't hold her in esteem, but Leah had to do the best she could in a very painful situation. After all, the circumstances were greatly complicated by the fact that Rachel was her sister. All we know is that Leah tried to earn the love of her husband through the babies who were born into their mixed-up family.

As for Rachel, we know more about her reaction to her own brand of unfairness since the Bible gives us a few details. Although she had Jacob's love, she wasn't able to conceive. At least for many years. As for Leah, she had babies right away. Unfair. In genesis 30:1-2, we learn what Rachel was thinking. The anger she felt due to her inability to give Jacob a child bubbled out, and the Bible gives us a bit of the angry words that were spoken. Rachel made an unreasonable request. Jacob would give her a child or she would die. Jacob's reaction? He angrily reminded her that it had been God Who had withheld the child she longed to give Jacob. Notice that Rachel's reaction concerning her barrenness came out in harsh words, her bitter talk was the catalyst for Jacob's harsh words. When circumstances are obviously unfair, hot emotions can spill out everywhere.

Yet, the Bible gives us another account about a woman who struggled to have a child and her very different way of dealing with the unfairness. In 1 Samuel 1, we meet Hannah. A woman who, like Rachel, had to deal with the unfairness of not being able to have a child. To make things even worse, Hannah's husband also had another wife, and she tormented Hannah because she was barren. No wonder Hannah's heart was broken, and no wonder she wept and found it difficult to eat. Yet, she didn't make impossible demands or become bitter. At least the scriptures give no indication of that.

Instead, we see her going to prayer. Pouring out her heart to God, Psalm 62:8. The only One Who could bring about what had been heretofore impossible. A good way to handle unfairness. Taking it to the Lord. The One Who hears our cries and has the power to help.

Now let's go to the New Testament. Let's look briefly into the life of Peter, John 21:18-22. A bit of background. Peter, along with some other disciples had just enjoyed a breakfast with Jesus by a charcoal fire. That was followed by a talk with the Lord concerning the depth of Peter's love for Jesus and the Lord giving Peter the privilege of caring for and feeding His sheep. Peter would continue to have the honor of working for the Master. No probation for him even though Peter had denied the One he loved. Peter must have been relieved and encouraged by Jesus' words. Then Jesus gave Peter some unexpected news concerning his death and how he would glorify God through it. Talk about being hit with a dose of cold water! Peter's reaction? He looked at John and said, "what about him?" Behind those words, was he wondering if John would also go through similar suffering? Was he wondering if John would also have to die on a cross?

Jesus' reaction was direct. Basically, the Master said that it wasn't Peter's business what would happen in John's life. Peter was charged to follow His Lord and leave the future in Jesus' care. Peter wasn't given the knowledge concerning what would happen to John nor did Jesus ask for His opinion, and the Lord isn't waiting for our counsel either. After all, we can only assess what is fair through a tiny lens, and He sees an entire panorama that is hidden from our eyes.

No wonder so many situations that are part of life now don't pass our fairness test, does that mean that we'll never experience the sweetness of fairness? Not at all! The hope we have concerning true fairness and equity comes to us through the scriptures. Especially in the writing of Paul. In Romans 8:18, we read what is to me and amazing promise. The inequities and suffering that we face here, says the apostle, can't compare with the glory that awaits us. How can that be when at times, the sorrow cuts so deep for so many people? I wish I knew how God will do it, but honestly, I can't fathom it. The reason I believe that God will bring this about is twofold.

First, He cannot lie, Titus 1:2. It is not merely that He won't lie, but rather that He cannot.

Second, nothing about God is limited. He is able to do more than we can ask or think, Ephesians 3:20. That means, though I can't figure out how He possibly can fulfill His promise, it is no problem for the One Who created everything we see out of what we cannot see, Hebrews 11:3.

Lord, Thank You that You understand our weariness as we navigate through life. Someday, those who are Your born anew children, John 3 will stand in awe at how You will make all things right, Revelation 21-22. Show us how to hold out this Hope to others who like us, deal with unfairnesses.