Jacob loved Rachel, so he said, “I will serve you seven years for your younger daughter Rachel.”
Genesis 29:18
Dear members and friends,
The first time I read the story of Jacob, I felt he might have deserved the hardship he faced in Haran; after all, he had just deceived his brother and father to steal the birthright and blessing meant for the eldest. However, as I have read and reread this story over the years—especially through the lens of Swedenborg’s correspondences—it has become increasingly clear that these events are written to illustrate the inner process of our spiritual transformation.
Jacob’s story with Rachel begins at a well. The Bible tells us that Rachel was beautiful in form and appearance, and it is not hard to guess that Jacob fell in love with her at first sight. Yet, it took him fourteen years of hard labor just to be with her. Even after their marriage, Rachel remained barren while Leah gave birth to six sons, and Bilhah and Zilpah each gave birth to two. Only after ten sons were born to Jacob through his other wives did Rachel finally give birth to Joseph.
Briefly, this story illustrates a profound spiritual reality: what we truly desire to achieve and obtain spiritually is only attainable after we have gone through the long process of living, enduring, and experiencing whatever life presents to us. The Word emphasizes to us that there is simply no shortcut to the truth. According to Swedenborg, Rachel symbolizes the affection for inner truth—the deep, spiritual truth through which we cultivate spiritual good. This goodness is essential for our spiritual formation because it forms the very “units” that constitute our spiritual body.
Cultivating genuine goodness only becomes possible when we are able to set aside our own selfish agendas and materialistic desires, prioritizing instead the well-being of others. This involves actively overcoming our inner shortcomings so that we can express truly kind, tender, and selfless actions.
My brothers and sisters in Christ, let us take a moment for prayer this week. Let us pray to our loving and faithful God to protect us on this journey of life through a troublesome world. With His guidance and assurance, may we all safely reach our eternal home.
Blessings,
Rev. Junchol Lee