The two types of women in the world: The ‘Loved’ and the ‘Unloved’

(God makes a special way for the ‘unloved’ but frustrates the ‘loved’ their heart desires)

Text Genesis 16:1-16; 29:16-30:22

In today’s sermon, we shall explore what to do if you find yourself in an ‘unloved’ or ‘loved’ situation.

Those who are loved have some advantages, beautiful features, a godly background, etc. The unloved don’t have appealing advantages: no beauty, slavery, poverty, idol worship, etc.

• Examples of ‘Loved’ women: Sarah, Rebecca, Hannah, Rachel, Vashti, Mary, Elizabeth

• Examples of ‘unloved’ women: Hagar, Leah, Esther, Rehab, Ruth, etc.

Where is God in all these? To balance things, God makes a special way for the ‘unloved’ but ‘frustrates’ the ‘loved’ their heart desires (e.g., 1 Cor. 1:26-30).

The story of Sarah and Hagar (Genesis 16:1-16;21:1-34)

Sarah was Abraham’s wife. Hagar was a slave girl living with them. God closed the womb of Sarah. Sarah, who suggested that Abraham fathered a child with Hagar. When Hagar saw she was pregnant, she despised her madam. Hagar was maltreated and sent away. God sent an angel to help her and told her to go back and submit to her madam. Hagar was finally sent away when her son mocked Sarah’s son, Isaac.

The story of Rachel and Leah (Genesis 29:16-30:22).

Jacob loved Rachel because she was beautiful, but not Leah, who had weak eyes. God then enabled Leah to give birth, but closed Rachel’s womb.

• E.g., of ‘loved’ women who lost the race of life: Vashti, Rechel, etc.- The tragedy of womanhood!

• E.g., of ‘unloved women who won the race of life: Leah, Esther, Rehab, Ruth… What was their secret?

When you find yourself in a ‘loved’ situation, enjoy your privileges and don’t let what God frustrates you with consume you; and when you find yourself in an ‘unloved’ situation, keep in mind that God will favour you, but don’t be arrogant when God favours you.

Jesus Christ represents the two women: Loved by God and unloved by humans (Isaiah 53; John 1:9-13).