“Now this time my husband will become attached to me,
because I have born him three sons.”
Genesis 29:34
PART 3
I have read the love story of Jacob, Rachel and Leah numerous times and my thoughts were always: “Poor Rachel,” and “Jacob had it coming.” He deceived his father and stole his brother’s birthright. That’s karma baby. It was only recently my heart went out to Leah.
She was the daughter of an elder in a patriarchal society, which meant she had no voice. Her father Laban forced her into a loveless marriage through trickery, while crushing her sister’s heart. Throughout the years Leah craved the love of Jacob. God gave her multiple sons because she was unloved (Genesis 29:31). The first three boys had name meanings relating to Jacob’s lack of love for Leah. All she wanted was her husband’s affection. By the fourth son, Judah, her focus shifted from thirsting for Jacob to praising God(Genesis 29:35).
Leah’s loyalty amazes me and didn't go unnoticed. Genesis highlights her faithfulness as wife and follower of God. Even though Jacob’s heart beat for Rachel, only Leah was buried beside her husband and his ancestors upon her death. Leah outlived her sister. Eight of her sons represented more than half the tribes of Israel and Christ’s lineage came from her.
It’s mind blowing how God can turn evil into good (Genesis 50:20). Lately I’ve been reminding myself that everything works for good for those who love God (Romans 8:28). While navigating through my own hell on earth, my greatest challenge is keeping my heart right. Leah’s life has been an encouraging reminder for me. Tribulation came, she held her head high and walked through it with integrity.
It doesn’t mean she was perfect and never stumbled. We all have our moments, like mine the other day of pretending my adversary was present and spitting profanities at that individual. Then, I prayed for quick salvation so God could hijack them to heaven. Ooops, did I just say that?
I have read the love story of Jacob, Rachel and Leah numerous times and my thoughts were always: “Poor Rachel,” and “Jacob had it coming.” He deceived his father and stole his brother’s birthright. That’s karma baby. It was only recently my heart went out to Leah.
She was the daughter of an elder in a patriarchal society, which meant she had no voice. Her father Laban forced her into a loveless marriage through trickery, while crushing her sister’s heart. Throughout the years Leah craved the love of Jacob. God gave her multiple sons because she was unloved (Genesis 29:31). The first three boys had name meanings relating to Jacob’s lack of love for Leah. All she wanted was her husband’s affection. By the fourth son, Judah, her focus shifted from thirsting for Jacob to praising God(Genesis 29:35).
Leah’s loyalty amazes me and didn't go unnoticed. Genesis highlights her faithfulness as wife and follower of God. Even though Jacob’s heart beat for Rachel, only Leah was buried beside her husband and his ancestors upon her death. Leah outlived her sister. Eight of her sons represented more than half the tribes of Israel and Christ’s lineage came from her.
It’s mind blowing how God can turn evil into good (Genesis 50:20). Lately I’ve been reminding myself that everything works for good for those who love God (Romans 8:28). While navigating through my own hell on earth, my greatest challenge is keeping my heart right. Leah’s life has been an encouraging reminder for me. Tribulation came, she held her head high and walked through it with integrity.
It doesn’t mean she was perfect and never stumbled. We all have our moments, like mine the other day of pretending my adversary was present and spitting profanities at that individual. Then, I prayed for quick salvation so God could hijack them to heaven. Ooops, did I just say that?