Stacey recently read aloud a passage in Genesis about Jacob’s wives and the baring of children. When reading this story and looking for grace I saw myself and my own idolatry. In Gen 29 Jacob wants Rachel for his wife but gets Leah instead. Jacob then has to work another 7 years to get Rachel as his wife. Jacob loves Rachel but hates Leah so what does God do? He gives grace to Leah and gives her children while not giving Rachel any. I find myself in Leah. In this story we see Leah looking for love and fulfillment from Jacob, her husband, instead of from God. Look at the names of her sons. The first son’s name is Reuben which is interpreted “he will love me” Leah’s second son’s name was Simeon which means “he has heard me” and the third son name was Levi which means “attached, or joining” refering to Leah’s hope for Jacob to at last become attached to her. These first three sons were Leah’s way of trying to win her husbands love. Finally with the third son we find Leah finally not seeking Jacob’s love but Gods love and praise.
Gen 29:35 And she conceived again and bore a son, and said, “This time I will praise the Lord.” Therefore she called his name Judah.
Like Leah I find myself not looking to God but other things or people for love and acceptance. I often find myself acting out of my idolatry and not obedience to God. This passage finds Leah coming to the point of surrendering her will and choosing to praise God.
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