GENESIS 29
31 When the Lord saw that Leah was hated, he opened her womb, but Rachel was barren. 32 And Leah conceived and bore a son, and she called his name Reuben, for she said, “Because the Lord has looked upon my affliction; for now, my husband will love me.” 33 She conceived again and bore a son, and said, “Because the Lord has heard that I am hated, he has given me this son also.” And she called his name Simeon. 34 Again she conceived and bore a son, and said, “Now this time my husband will be attached to me, because I have borne him three sons.” Therefore, his name was called Levi. 35 And she conceived again and bore a son, and said, “This time I will praise the Lord.” Therefore, she called his name Judah. Then she ceased bearing. – Genesis 29:31-35
GENESIS 29 JACOB’S SONS BY LEAH
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
Rachel was loved more than Leah by Jacob
She was then blessed to have more sons by God
Rachel though loved more by Jacob, was barren
Leah thought that bearing children will get her husband to love her.
What a just God we serve. In this account, we feel so much about Leah’s feelings of rejection. Imagine being in her place, where she is constantly reminded that no matter what she does, Jacob will always love her sister Rachel more than her. Her father, Laban used her to get more years of service from Jacob. She is not as beautiful as her sister. She knew how Jacob loved Rachel so much, so she lives in constant insecurity and envy towards her sister who is the one who is loved, the one who was better looking than her.
Could you blame her for being so depressed and distressed by her predicament? When the Lord gave her blessings to have children, she finally has an edge on her sister who hasn’t had children. She thought that Jacob would begin to love her more now that she bore Reuben, Simeon, Levi and Judah.
Sometimes, we begin to stress over things that we can’t have and we do things or pray for things that may eventually lead to more distress. If only we humans can learn to let go and accept things that we don’t have control over, we would be more content.
REFLECTION
· How has God blessed you in your adverse situations and displayed his grace?
