“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

-Colossians 3:17

I want to talk about Leah. A woman who was used as a pawn. Jacob (later named Israel), fell in love with Rachel, Leah’s younger sister. Leah’s father Laban, and Jacob made a deal. Jacob would work for Laban for seven years, and Laban would give Jacob his daughter Rachel in return.

After working for Laban for seven years, Jacob requested his wife.

And in the morning, behold, it was Leah! And Jacob said to Laban, “What is this that you have done to me? Did I not serve with you for Rachel? Why then have you deceived me?”

– Genesis 29:25 (ESV)

It was then agreed upon that after Jacob and Leah completed their marriage week, that Laban would give Rachel to Jacob in marriage and he would work another 7 years. Jacob loved Rachel more than Leah.

No matter her circumstances. God sees and knows Leah. We read;

When the LORD saw that Leah was hated, he opened her womb, but Rachel was barren. 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.” She conceived again and bore a son, and shid, “Because the LORD has heard that I am hated, he has give me this son also.” And she called his name Simeon. Again she conceived and bore a son, and said, “Now this time my husband will be attatched to me, becuase I have borne him three sons.” Therefore his name was called Levi.”

Genesis 29:31-34 (ESV)

Three times Leah bore sons, three times she knows she is hated and wants her husbands love. From the beginning, Jacob loved Rachel. She was the one who her father used as a stumbling block for Jacob. God opened up her womb, but still she did not have her husbands favor. By her fourth son, Leah has a change of heart.

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 29:35 (ESV)

Leah is a woman, unfavored and unloved by the ones closest to her. The ones we want to be most loved by. She thinks with her circumstances changing there is a chance she will be seen and loved by her husband. Though it never was so, she was loved by God. I love seeing her change of heart by the end of this chapter, when she named Judah giving praise to the LORD. I also love Judah’s story, where the sceptor will not be removed from him, and both Leah and Judah, are in the bloodline of Christ.

Where are you like Leah? Have you ever been unseen or unheard? Where do you get your value? Did you know that you are seen and loved by a God that knows the intricate and deep places of your heart?

Leah sought after her husbands heart. But she had Gods the whole time. What are you thankful for? Where can you give God praise today?

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

-1 Corinthians 10:31 (ESV)

Dear Lord, Thank you for this glorious day. Thank you for your Holy Spirit that dwells in us and gives us wisdom. Thank you for Leah and her life and showing us your love for her, and for us. Thank you for your word of truth and may we eat of your daily bread. Thank you for your never ending love that reaches from the ends of the earth. In Jesus name, AMEN.

With love,
Katy Millard