Never Forgotten By God

When reading the history of the Jewish patriarchs, we are often drawn to the relationship between Jacob and Rachel. We admire Jacob's dedication and commitment to winning Rachel's hand in marriage. When her father deceived him into a marriage with his older daughter, Leah, Jacob continued to work for seven years to gain Rachel's hand in marriage.

We often overlook how Leah must have felt through this ordeal. She was a pawn used by her father. She was never the object of Jacob’s deepest affection. Her story resonates with many who feel overlooked and insignificant.

However, Leah's story took a significant turn in Genesis 29:31: “When the Lord saw that Leah was unloved, he enabled her to have children, but Rachel could not conceive.” In her loneliness, “the Lord SAW that Leah was unloved,” and He blessed her. But after the birth of her first three children, she kept trying to find her significance through Jacob, hoping that he would love her now that she had given him sons (verses 32, 34)

But after the birth of her fourth son, Leah's focus shifted, and she declared, "This time I will praise the Lord." (verse 35) No longer striving for Jacob's affection, Leah found her significance in God.

Through her sons Levi and Judah, Leah’s legacy became monumental. Levi’s descendants became the priestly tribe of Israel, and Judah’s lineage led to King David and ultimately to Jesus Christ. Leah, once insignificant, played a pivotal role in God's redemptive plan. Though Jacob never gave her the affection she desired, she was never forgotten by God.

And might I add: Neither are you!

Duke Stone
After 40 years in full-time ministry, I try to see how the little things in life speak big things about God. This blog is an attempt to share with you the many ways I see the love of God in the ordinary things of life.