Genesis 29-30; Luke 12

Genesis 29:31-32 “Then the LORD saw that Leah was unloved, He opened her womb; but Rachel was barren. 32 So Leah conceived and bore a son, and she called his name Reuben.” Leah always played second fiddle to her sister. She only wanted her husband to love her like he loved Rachel but that was not going to happen because even though Leah was second fiddle to Jacob, she wasn’t second fiddle to God. God was broken hearted that Leah had to suffer in such an unjust marriage and God blessed and honored her with another desire of her heart, four sons. Each son’s name gives us a little insight into Leah’s heart. Reuben’s name means “a son” doesn’t sound too creative to name your son, “a son” but Leah was certainly pleased that she had a son. Her second son Simeon means “Heard” because Leah new God was hearing her cry. God is a God who hears. Her third son was Levi, who means, “attached” because she had hoped that now her husband would be attached to her. Obviously Leah was hoping that her husband would meet her needs, it wasn’t until her fourth son that it seems she got the message. Verse 35, “And she conceived again and bore a son, and said, “Now I will praise the LORD.” Therefore she called his name Judah. Then she stopped bearing” Judah she named “Praise” for now she sees God’s love and favor and in spite of the fact her family dynamics did not change her heart had. She had changed the direction of who she was looking to, for her fulfillment. Is God bringing you blessings that you are missing? Turn your heart to Him and praise.

Pastor Rick

Next Reading: Genesis 31-33; Luke 13