Leah's Eyes

When the Lord saw that Leah was loved less than Rachel, he made it possible for her to have children, but Rachel remained childless.  Genesis 29:31 (GNB)

My mother and father were both born with big, beautiful, sparkling, blue eyes. What happened to me? My eyes are a confused greenish-grey blue rimmed by droopy, red, itchy skin.

I identify with the Old Testament story of Leah.

In his search for a bride, Jacob paid no attention to Leah. He wanted her younger, beautiful sister, Rachel. The Bible says that Leah had “weak eyes.” Due to the subterfuge of Laban, Jacob wound up with both women as wives. Jacob continued to favor Rachel.

Leah felt the rejection.

But God loved Leah. He blessed her with six sons and a daughter while Rachel remained barren for many years. The names Leah gave her sons seem to mark her spiritual growth. She joyfully named her first son, Reuben, which means, “behold a son.” Evidently she believed that God heard her prayers and tears because she named her next son, Simeon, which means “hearing me.”

When Leah’s third son was born, she felt the continued blessings of God and sensed her husband’s pleasure with her. She named this son Levi, which means “joined or attached.” When her fourth son was born she was overcome with thanksgiving to God and named him Judah which simply means “praise.”

The lineage of Jesus came through the union of Leah and Jacob and their son, Judah. What an honor!

Leah’s life reminds me that in the story of mankind, looks are of little consequence to our God. Living in God’s plan and love is what matters.

Lord, keep my eyes on the eternal, not on what’s only of the earth.  Amen

© Christy Struben 2014