2024_07_22 Insight Post- Kim Feld
This week’s reading- Genesis 29, Genesis 30, Genesis 49:31, Ruth 4:11
Leah is one of the most tragic characters in Scripture, in my opinion. Her story has always made me sad about how hard she tried to make her husband love her. Scripture gives us no indication that he ever did. However, they had six sons and a daughter together, plus two additional sons from Leah’s maidservant.
As Jacob’s first wife, Leah was buried in the family tomb (Genesis 49:31), while Rachel, who died giving birth to Benjamin, was buried in a tomb on the way to Bethlehem (Genesis 35:19-20). At least Leah was given this honored distinction.
Although Leah may not have seen the redemption of her story, we can. Leah was the mother of Judah, the ancestor of both King David and Jesus. God used her in a pivotal way as His story unfolded. This speaks to me of how good can come from bad and God’s ability to use and transform any situation.
I would like to know more about Leah’s story and hear her thoughts on how she views things from her heavenly vantage point. I’m reminded of this verse in 1 Corinthians 13 that assures us that even though we may not be able to see the whole picture right now, one day, we will. Let’s take a look:
12 Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely. (1 Corinthians 13:12, NLT)
We each likely have things we are dealing with that don’t make sense and may even make us wonder if God is paying attention or is intimately involved in our lives. We see such a small piece of God’s plan; we don’t have His perspective. But one day, we will. All our questions will be answered, and we’ll understand why things have happened the way they have. God has a plan, and He is always at work. He can glean purpose and meaning from even the deepest place of heartbreak and longing. Where do you see God at work in your story today?
Kim Feld
Executive Director of Education and Outreach