Considering the population, the boundaries of nations, communities set apart, then there is a family cluster and their peculiar politics and drama exercised in a bubble- it wouldn’t be expected everyone follows their unique traditions given poles in demarcation. Leah would find she needed to press for more attention, perhaps not for more affection. Yet that sense of insecurity and anxiety would not escape God’s notice. To love is also to make feel safe, the priviledge to see and know you’re not less in the cadre of being wanted. Jacob would serve in his uncle’s business for 14years for Rachel, but though Leah was able to join the family she must have felt like a usurper, and wondered if she was really wanted. She fought for her place, traditions gave her the right to marry first, by trickery got in bed, her children would endear her husband to her, and she must have worked hard in every way to cement her recognition.
But God who knows the truth, saw. Beyond the buzzlings and traffic observed their way of life and confirmed she was not loved. What an affirmation of her pain, it was not delusion, it was not misplaced emotionalism, it was true. Jacob may not have meant it, but when she had to fight to feel number one that was hard and a mistake. He didn’t hate her, but not really crazy over her. If he was to choose who would he go for? Love was meant to be undivided attention, a feeling and knowledge of being wanted. Leah couldn’t vouch for that. But God looked down, watched her story, and blessed her with comfort. As they aged there was less trouble.
Rachel’s blessing will take a bit longer. Though so loved, Jacob will learn he is not God. When asked to make babies, he will scream- “am I God?”. Here he learns that though he can buy her everything, spend more time in kisses, work decades, at some point fate would determine if they can share the joys of a baby together. It seems God was building humility in both of them. Leah would have some comfort. Rachel too would also have her comfort in time, and call her child Joseph. Jacob a proud dad, and now a love tamed.
“…the LORD saw that Leah was unloved…”Genesis 29:31
God bless.
Evangelist Israel Okunwaye
