By Olubunmi Adebayo
*We shall be concluding our discussion today on the unique experience of Leah, who was hated by men, but was evidently loved by God, as demonstrated by the many instances of grace and favour that was directed towards her from God.*
*6) Leah taught us a great lesson in redirecting our focus from man to God :*
*Her decision to redirect her focus from her husband to God was very instructive, and worthy of emulation by all men.*
*Her first 3 children – Reuben, Simeon and Levi were named in relation to her experience with her husband, Jacob. But when she discovered that Jacob was never there for her, and had proven disappointing in the ideal relationship between a husband and a wife, she shifted her focus from him to God. This Leah did by naming her 4th child – Judah after God. Hear her testimony please :*
*Gen 29: [35] And she conceived again, and bare a son: and she said, “Now will I praise the LORD: therefore she called his name Judah”; and left bearing (for a season).*
*You will agree with me that praising God is a great instrument for our existence. God enjoined us to, knowing that He alone (God) is our strength :*
*1 Thess 5: [18] In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.*
*7) Leah taught all married women a great lesson in moral virtues.*
*The life experience of Leah came forth as a great lesson to all women, especially married women that they need patience, perseverance, positive perception and commitment to make things work in their marriage.*
*Were the story of Leah to happen in our present generation, most married women would have packed their bags and other loads, and left the house of Jacob for a life of single parenting, hinging it on an inconsiderate husband, but not Leah.*
*8) Another lesson was that if you carefully follow the sequence of events between the two sisters with a deep mind of analysis, you will observe that it was Leah that opened the door of child bearing to her sister, Rachael.*
*You will notice that of the 4 generations of the Abrahamic matriarchs – Sarah, Rebekah, Leah and Rachael, Leah was the only one that gave birth to a girl child – Dinah.*
*In this part of the world, when a woman gives birth to the girl child, elders will tell you that it is a sign of “positive development” or that it is a “good omen”- meaning that good things are in the pipeline coming.*
*Immediately after the birth of Dinah by Leah, God opened the way for Rachael. Please read :*
*Gen 30: [21] And afterwards she (Leah) bare a daughter, and called her name Dinah.*
*[22] And God remembered Rachael, and God hearkened to her, and opened her womb.*
*[23]And she conceived, and bare a son; and said, God hath taken away my reproach.*
*Conclusively, without any controversy whatsoever, Leah was a character not loved by men, but whom God had a different plan and purpose for. Again, please read the verse below :*
*Gen 29: [31] And when the LORD saw that Leah was hated, he opened her womb: but Rachel was barren.*
*To all of us, the big lesson from the life and story of Leah is that she was unloved but chosen – she was overlooked by her husband, and unconsidered by others, but deeply seen by God, and through her came the priesthood and the kingship of the nation of Israel.*
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©️ Olubunmi S Adebayo.
