Genesis 29:35

New International Version (NIV)

She conceived again, and when she gave birth to a son she said, “This time I will praise the Lord.” So she named him Judah. Then she stopped having children.

For Meditation

 She was not the woman he desired. He spent seven years laboring for her love. Culture unexpectedly brought Leah into Jacob’s life, catching them both off guard. But it was too late for Jacob and fortunate for Leah. The master deceiver, Jacob, had been outsmarted by his uncle. Paul was right when he wrote,

Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows (Gal. 6:7).

Jacob reaped what he sowed. His only alternative was to toil for another seven years for Rachel. Laban, on the other hand, had wed his two daughters to a common husband through a cunning display of cleverness, thus beginning the ensuing conflict between the sisters.

If you know God, you know He does not appreciate polygamy. How could He, who knows the cruelty and neglect of polygamy, bring into a marital relationship a situation of jealousy and unhealthy rivalry?

As Jesus said,

“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other” (Matt. 6:24).

He was right. Jacob’s love for Rachel was more significant than for Leah (Gen. 29:30).

God knows the hurts and pains human systems dish out to us in such situations. In diverse ways, therefore, He moves to compensate us. He enabled unloved Leah to conceive, while Rachel remained childless (31). The Lord made up for Leah’s suffering and brought her joy with children. Yet, Leah yearned for her husband’s love and vainly hoped through three sons that Jacob would become attached to her (34). Not until her fourth son did Leah realize the futility of seeking fulfillment from human beings. She, therefore, named him Judah, saying:

This time, I will praise the Lord (32-34). Isn’t God good?

I enjoy stories like this. I am always amazed by how God’s love and kindness can transform our messy situations into something beautiful. God exposes the wickedness of the human heart and works on it to bring glory to Himself.

The story of Jacob and the two sisters is part of God’s redemption story that has been told from Eden to Calvary and continues today until Christ comes. It is a story we can all embrace with hope at any time.

Are you currently facing a chaotic predicament and desperately need help? Have you considered turning to Jesus? He entered our disorderly world to save and welcome sinners into His kingdom.

As you approach the celebration of Christmas, take a moment to express gratitude to God for His redeeming grace through Jesus. Keep Christ at the heart of your festivities, as that is the reason for His arrival. Just as God redeemed Jacob’s family from its mess, He can do the same for you if you trust Jesus with your life. You can then say with Leah, This time, I will praise the Lord (34).

Pray With Me

Lord Jesus, I need you. Come into my messy life and purge my sins with your blood so that I can celebrate Christmas with joy. Amen.