SECOND BEST?

SECOND BEST?

READ:
Genesis 29:16-30

While we were still sinners,
Christ died for us. -Romans 5:8

Leah must have laid awake all night thinking of the moment when her new husband would awaken.  She knew that it was not her face he expected to see, but Rachel's.  Jacob had been a victim of deception, and when he realized that a "bait and switch" had occurred, he quickly made a new deal with Laban to claim the woman he had been promised (Genesis 29:25-27).

Have you ever felt insignificant or second-best?  Leah felt that way.  It's seen in the names she chose for her first three sons (vv.31-35).  Reuben means "see, a Son"; Simeon means "Heard"; and Levi means "Attached."  Their names were all plays on words that indicated the lack of love she felt from Jacob.  With each son's birth, she desperately hoped she would move up in Jacob's affections and earn his love.  But slowly Leah's attitude changed, and she named her fourth son Judah, which means "Praise" (v.35).  Though she felt unloved by her husband, perhaps she now realized she was greatly loved by God.

We can never "earn" God's love, because it's not dependent on what we do.  In truth, the Bible tells us that "while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8).  In God's eyes, we are worth the best that heaven could offer-the gift of His precious Son. - Cindy Hess Kasper

Love sent the Savior to die in my stead.
Why should He love me so?
Meekly to Calvary's cross He was led.
Why should He love me so?  - Harkness
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Nothing speaks more clearly of
God's love than the cross.

INSIGHT
The Bible does not shy away from describing the sinful behavior of its characters.  We see here the lies and double-dealing of Laban in marrying off Leah to Jacob.  Nonetheless, the holy God of grace is behind the scenes moving His plan of redemption forward (Ephesians 1:11).

Have a blessed day.
God Our Creator's Love Always
Unity & Peace