Pastor’s Piece                   

Or weekly meditation

[If time permists, read the Bible passages mentioned so as to see the context.

Genesis 29, the story of Jacob marrying Leah and Rachel, has many lessons to teach us.
One is for men! What sacrifices are you willing to make to woo the girl you love? Jacob served his uncle Laban 14 years for the girl of his love.
It also teaches us not to let love blind us to the faults of others, or even our own.
Perhaps the greater lesson is that God sees every thing, even the secret things, and judges or rewards us accordingly.
We are told in v30 that Jacob loved Rachel more than Leah. We may think we can do nothing about our emotions, but that is not entirely true. V31 is an indictment against Jacob and his lack of love towards Leah.
If we are determined to love someone, or something, then love can really be born where there was no passion before.
Reading between the lines, it may be that Jacob, who was clearly upset with Laban for tricking him, took his displeasure out on Leah, who he doubtless saw as a willing accomplice.
Whatever the facts of the matter, the Bible shows once again that God has compassion on the ‘underdog’, or should we say, the disadvantaged.
We know this because Leah bears four children before Rachel has even one - and this in a society where having children was highly valued. (See v31).
What are the lessons for us?
Firstly, not to bear any grudges - however justified we may think we are. Secondly, to treat everyone fairly, as God will judge us.