Leah

Today's devotion is by Mary Davis. Mary is a lady in my church who is gifted as a writer and teacher. She has written monthly devotions for my ladies the past two years. We will be hearing from her throughout the year.


1 Samuel 16:7 The Lord does not see as man sees, for man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.


Loveliness was not one of her attributes. And who would want their name to mean "weariness"? She was unloved by the man whom she loved. He loved the pretty one, Rachel. In comparison Rachel's character falls short to that of Leah's. Rachel was resentful, envious, quarrelsome, ill-tempered and hated her sister Leah. On the other hand, Leah's characteristics were that of love, faith and loyalty to both God and her husband. These attributes were her crowning glory. She longed for her husband's love, but never received it. But God loved Leah, and Leah loved God.


While it's true that Rachel, the pretty one, played her part in God's plan for Israel, it was Leah, the one whose beauty out shone that of Rachel's, whom God chose to bear the son through whose lineage our Savior would come. She was the sister with the inner beauty, the beauty that counts - the beauty that God loves, and longs to see in His women.


Heavenly Father, Leah's life portrays one of loyalty, love and faithfulness. She remained true to You and to her husband until her death. Her desire was not the outer, but the inner beauty - the true beauty - the beauty that makes us who we are in You. Father, help us to examine our hearts in search of the inner beauty that pleases you. Thank you Father. Amen.


Written by Mary Davis