https://odb.org/2025/05/11/a-mom-looks-back
Genesis 29:31–35 (NIV): 31 When the LORD saw that Leah was not loved, he enabled her to conceive, but Rachel remained childless. 32 Leah became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Reuben, for she said, “It is because the LORD has seen my misery. Surely my husband will love me now.”
33 She conceived again, and when she gave birth to a son, she said, “Because the LORD heard that I am not loved, he gave me this one too.” So she named him Simeon.
34 Again she conceived, and when she gave birth to a son she said, “Now at last my husband will become attached to me, because I have borne him three sons.” So he was named Levi. 35 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.
When we read the story of Jacob and Laban, we often overlook the treatment Leah received because of Laban’s trickery. We are more indignant of Laban’s deception but likely see it more as God’s retribution to him for his own deceving ways vis-a-vis Esau. Laban promised Jacob Rachel’s hand if he worked for him for 7 years. But when the time came, the daughter Jacob married was Leah. The “justification” was that it was customary that the elder be married off first. Laban did give Jacob Rachel after his bridal week with Leah, but he needed to work another 7 years for Laban.
It was difficult for Leah since Jacob loved Rachel. But the LORD looked out for Leah (as He did for Hagar, the maidservant of Sarah in Abraham’s case) and blessed her womb. She bore him 7 children – 6 sons and 1 daughter. But most significantly, her son Judah is the tribe from which Jesus descended. Thus, despite her unloved status, the LORD honoured her.
A mother’s love knows no bounds. Leah persevered on by bearing Jacob sons after sons even though Jacob loved Rachel. Later, the LORD opened up Rachel’s womb, and she bore him 2 sons, Benjamin and Joseph, and they became Jacob’s favourites. It is likely that family politics led to his brothers (other than Benjamin) selling Joseph to slavery. But we all know how God later turned that tragedy into a pivotal moment of salvation for the Jacob clan.
In real life, a mother will love her children even if they are naughty and rebellious. It is an undeniable fact that my dearest wife thinks about the well-being of Ivan and Daniel much more than me and prays for them constantly. For example, despite her busy schedule and workload, she makes it a point to cook for Daniel at least a few days a week. As her husband, I will, of course, benefit when she cooks! But between us, we are good to have a few slices of bread for dinner. She has done much more for the boys than I as their father, but these pages will not be enough to list down her deeds.
Blessed and happy Mother’s Day to all mothers out there! Know that your children will always appreciate and remember your love and efforts, as your husbands will certainly testify to the same! Amen! Praise the Lord!
Ronnie's Thoughts 