Ask if it makes sense that such a beautiful (fake) pearl would be in such a plain bag? Would you expect something so nice to come out of something like this?
When Jacob left his home after being blessed by his father, Isaac, he saw and wanted to marry a beautiful woman named Rachel. So, he worked for her (this was normal then), but when it was time to marry her, Jacob was tricked and given Leah as a bride instead. He did not want to marry Leah, because she was not as beautiful.
He wanted Rachel so badly, though, he continued his work so that he could marry Rachel as well.
Leah was disliked. She was unnoticed and probably pretty plain. Can you imagine how she might have felt? Think about that. Likely, Leah lived in Rachel’s shadow most of her young life as Rachel was the one others noticed. Then even in marriage she was unable to escape her sister’s shadow. This must have felt like a prison to Leah.
But God saw Leah when no one else did.
31 When the Lord saw that Leah was hated, he opened her womb, but Rachel was barren. 32 And Leah conceived and bore a son, and she called his name Reuben, for she said, “Because the Lord has looked upon my affliction; for now my husband will love me.” 33 She conceived again and bore a son, and said, “Because the Lord has heard that I am hated, he has given me this son also.” And she called his name Simeon. 34 Again she conceived and bore a son, and said, “Now this time my husband will be attached to me, because I have borne him three sons.” Therefore his name was called Levi. 35 And she conceived again and bore a son, and said, “This time I will praise the Lord.” Therefore she called his name Judah. Then she ceased bearing.
Not only was God’s heart softened to Leah, but eventually, so was Jacob’s. He ended up loving Leah very much. Leah loved God, and He blessed her with six sons who became founders of half of the tribes of Israel. One son, Judah, was the (many greats) grandfather of Jesus.
If we try to imagine what Leah may have looked like or think of how overlooked she was, does she sound like someone who would be in the lineage of our mighty Saviour and eternal King? Not at all! She sounds pretty unremarkable. Good thing God sees beyond our looks (which He created, by the way!) and can see our heart. Regardless of Leah’s plainness, she was still a sinner who needed a Savior just like us! Jesus is coming!
