Nov 28

The situation in which Leah found herself was not unique. Later in Scripture is recorded another similar incident. There was another barren woman named Hannah who also was the second wife of a man, and who also was harassed by the other wife because this other woman was very fruitful in providing children for the husband.

So this Hannah cried out and was so distressed that she would not eat at times. But, contrary to the situation with Leah, at least Hannah had the love of her husband. And he told her in the midst of her distress, "Why are you weeping? Why don't you eat? Why are you downhearted? Don't I mean more to you than ten sons?" (1 Samuel 1:8).

Why did God record this incident in his Word? I believe one reason may be to illustrate the same truth we learned in the story of Leah. That truth is seen in the husband's words to his wife. If we take the husband as a figure for our Lord, and the wife, Hannah, as a figure for each of us individually, and as the church corporately, then we see that God is saying to us that we should not find our ultimate satisfaction in life in the relationships we have with each other, as deep andthey are, but in him. He made us for himself and we are to look to him for the ultimatefamily that resides deep within our heart. God says to us what the husband said to Hannah:

"Why are you weeping? Why don't you eat? Why are you so downhearted? Don't I mean more to you than ten sons?"

Scripture for today: 1 Samuel 1:1-20
Thought for today: God is to be the chief desire of my heart.
Prayer for today: I thank you, Lord, for giving me all the people I love as my family in you. But may I never forget that you are to be first in my affections.

NOV 28