Tag Archives: genesis

EL-ELYON – THE GOD MOST HIGH

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD

EL-ELYON – THE GOD MOST HIGH

In Genesis 14:1-24 we see Abram’s encounter with different kings. Four kings, whose leader was Chedorlaomer, fight against the coalition of five kings, among whom is Bera, king of Sodom. These were not kings over large areas, but over city-states. The fight took place near the Dead Sea, in the southern area of modern Isreal. After 12 of submission, the group of five kings rebelled against the alliance of the four kings, prompting the attack. The five kings lost the battle for freedom against Chedorlaomer and his allies, and they fled in retreat. Lot, Abram’s brother’s son, was living in Sodom at that time. Abram was a man of honor and a guardian of his family, so he fought for his nephew’s life and safety. Lot was also taken captive. Abram heard about it. He armed his 318 trained servants: This shows the great wealth and authority of Abram. We see that Abram, a man who walked in faith, was also a prudent man. He kept his own personal army, trained and ready to defend his interests. Abram led his army and pursued the four kings for a long distance to the city of Dan, about 240 miles. If they were walking fast, they covered that distance in about 10 days. God gave Abram military wisdom. Using the clever strategy of a night attack with his army split into two groups, he rescued Lot and recovered all the plunder seized by the four kings. This victory was supernatural. Against all odds, Abram won. Once he became free, Lot moved back to Sodom. God was warning him, but he refused to listen. He would eventually lose everything when Sodom and Gomorrah were judged by God. At that time, not even Abram could help him.

As Abram came back victorious, the king of Sodom came to meet him. But just before he could say anything to Abram, a strange person called Melchizedek intervened. We are not told any details about Melchizedek. His name means “King of Righteousness”. He was the King of Salem. Salem means Peace and it was the original name of Jerusalem. He was a worshipper and priest of God most High (El Elyon). He was ruling over Jerusalem even in those ancient times. The thing that makes Melchizedek unique was he was both a king and a priest. History shows that it is often dangerous to combine religious and civic authority. God forbade Isreal’s kings to be priests and the priests to be kings. For example, King Uzziah tried to do the work of a priest and God struck him with leprosy (2Chr 26:16-23). King Saul did not wait for Prophet Samuel. He tried to be priest and offered an unlawful sacrifice to God. God punished him and he lost his crown (1Sam 13:1-15). The only person anointed to be King and Priest at the same time was our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! In Him we are “a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, to declare praises to God” (1Pet 2:9). To praise and worship God Most High is our highest privilege!

El Elyon means “The Highest God,” like saying “Supreme Being, Sovereign Ruler”. In this world, the word “sovereign” applies to kings and queens. It means having the highest power and to be completely independent from all others. Melchizedek was an example of a true worshipper of the New Covenant. He was a priest of God Most High, yet he was not related to Abram or other known covenant people of God. Melchizedek served Abram bread and wine, a symbol of the redeeming sacrifice, like the Passover feast or the Holy Communion instituted by our Lord Jesus Christ. As a priest, in the name of El Elyon, Melchizedek did two things. He blessed Abram and he blessed God. He showed that a priest must connect and serve both God and man. Melchizedek was “without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, remains a priest continually” (Heb 7:3). Bible teachers agree that Melchizedek was a pre-Bethlehem appearance of Jesus. “The Lord has sworn and will not relent, “You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek” (Ps 110:4). The priesthood of the Messiah is not in the order of Aaron but in the order of Melchizedek. Selah!

Coming back from the battle, Abram gave an offering to the Lord to acknowledge that God gave him the victory. He did it through giving the tithe to Melchizedek. This referred to one-tenth of all the goods that he had won in battle. This is a remarkably generous gift. It was almost as if Abram and Melchizedek were competing to see who could bless the other more. This wonderful attitude of mutual blessing must be found in the church. Abram, the ancestor of the Jewish people including the tribe of Levi, honored Melchizedek with his tithe, showing Abram’s submission to Melchizedek’s who had a superior authority. Jesus is the greater High Priest.

After Abram finishes talking to King Melchizedek, the king of Sodom comes to greet Abram, with a jealous, ungrateful, proud heart. He was not humbled before Abram. He didn’t give glory to God. But as is proper, according to tradition, he wants to donate to Abram all the material goods recovered. He only wants to keep his people. But Abram refuses the goods because he has made a personal vow to God Most High (El Elyon), after hearing Melchizedek use this title for God. Abram refused any portion of the 90% of the plunder because he did not want to give anyone reason to say that a man had made Abram rich. Not too long ago, Abram and his wife went to Egypt. Abram lied that Sarai was his sister and not his wife. Pharoah took Sarai as one of his wives. He gave Abram many gifts and could really boast that he made Abram rich. But God punished Pharoah. He drove Abram and Sarai away in disgrace (Gen 12:10-20). Abram did not want such a story to be repeated in his life! Abram has learnt his lessons. He determined that from now on, all the glory for his success goes to God alone. He declared that his wealth was because of God’s blessings and not coming from the generosity or help of any man. This is a wise way to live, and especially a wise way to serve God. But Abram did not impose his principles on his allies. He told them that they were entitled to as much of the spoil as was appropriate by the customs of the time.

LESSONS FROM GENESIS 14

*El Elyon is God’s name meaning God Most High. He wants a personal relationship with His people. He receives and blesses the tithers.

*The story of Abram’s rescue of Lot is an analogy of believer’s salvation. God’s elect was captured in sin and shame and rescued by another stronger man, who left his safety and happiness. Jesus Christ, the kinsman redeemer of His people, went to great trouble and distance to save sinners. With courage and love He defeated the devil, the enemy of men. He set His people free and took all the enemy’s spoil. Glory!

*The principle of tithing is a sign of worship, submission to God’s authority and gratitude for victory and material increase. It was introduced here long before Moses made it into law. Tithing is based on Grace, Love, and Faith, and not on the law. You need faith to accept this revelation!

*The kings made a coalition to fight together. Unity is power. Help and encourage one another. Faith builds up in the unity of purpose.

*True leaders are strong and courageous. They take risks to save others. Abram did not hesitate. He went with his small army to save Lot.

*Preparation is half of the victory. Abram had trained 318 of his personal servants to be ready when the duty calls!

*God is with Abram from beginning to the end. He gives him strength, wisdom and strategy to win. “The Battle belongs to the Lord!”

*Abram is blessed when he goes out and when he comes back. King Melchizedek blesses Abram in the name of El Elyon, the Supreme God!

*Generosity is a sign of royalty. Abram gave 10% to God and 90% to the King of Sodom. He did not gain any material things from the battle!

*Lot got entangled in the life of Sodom, a worldly city. God judged the sinners there. Lot lost everything he had, his family and property.

*The importance of faithfulness to vows. Abram refuses to take any gift from the king of Sodom because of his personal vow!

*Christians, pastors, must reject any gifts that seems like bribe, or money that is used to manipulate people. God must have all the glory!

*If material success comes by human methods and selfish strategies, then it is difficult to confidently say that the blessing came from God.

*Abram did not force his principles on others. Love is a personal sacrifice. God always rewards willing cheerful sacrifice! Selah!

*Give God all the glory for all your success, spiritual and material. All glory, honor and power belong to El Elyon, God Most High forever!

DIFFERENT TYPES OF GIVERS

*The Cheerful giver has made up his mind to give. He has experienced the peace and joy which is directly connected with his giving of his time, effort and money to God. This giver does not need any outside pressure to give. These givers are rare, but they are treasures to any church, family, or community. They should be appreciated for their faithfulness and generosity.

*The Casual giver gives from time to time, usually small amounts of money, effort or time. They give more out of obligation than of love. They have not discovered the joy of giving. They are stingy and unwilling to share their resources. Some doubt the value of spiritual things, local churches or pastors. Many come from unbelieving families who did not teach them the value of generosity. With time, they may have a fresh revelation of their responsibility as members of the local church, families and community. They need counselling.

*The Complaining giver gives but he is never happy with the act of sharing his resources. He feels guilty if he does not give, and he feels angry that he must give. These people are not happy with themselves. They lack an intimate relationship with God. They need prayers.

TITHES AND OFFERINGS IN THE CHURCH

“And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the tree, is the Lord’s. It is holy to the Lord. 31 If a man wants at all to redeem any of his tithes, he shall add one-fifth to it” (Lev 27:30,31). Traditionally tithing is giving one-tenth of your increase or profit, to acknowledge and honor the sovereignty of God. This concept appears early in Scripture. Abram gave “a tenth of everything” (Gen 14:20) to Melchizedek as honoring El Elyon, The God most High. It demonstrates your faith in God the Provider, the God who leads you in victory. It is used for God’s work on earth and supports community life. God rewards faithful cheerful givers. “Honor the Lord with your possessions, And with the first fruits of all your increase; 10 So your barns will be filled with plenty, And your vats will overflow with new wine” (PV 3:9,10). Biblically, tithing was not just a financial transaction but a recognition that all resources ultimately belong to God.  

Jesus did not abolish the practice of paying the tithes but gave us a higher spiritual way to please God. He judged the hypocrites: “Woe to you, [self-righteous] scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you give a tenth (tithe) of your mint and dill and cumin [focusing on minor matters] and have neglected the weightier [more important moral and spiritual] provisions of the Law: justice and mercy and faithfulness; but these are the [primary] things you ought to have done without neglecting the others” (Matt 23:23; AMP). The Pharisees were extremely legalistic. They paid the tithe from the profit they made from selling little herbs. They gave attention to minor things, but they ignored the greater spiritual things, like Justice, Mercy and Faithfulness, which are basic aspects of God’s character. To be like God, believers must manifest these attributes in their lives. The hypocrites obey the law only outwardly. They break the law of the Spirit. Lesson: to avoid hypocrisy, we must examine our hearts often, to see if our external worship corresponds with our internal desire to love God.

“Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also: 2 On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come” (1Cor 16:1,2)

In the Old Testament, tithe was given by law. It was used to take care of the temple, the priests, and the needy. In the New Testament, there is little change. Tithes and offerings are not given by law. They are given by Faith and Love, as a form of worship, to further God’s work on earth and to help the needy. Each believer must decide in his heart how much he wants to offer to God from his own income or profit. Basically, 10% of his profit is the minimum amount a believer in Christ offers to the God who saved his soul. Apostle Paul gives guidelines about financial responsibility towards God and man. The brethren now worship God on the first day of the week. This is a shift from the Jewish day of Sabbath, which was Saturday to Sunday, celebrating the resurrection of Christ. Each believer, no matter of his financial status, should plan some amount of money and bring it on Sunday as his offering. The amount is not fixed. This is not a legalistic religious act, but it is a free offering in proportion to the profit you made that week. The offering is given on Sundays, the day of worship!

LESSONS ABOUT TITHES AND OFFERINGS

*Financial responsibility is a form of worship. Offerings to God should be planned and prayed for. Husband and wife must agree.  Parents should teach their children how to be generous towards God’s work and needy people. The offering should not be careless or impulsive. There should be no grumbling, anger or regret in doing it. It must be given freely and happily! “God loves a cheerful giver” (2Cor 9:7). The Tithe cannot save your soul. But God rewards all offerings, sacrifices, effort, time and money given towards His work on earth and done in His name! Have faith 100%!

*Paul instructs believers to set aside a portion of their income regularly. This is a disciplined and intentional financial stewardship in our Christian walk. The choice of Sunday for setting aside the offering is aligning our financial practices with our worship and remembrance of Christ’s resurrection. It is proof that we live in the power of resurrection. Faith is a factor even in paying the tithes of offerings.

Generally, the Tithe is the first 10% of the profit you made that week. It can be more or less than 10%. God leads by His Spirit in every aspect of our lives. Through your conscience, The Holy Spirit will tell you if you are doing it right or wrong. If your offerings are pleasing God, you will receive the sign of peace. If your offerings are not pleasing to God, you will be anxious and restless every time you see the offering boxes. Salvation and your offerings are part of your personal journey with God. Generally, the paying of the tithe is given to your local church, the place that feeds you spiritually. The tithe can be divided and given to other ministries or missionary organizations that have impacted you spiritually. The most important thing is this: are you giving your tithes and offerings as led by the Holy Spirit, free of manipulations, with a cheerful and a grateful heart to God? If the answer is yes, you are doing it well. God is pleased with your sacrifice, and He will surely reward you! If you have doubts about giving offerings, it is better not to give any.

God has promised to reward faithful tithers with supernatural abundant provision, preventing loss and establishing your testimony as a blessed child of God (Malachi 3:8-10). Some Christians are worried about the curses God said about not paying the tithes and the offerings. The principle is that withholding what rightfully belongs to God reflects a deeper heart issue. It is not a financial issue but a lack of faith and rebellion against God. Many have testified that faithful giving builds them spiritually and adds practical blessings. Being faithful with your tithes and offerings is God’s way to destroy selfishness and stinginess in your character. Paying the tithes and the offerings is not an automatic formula for making wealth. But it makes people more responsible with their finances and that helps them in their lives. Also, God blesses and rewards all obedience, faithfulness and service done to people in His name. Some people say: I am too poor. I don’t have enough money to pay for my tithe. The answer is that all believers, poor or rich, are encouraged to tithe faithfully. It takes faith and patience to learn obedience to God’s Word. Some say: I am worried that the pastor may misuse my offerings. That is possible. My advice is that you give only to those ministries where you trust the leaders to be godly people. In any case, God still rewards the faithfulness of His people, even if the offerings have been misused. Others say: I am in debt. I cannot afford to pay for my tithe. You should be debt free. That is true! But you can still pay your debt and give offerings to God, no matter how little. Finally, paying the tithe or the offerings should not be a burden. It should be a form of worship. It should be done with a humble and grateful heart! Worship the Lord!

LITTLE MAID, NAAMAN, ELISHA AND GEHAZI

The relationship between the Jewish maid, Naaman, Elisha and Gehazi is central to the story in 2 Kings 5 of the Bible. We see greed and generosity, blessings and curses. We witness a great miracle of healing. A little Jewish maid tells Naaman that he can be cured of leprosy in Isreal. Naaman believes the word. He takes a generous gift to pay for his healing. In today’s money, the amount of silver, gold and expensive clothes is about 1,5 million US dollars. He offers it to the king of Isreal first, who declares that he cannot save or heal him. Then he goes to the prophet Elisha who freely heals the Syrian general of leprosy. Elisha refuses to take the gift from Naaman and sends him home in peace. Elisha’s greedy servant, Gehazi, pursues Naaman for payment after Elisha refused it. Gehazi lies to Naaman who gives him silver and clothing. He is subsequently cursed by Elisha to have Naaman’s leprosy along with his money. The leprosy will also affect his descendants forever.

*The young Jewish maid who lived in Naaman’s house has faith in Jehovah God and in Elisha, the prophet. She is generous with her information. She could have been bitter and refused to tell her master the way to be healed.

*The king of Isreal does not have faith in God or in the Prophet Elisha.

*Naaman came to look for healing as a rich proud man, with great entourage and generous gifts. He thought that the miracle can be bought with money. Naaman had money and fame. Elisha was a simple man, but he had the power of God. Because of his pride, Naaman almost lost his miracle. Eventually he humbled himself, obeyed the simple instruction of prophet Elisha and was healed from leprosy.

*Just the way Abram refused the goods from the King of Sodom, so Elisha refused the gifts of Naaman. Elisha is truly generous. Every minister of God must serve God because of his love for God and people. God is a Giver and not a Taker.

*Naaman’s healing is a picture of salvation by free grace. It cannot be bought with money so that none can boast before God!

*Gehazi is a warning for us. He was selfish, stingy, and deceitful. He lied to Naaman so that he can receive the gifts his master refused. Elisha served Elija faithfully, to the end. He received a double portion of his master’s anointing. Gehazi served Elisha but not with a pure heart. He lost his testimony, and his leprosy affected his descendants. A spiritual leader must “not pursue dishonest gain” (Tit 1:7). Selah!

Jesus used the story of Naaman and Elisha as an illustration of Israel’s problem of unbelief. Jesus said: “There were many in Israel with leprosy in the time of Elisha the prophet, yet not one of them was cleansed—only Naaman the Syrian” (Lk 4:27).The lepers of Israel overlooked the healing that could have been theirs through Elisha, so God healed a Syrian instead. In the same way, the Israelites of Jesus’ day were missing the Power right in front of their eyes. But God is no respecter of persons (Acts 10:34–35), and the Gentiles eventually received the gospel that Israel rejected. Worship the Lord!

JEHOVAH JIREH (GOD THE PROVIDER)

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD

Read Genesis 22:1-19. This is the story of how God tested Abraham and how he passed the test of faith. For the first time God reveals Himself as Jehovah Jireh, God the Provider. To Provide means to give, to make available for use, to supply what is needed or wanted. The word Love (“ahabta” in Hebrew) appears for the first time in the Bible (Gen 22:2). The Hebrew word “shachah” is first translated worship in this chapter. But the first time this same word appeared was translated “bowing to the ground”, also relating to Abraham. “Then the Lord appeared to him… and he bowed himself to the ground, and said, “My Lord, if I have now found favor in Your sight, do not pass on by Your servant” (Gen 18:1-3). To worship is to bow down. Worship humbly acknowledges that God is greater, and we are lesser. We are needy and He alone can provide. We are weak and He alone protects. We are lost; He saves. Abraham, a wealthy and powerful man, “bowed to the ground” before the One he acknowledged to be Lord, Master and Provider. Genesis 22 describes the true meaning of worship. Abraham went up the mountain to give his most loved, treasured and prized possession. Isaac went up the mountain to give himself “as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God” (Rom 12:1). Lessons: When is the last time you put your knees on the floor and begged your Lord “Please, my Lord, do not pass me by!” Have you given your most treasured love to God?

God also tested Job. He allowed him to pass many trials but, in the end, Job too passed the test of faith. Job declared: “Though He slay me yet will I trust Him” (Job 13:15). This shows Job’s profound faith in God, in the face of suffering and possible death. Like Abraham, Job acknowledges God’s sovereignty over life and death. What Job calls “slaying” is it not literal, but it shows the depth of his suffering. This “slaying” is a prophetic picture of the Cross of Christ. Job declares that even if God sends trials, he will not stop trusting in God. This trust and hope are not connected with an immediate deliverance but with total faith in the love, justice and mercy of God. As believers, we have Christ in us, the Hope of glory (Col 1:27). Lesson: God has a plan and a purpose in every testing, for His glory and for our good!

“Now it came to pass after these things that God tested Abraham, and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” God only tests believers, not unbelievers. These tests are symbols of the test of Jesus Christ on the Cross. God tests us to purify, prove, strengthen and reveal the depth of our faith, not to cause us to fall. God calls Abraham by name. This shows an intimate relationship. Immediately, Abraham answers saying: “Here I am”. This shows his submission, readiness and willingness to respond to God’s call without hesitation. True faith manifests through actions. Even in testing, we must trust in God’s promises and His ability to fulfill them, as Abraham did. God commands Abraham: “Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you”. This is the first time that the word “love” appears in the Bible. It is a very personal command. God tells Abraham to take his son, his only son, the son he loves so dearly, the promised son for whom he waited 25 years, the son on whom the covenant stands, and to offer him as a burnt offering on Mount Moriah. A burnt offering means sacrificial death. It is a total sacrifice. Abraham had another son called Ishmael. But God told him to send Hagar and Ishmael away. Isaac is now called “your only son”. These words show the deep love Abraham has for Isaac. He is asked to sacrifice what he loves the most. Abraham is a picture of God the Father and Isaac is a picture of God the Son, Jesus Christ. This story points to God’s love and pain when Jesus, the only begotten Son of God, died on the Cross to save sinners.  

The sacrifice of Isaac must be done at a particular place called Mount Moriah. God is totally in charge of this sacrifice, including the time and the place. Mountains are places of revelation and encounters with God. That holy place on Mount Moriah will later be bought by King David. It was on this place that King Solomon, his son, will build the Temple of God (2 Chr 3:1). Mount Moriah is a symbol of the Cross. Abraham’s response to God’s command shows the depth of his faith and willingness to obey, even when it seems illogical and painful. Isaac’s near sacrifice is a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ’s ultimate sacrifice. God reveals His provision, a ram in place of Isaac, teaching that God will provide for our needs when we trust Him. Lessons: God tests Abraham not to lead him to failure but to strengthen his faith in God’s promises. We are to consider what we hold most dear and whether we are willing to surrender it to God. Early the next morning Abraham went on the journey. He obeyed immediately. All great servants of God like Abraham, Moses, Joshua obeyed God’s commands without delay. It also shows their faith in God even during difficult times. Abraham prepared the wood for the burnt sacrifice. He did not take any chances not to find wood on that mountain. Two servants accompany Abraham and Isaac on their journey. They represent witnesses to these events, though they remain unaware of the full purpose of the journey.

“Then on the third day Abraham lifted his eyes and saw the place afar off. And Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey; the lad and I will go yonder and worship, and we will come back to you.” The “third day” is significant in the Bible, symbolizing a period of trial followed by deliverance or revelation. This pattern is seen in the death of Jesus Christ, who rose on the third day, signifying victory over death. The three-day journey also emphasizes the gravity and deliberation of Abraham’s obedience to God’s command, allowing time for reflection and faith. Abraham looked up. Abraham’s act of looking up can be seen as an expression of worship and faith. Looking up also signifies seeking or receiving divine wisdom and guidance, as when Jesus looks up to heaven before performing miracles. Abraham saw the place that was “afar off”. Abraham’s journey to Moriah is a symbol of the journey of Christ to the cross, on the Calvary Hill. Abraham’s instruction to his servants to remain with the donkeys highlights the separation between ordinary work and the sacred task ahead. The donkey, a common beast of burden, symbolizes the everyday responsibilities that must be set aside when approaching a divine encounter. Abraham’s communication with his servants reflects his leadership and the trust he places in them. It also emphasizes Abraham’s role as a patriarch, master (Adonai), responsible for guiding and instructing those under his care. The term “lad” means a young man and it refers to Isaac who is a young adult here. It shows the close father-son relationship. Going “yonder” is a deliberate movement towards a specific place chosen for worship. Worship here involves sacrifice, signifying devotion and obedience to God. Abraham’s statement of returning with Isaac is a deep expression of faith. Despite knowing God’s command to sacrifice Isaac, Abraham believes in God’s promise that Isaac will be the heir through whom God’s covenant will be fulfilled. This reflects a deep trust in God’s provision and reveals Abraham’s faith that Isaac will resurrect from the dead. As a symbol, it points to the Cross and the Resurrection of Christ.

“So, Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on Isaac his son; and he took the fire in his hand, and a knife, and the two of them went together”. Abraham placed the wood on Isaac’s back. The wood was heavy. It shows the burden of obedience to God. This points to Jesus who carried His wooden Cross to Calvary. Abraham himself carried the fire, a symbol of God’s presence and the knife, as the priest who performs the sacrifice. The knife in his hand shows that Abraham was ready to obey God to the end. Father and son, the two of them walked together. It shows the unity of the Spirit between Abraham and Isaac. Clearly Isaac trusts his father even in this difficult journey. This points to the unity between God the Father and God the Son, Jesus Christ, who died for sinners. In the same way, we walk in obedience to God, even in difficult circumstances, when we do not understand His ways.

“But Isaac spoke to Abraham his father and said, “My father!” And he said, “Here I am, my son.” Then he said, “Look, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?” And Abraham said, “My son, God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering.” So, the two of them went together”. Then Isaac said to his father Abraham, “My father!” This shows Isaac’s deep respect and trust in his father, Abraham. In that culture, the close relationship between father and sin was foundational. The father is the authority, the mentor, the guide, the protector and the provider of the home. The son learns from the father so that one day, he will take over the leadership of that family. Abraham responds: Here I am, my son! These are the same words Abraham used when God called him: “Here I am” (Gen 22:1). Abraham listens to both God and his son. Abraham is a picture of Christ who was always ready to listen and obey God the Father. Isaac said that they have fire and wood, but the sacrificial lamb is missing. This shows that Isaac understood the process because he has seen his father offering burnt sacrifices of animals to God. It also shows Isaac’s innocence and trust in his father. The absence of the lamb increases the tension of the story, pointing to God’s provision of a substitute, which is Jesus Christ! Lessons: Just as God provided a ram in place of Isaac, He provides for all our needs, often in unexpected ways. Parents must mentor their children in the ways of God!

“And Abraham said, “My son, God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering.” So, the two of them went together”. Abraham’s response to Isaac’s question reflects his faith in God’s provision. This moment is a test of Abraham’s faith, as God had commanded him to sacrifice his son Isaac. Abraham believes that God will intervene, a theme consistent with his previous experiences of God’s faithfulness. Here we see that Abraham passes the test of faith! Jehovah Jireh is God the Provider who intervenes at the right moment, to supply what is needed! In Hebrew, the word “provide” is “yireh”. It is part of God’s name as Jehovah Jireh. It really means to see with prophetic eyes. In other words, Abraham said “God will see to it” to provide what is necessary. Even in this difficult moment, the two of them, father and son, continue to walk together. This unity can also be seen as a type of the relationship between God the Father and Jesus, who willingly went to the cross in obedience to the Father’s will. Lessons: Abraham’s statement, “God Himself will provide,” reflects a deep trust in God’s ability to meet all needs, even in impossible situations. Jehovah Jireh has Resurrection Power. We must always trust God’s provision in our own lives.

“Then they came to the place of which God had told him. And Abraham built an altar there and placed the wood in order; and he bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar, upon the wood”. Abraham arrives at the very place God told him about. This shows his total obedience to God’s commands. The location is Mount Moriah, which later becomes the site of Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem (2 Chr 3:1). Abraham builds an altar there. He is ready to worship God by his obedience even to God’s difficult commands. In the Old Testament, altars are places of encounter with the Living God. He arranged the wood and bound Isaac, his son, on it. Here we see that true faith and love are not just words. They are proved by action. Isaac was a young strong man. Abraham is old. If Isaac refused to cooperate, he could have run away. But he willingly submits to his father even when he does not understand the act itself. Isaac is a picture of Jesus on the Cross. Jesus said: “Therefore, My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. 18 No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father” (Jn 10:17,18).

“And Abraham stretched out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. But the Angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, “Abraham, Abraham!” So, he said, “Here I am.” And He said, “Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now, I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me”. Abraham stretched out his hand with his knife, to slay his son. This is the climax of Abraham’s journey of faith in God that started many years ago, when God called him to leave his homeland. This grave moment is a point of no return. Abraham is ready to sacrifice his only son. His faith in God’s promises is complete. He is willing to surrender everything to God, his whole life. He has now passed the test of obedience, love and faith in God. Lesson: true faith involves total surrender to God and worship. then the angel of the LORD called out to him from heaven. This “Angel of the Lord” is God Himself. This is a critical moment. He stops him from sacrificing Isaac. This shows God’s intervention in men’s lives. This illustrates God’s timely provision and protection, reminding us that God is aware of our circumstances and intervenes at the right moment. Heaven has total authority over men on earth, especially over the believers. God calls Abraham’s name two times. This shows God’s intimate relationship with Abraham and the urgency of the moment. Abraham answers: Here I am! This is the third time Abraham has uttered these words in this story. These are the words of a servant of God, ready and willing to always obey His Master, Adonai! Lessons: we must be always sensitive to God’s voice and obey it! God tests us in life to establish our faith. We become stronger after passing the trials of faith.

The Angel commands Abraham: “Do not lay a hand on the lad or do anything to him!” He speaks with authority as God Himself. We see God’s sovereignty and perfect timing over all events. He has ultimate control over life and death. It also shows God’s provision of mercy and a door of escape during trials of faith. The Angel says: Now I know that you fear God! We see here the purpose of the test. The fear of God is not terror, making us to run away from God. It is deep honor and respect for God’s Person and obedience to His commands. The fear of God means to take God seriously. It manifested as Abraham’s refusal “to withhold” his only son from God. In Hebrew, to withhold means to restrain, refuse, spare, keep or to preserve. The opposite is to allow, to let go. This is a prophetic picture of God’s Love. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (Jn 3:16).

“Then Abraham lifted his eyes and looked, and there behind him was a ram caught in a thicket by its horns. So, Abraham went and took the ram and offered it up for a burnt offering instead of his son. And Abraham called the name of the place, The-Lord-Will-Provide; as it is said to this day, “In the Mount of the Lord it shall be provided.” God’s provision of a ram instead of Isaac comes after Abraham passes the test of faith. The ram is caught in a thicket, which symbolizes the entanglement of sin. This ram provided by God stands for Christ crucified for sinners. Lesson: We must trust God always! Once we pass the test of faith, the provision comes. God provides the needs before He provides the solution. Abraham names this place “The Lord will Provide” of Jehovah Jireh. It is a memorial that God sees and provides for all our needs. This is not only a memorial. It points to all future needs. That is why it is called The Lord “shall Provide”. As we study the names of God, we have a fresh encounter with God and receive new blessings of provision. Abraham’s actions left a legacy of faith that is remembered and celebrated. Lesson: we should leave a legacy of faith as a gift to the future generations.

“Then the Angel of the Lord called to Abraham a second time out of heaven, and said: “By Myself I have sworn, says the Lord, because you have done this thing, and have not withheld your son, your only son— blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply your descendants as the stars of the heaven and as the sand which is on the seashore; and your descendants shall possess the gate of their enemies. In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice”. The Angel of the Lord calls Abraham “the second time”. Earlier, the angel of the LORD intervened to stop Abraham from sacrificing Isaac. This second call reaffirms God’s covenant promises and blessings to Abraham, rewarding his faith and obedience. In the past, people swore by others who are greater than themselves. Here God swears by Himself because there is no one greater than Him. God’s promises to bless Abraham because of his obedience. This shows God’s desire for a deeper relationship with His people, to bless them by Himself.  God confirms His promise made to Abraham in the past (Genesis 12:2,3; 15:5). This blessing includes both material prosperity and spiritual favor, extending to Abraham’s descendants and ultimately to all nations through them. The multiplication of Abraham’s descendants is both a literal and spiritual promise, fulfilled through the nation of Israel and the spiritual descendants of Abraham, the believers in Christ who are considered Abraham’s seed (Gal 3:29). The picture of stars and sand shows the vastness of Abraham’s descendants. Stars symbolize a heavenly promise, while the sand represents earthly abundance. This dual imagery shows the blessings promised to Abraham are both spiritual and physical. Your descendants will possess the gates of their enemies. This promise signifies victory and dominion over adversaries. In ancient times, possessing the gates of a city meant having control over it. Gates were strategic points of defense and trade. This is a prophetic word to Isreal, who will conquer the surrounding nations. It also points to the ultimate victory of Christ and His church over spiritual enemies. Jesus says that the gates of Hell will not prevail against His church (Matt 16:18). Lessons: We must trust in God’s power to provide and to overcome all challenges in life. The blessings of protection and prosperity promised to Abraham extend to future generations. Selah!

THE GOD OF MY MASTER (ADONAI)

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD

THE GOD OF MY MASTER (ADONAI)

This is the story of how Abraham sent his trusted servant Eleazer of Damascus to find a wife for Isaac (Genesis 24). Eleazer held a position of honor and great responsibility. In Hebrew, Eliezer means God of Help, or Helper. Abraham is an old man. God kept his promise and blessed him “in all things”. Abraham was concerned about two things: Isaac should not leave the Promised Land and Isaac should not marry a Canaanite woman. Isaac, the son of promise, never once left the Promised Land. His wife was to come to him, as Isaac stayed in the land of Canaan. This principle was so important that if the woman would not come with the servant, it was better for Isaac to not have a wife. Abraham knew that God promised the Land to him and to Isaac, not to Ishmael.

Eliezer took ten of his master’s camels and departed. He led an impressive caravan. They carried great wealth with them; “all his master’s goods were in his hand”. The journey was long. The most common route was about 1000 miles. It takes about 3 weeks to walk that distance. They went to the city of Nahor, also called Ur. After he arrived there, Eleazer’s first concern was to water the camels. This shows his kind heart. He asked God to show him the woman chosen to be Isaac’s wife through an offer to provide water for him and his ten camels. Considering that a camel may drink up to 20 gallons, watering ten camels meant at least an hour of hard work. Eliezer cared nothing about the woman’s appearance. He wanted a woman of character, a woman whom God had chosen. God answered his prayer even before he prayed it. A beautiful woman came. She was Rebekah, the great-granddaughter of Abraham’s brother Nahor. She offered to give him water and to water the camels. Eliezer allowed her to finish the difficult work. He wanted to see if she had a servant’s heart, not only a servant’s talk. He was satisfied. Rebekah was kind, humble, hardworking and beautiful! He gave her jewelry and praised God for finding her! Rebeka’s brother Laban invited Eliezer into their house. Eliezer said: “I will not eat until I have told you about my errand”. Abraham’s servant was focused on his mission. Like every true servant of Christ, he put his master’s business before his own ease or comfort, even before the question of necessary food. The phrase, ‘my master’, is the refrain of this chapter; the word ‘master’ occurs 22 times. It is translated as Adonai! Eliezer was totally faithful. He did not rebel against Abraham or Isaac. He was not his own, but the bondservant of another. This is also our position before Adonai. After a 1000-mile journey, he stayed only one night and then returned immediately. Rebekah’s words: “I will go!” showed great faith. She left everything she knew, going to a distant land, to marry a bridegroom she had never seen. The servant took Rebekah, her nurse Deborah and departed: It isn’t difficult to imagine conversations Rebekah and Eliezer had on the journey. She wanted to know all she could about Isaac, whom she loved without even seeing. She took a veil and covered herself. That is chastity, modesty, and submission. This is how we must live before we see Jesus!

Abraham stands for God the Father. Isaac stands for Jesus, God the Son. Eliezer stands for God the Holy Spirit. Rebekah stands for the Church, the Bride of Christ! A father desired a bride for his son. A son was accounted as dead and raised from the dead. A nameless servant was sent forth to find a bride for the son. The servant’s name was Eliezer, meaning Helper. The lovely bride was divinely met, chosen, called, and then lavished with gifts. She was entrusted to the care of the servant until she met her bridegroom. Deborah was Rebekah’s nurse. She served Rebekah until she died. She breastfed her when her mother was unable. She is the quiet hero in the story. She is a picture of a faithful follower of Jesus. She served Rebekah until she died and was buried in the Promised Land (Gen 24:59; 35:8). Rebekah became the wife of Isaac. Isaac loved his Bride the way Jesus loves His Church.

LESSONS:

*The power of seeking God’s guidance. When we seek God’s will earnestly, He is faithful to lead us on the right path.

*The power of Prayer. God hears and answers our prayers in His perfect timing. Faithful obedience leads to great blessings

*The power of Providence. God orchestrates events for our good and His glory.

*The power of Kindness, humility and hospitality. Rebekah’s kindness in offering water to the servant and his camels is crucial in the story.

*The power of Patience and Worship. Eliezer waits patiently for God’s direction and timing. He “bowed down and worshiped the LORD”.

*The power of Family. Abraham’s desire for Isaac to marry within his family shows the importance of shared values and beliefs.

*God is the perfect Matchmaker! Isaac was about 40 years and Rebeka was about 16 when they got married. That was normal at that time!

*God is faithful. He fulfills His promise to Abraham by providing a suitable wife for Isaac, ensuring the continuation of His covenant.

*God’s plans and beautiful and perfect. We must trust God for His plans in our lives! Worship the Lord!

Abraham was living by faith. When he sent Eliezer to find a wife for his son Isaac, that was risky faith. These are some obstacles: he was an old man, maybe 140 years. He could have died before Eliezer came back. Because of his age, he could not go himself on a journey of 1000 miles. He sent Eliezer to a country he had never seen. Abraham has not gone to his native country for about 75 years. He knew that his brother Nahor was living there, and he had 8 sons (Gen 22:20-23). Eliezer himself was not a young man. If the woman refused to come, then the whole mission will be a failure. Abraham trusted Eliezer with the success of the mission. Initially, Eliezer was praying to “the God of my master, Abraham”. Later he prayed and worshipped God by himself. Abraham taught him faith in the only living God. Lesson: a pastor, a leader must learn to trust others. The pastor is not a babysitter. The church is not a nursery. By trusting others to do God’s work, their faith will grow. Abraham was looking for a heavenly city “whose maker and builder is God” (Heb 11:10). That is why he was not tempted to go back to his native country. He accepted God’s will to live in the Promised Land. He was content to live in God’s plan for him. He was not worried. Lesson: to live by faith, we must live with eternity in view. We must appreciate God’s plan and His eternal purposes for us. We must be found obedient and faithful. One day, faith shall be no more, and we shall see Jesus Face to face!

Finally, what convinced Rebekah to follow Eliezer to go and marry Isaac? Were the gifts he gave to her and to her family? I don’t think so. Maybe Eliezer told her that Isaac would inherit the great wealth of his father and the good looks of his mother. But what convinced her was the whole story, how this man prayed to Jehovah Adonai and found exactly what he was looking for. He found her, Rebekah! She was the special one, chosen by these people’s God. In Ur, they served idols. But the idols did nothing for Rebekah. They did not know love or romance. But the God of this man Eliezer loved indeed. Like with Ruth, it was the Love of Jehovah that touched Rebekah’s heart to convince her to leave her family and go to find her destiny. She had faith in God! Jesus is the only Romantic Loving God in the universe! Worship the Lord!

GOD MEANT IT FOR GOOD

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD

GOD MEANT IT FOR GOOD (Genesis 50:15-21)

This is a touching scene. Jacob lived in Egypt for 17 years. He made Joseph promise that once he dies, he should carry his body back to the Promised Land. He was 147 years old when he died. Joseph and his brothers carried his body to Canaan. They buried him in the cave of Machpelah, in the same place with Leah, his wife and with his ‘fathers’, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebeccah. The death or Jacob ends an era. After that, Joseph’s brothers became afraid that Joseph would punish them for the sin they committed against him many years ago. They assumed that Joseph hates them “for the evil” they did against him. They sent messengers to Joseph asking for mercy and forgiveness. Joseph called them and wept in their presence. He was not ashamed to show his deep emotions of love towards them. Why was he hurt? Because after all these years, the brothers still did not believe that he has truly forgiven them. They assumed that Joseph was pretending to forgive them because their father was still alive. But now, they assumed that finally, Joseph would punish them. In their hearts, they thought that Joseph is a hypocrite. The truth is that they had issues with forgiving themselves and they projected their doubts upon Joseph. They were afraid of Joseph. They still did not love him. That hurt Joseph. “There is no fear in love [dread does not exist]. But perfect (complete, full-grown) love drives out fear, because fear involves [the expectation of divine] punishment, so the one who is afraid [of God’s judgment] is not perfected in love [has not grown into a sufficient understanding of God’s love]” (1Jn 4:18; AMP). This painful situation gives Joseph a wonderful occasion to re-assure them of his total forgiveness, done for the sake of God. Here you see the spiritual maturity of Joseph. You see why God chose him from among his brothers to promote him to the highest office in the land.

Joseph is a symbol of Christ glorified, our Great High Priest. Study the way He speaks to His brothers and be encouraged too! He says:

*Do not be afraid! It is true that Joseph has the power to hurt them, but he loves them. He encourages his brothers not to be afraid of him. Lesson: if you have forgiven someone, you will not intimidate him with the memory of the past! You encourage him to be strong and do not fear punishment! As our Great High Priest, Jesus intercedes for the believer in heaven. His love continues. There is no fear in Love!

*Am I in the place of God? Joseph is truly humble. He tells his brothers that his high position in Egypt does not make him God to them. Joseph does not use his authority to intimidate his brothers. Joseph loved and respected his father, Jacob. He did not want to hurt him. But Jacob was now dead. He could have punished his brothers. But he has already forgiven them, not for the sake of Jacob, but for the sake of God! “Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord” (Rom 12:19). When you remain humble in the place of promotion, your forgiveness and love towards your enemies is genuine. God will vindicate you. The Great High Priest in heaven, our Lord Jesus Christ, “did not consider it robbery to be equal with God” (Phil 2:6). God Himself promoted Him to be the only authorized intercessor and mediator of the New Covenant between man and God.

*You meant evil against me! Joseph could not have used this word. But this is what they said. They helped him tell the truth. Sin does damage. The truth is that his brothers’ jealousy and wickedness could have killed him. It brought depression to their father for many years and damaged their relationship with Joseph. Sin is always evil. Sin is designed to kill, steal and destroy. Sin must be hated! “You who love the LORD, hate evil!” (Ps 97:10). “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good” (Rom 12:9; NIV). You don’t tolerate sin! You don’t ignore evil. You expose it, confess it, repent from it, and move on, walking by faith and love! Forgiveness does not mean forgetfulness. The Great High Priest carries the scars on His hands as a reminder of what sin on earth did to Him. That is why as the Great High Priest, Jesus can now help us when we fall into sin. Praise His Holy Name!

*God meant it for good! Joseph believed the revelation given by God to him thru dreams as a young man. God chose him from among his brothers to make him their leader and Savior. God was with him during his troubles. God brought him to the place of promotion, honoured him, not for his benefit, but to save his family which later became the nation called Isreal. Joseph has seen the hand of God in his life. That gave him peace and joy during his trials. That is how he truly forgave his brothers, not for their sakes, but for the sake of God. Love sees God in all things. The unbelievers, when they suffer, get angry and bitter. They are spiritually blind. They do not see any good coming out of trouble. That is why they insult and punish those who hurt them. But the believers are different. They see God working for their good. “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Rom 8:28).

*Now therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones. And he comforted them and spoke kindly to them! Joseph encouraged them with kind words. He promised to continue to take care of them, to provide and protect them for as long as he lives. He kept his promise. Lesson: true forgiveness is not just an isolated act. It is a lifestyle. It produces fruits of kindness and good behaviour. Our Great High Priest continues to help us live godly and saves us to the uttermost. Glory to God!

Finally, reconciliation always points to glory! Peace leads to promotion! We see that Jesus, in His office as our eternal Intercessor, has the power to help us finish the race and reach heaven. He saves us by His eternal Life! In this life, we are tempted by sin, the world and by the devil. But Jesus defeated all of them on the Cross. Our Great High Priest is able to prevent us from falling into sin and to deliver us in case we fall. “Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, 25 To God our Savior, who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen” (Jude 1:24, 25). Worship the Lord!

ESAU AND JACOB’S RECONCILIATION

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD

(Gen 32:1-32; 33:1-20)

God told Jacob to go back home to Bethel, in the Promised Land. But there was a problem. Long ago, he cheated his brother Esau taking his blessing and the right of the first born. Esau planned to kill him. Jacob was afraid of Esau. Along the way home, he had to meet his brother Esau. Reconciliation was necessary for peace to reign. Jacob needed a miracle. The brothers had not seen each other for 20 years. Jacob meets some angels where he camped. God is encouraging him. He then sends his servants to meet Esau and gives him generous gifts. This was a wise decision. “A gift in secret pacifies anger” (PV 21:14).

Now see what Jacob is doing in the face of danger. He plans; prays to God; and send a present to Esau. These are good lessons for all. Do what you can to avoid trouble. Expecting crisis, Jacob arranges his family and servants in different groups; to save some in case Esau wants to kill him. Then Jacob does the most important thing: he prays to find favor with his brother. That night, Jacob has an encounter with God who comes as an Angel to wrestle with him. Jacob deeply desires God’s blessings and not just escape from danger. The Angel hurts his hip and defeats him. He is broken, body and spirit. He is a different man. His name and identity are changed from Jacob (Deceiver) to Isreal (Prince with God). God has humbled him. In the morning, limping, leaning on his staff, a humbled Jacob is now ready to meet with Esau.

Jacob was told that Esau is coming towards him with 400 armed men. He is afraid again. But God has answered his prayer. Esau surprised him. He too has changed. He is not the same angry bitter man of long ago. Esau runs towards Jacob and embraces him. They both wept. They see that God has blessed both. The war between them is over. They now appreciate the peace of God! This is Esau’s most noble moment in the Bible. Jacob humbles himself. He bows before Esau not just once, but seven times. He calls himself ‘your servant’ and calls Esau ‘my Lord’. Jacob insists that Esau should receive his many presents. Esau does so. Jacob repeatedly says: ‘God has given me all that I have’. He acknowledges the Lord and gives Him glory for his life, family and prosperity. This is a humble man talking.

Why did Esau forgive Jacob? One explanation is that Esau has been forgiven by God, that he too became saved. Only forgiven men can forgive their enemies. Though he married pagan women, Esau’s first two sons are named to give glory to God: Eliphaz (The Strength of God) and Reuel (The Joy of God). Esau wants to join Jacob for the journey home. Jacob gently refuses. Esau goes ahead. Jacob promises to meet him later. But Jacob never did that. He went in another direction. Lesson: reconciliation between men may have boundaries. Their descendants continued to fight one another, but on this day, peace reigned in the hearts of these two brothers. Praise the Lord!

These are some practical lessons about forgiveness and reconciliation:

*Forget the Past! This story says nothing about past events. Resolving all the details is not always necessary. You can forgive one another and be friendly. Each case is different. Love “keeps no record of wrongs” (1Cor13:5; NIV). Love puts down the weapon of guilt of past sins.

*Love seeks the best in another. Esau came with 400 men not to kill Jacob, but to protect him as he was going home. That is love!

*Somebody must lead the process. The guilty one should make the first move. Jacob was the guilty one and he came to Esau with gifts

*Humility is always needed. Jacob approached Esau as a servant and calling him ‘Lord’ and bowing to him 7 times. Most people are too proud to reconcile. They attract attention to their achievements. Pride is a great hindrance to peace. God humbled both Jacob and Esau.

*Prayer is the key! It was not Jacob’s plan to protect his family that succeeded. It was his prayer. God answered his prayer.

*Those who have received God’s Grace should trust in God’s promise of protection when they seek reconciliation with an enemy.

*Each person has their own speed in applying these lessons. Esau went home with his men. Jacob was slower as he went towards Bethel.

*God must be acknowledged and praised. Jacob acknowledges and praises God as the source of his life and blessings.  

*Generosity is necessary. Jacob gave Esau generous gifts of more than a million US$.

If you calculate the total value of all the animals Jacob sends to Esau, at today’s value, I read it is about 655,000$. The animals Jacob sent were enough for Esau to start his own farm and to make millions. I knew that Jacob was rich, but I did not know he was that rich! He sent more than millions of naira to find favor in the sight of his enemy, his brother Esau. These are some lessons about this extraordinary gift: Reconciliation is expensive. It points to the Cross where Jesus died to reconcile us to God the Father. The gift went ahead of Jacob. It was more than a gift to a man. It was a sacrifice to God. It was given just before God met with Jacob and changed his name and destiny.

God is the God of peace, mercy, grace and forgiveness. Reconciliation is the work of Grace manifested at the Cross. We can only be reconciled with others when we acknowledge the price God had to pay for reconciliation. His Son Jesus Christ died on the Cross so that sinners become the friends and sons of God. Reconciliation is done by faith and through Love. It leads to peace! Worship the Lord!

THE STORY OF JOSEPH – GOD MEANT IT FOR GOOD!

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD

The meaning of Joseph is ‘increase’. Joseph’s brothers hated him. They wanted him dead. Joseph suffered much because of them. Yet, he forgave them freely. How was he able to do that? What is the secret of Joseph in displaying such grace and mercy? His secret is found in his theology. Because he knew God intimately, he behaved like God. This is Joseph’s basic doctrine: “you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good” (Gen 50:20). Lesson: if we believe like Joseph, we can also forgive and love like Joseph and God will use us for His glory!

The Bible Story of Joseph is found the Book of Genesis, chapters 37 to 50. It is one of heroic redemption and forgiveness. Joseph was the most loved son of his father, Israel, who gave him a robe of many colors, a symbol of leadership. Lesson: parents, it is not good to have favorites! When Joseph reported having dreams of his brothers bowing before him, their jealousy grew into action. They sold him into slavery to a traveling caravan of Ishmaelites who took him to Egypt and sold him to Potiphar, the captain of Pharaoh’s guard. In Egypt, the Lord’s constant presence with Joseph enables him to find favor with Potiphar and later, with the keeper of the prison. With God’s help, Joseph correctly interprets the dreams of two prisoners, predicting that one of them will be reinstated but the other put to death. Joseph then interprets the dreams of Pharaoh, which anticipate seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine. Pharaoh recognizes Joseph’s God-given ability and promotes him to be to the chief administrator of Egypt. Shortage of food in Canaan forces Jacob to send his sons to buy grains from the Egyptians.  Benjamin, Joseph’s younger brother, remains at home as Jacob fears losing him, as he did Joseph. When Joseph finally encounters his brothers again, he conceals his identity. He accuses them of being spies and tells them to return with Benjamin or he will not sell them grain. The ongoing famine forces Jacob to reluctantly send his sons back to Egypt with Benjamin, and they are unexpectedly invited to dine at Joseph’s house. Joseph tests the character of his brothers by placing a silver cup in the sack of Benjamin and falsely accusing him of theft.  When Judah offers to stay in place of Benjamin, Joseph knows that his character has changed and reveals to them that he is their brother. Joseph says that they need not feel guilty for betraying him as it was God’s plan for him to be in Egypt to preserve their family. He told them to bring their father and his entire household into Egypt to live in the province of Goshen because there were five more years of famine left. Joseph supplied them with Egyptian transport wagons, new garments, silver, and more donkeys for the journey. Jacob is joyously reunited with his beloved son Joseph. This is an interesting note: Joseph became prime minister at 30. (David became king at 30. Jesus started His public ministry at 30). Joseph died when he was 110. For 80 years he was a great leader in Egypt. But with all his success, Joseph did not regarded Egypt as his own country. He told his family to carry his bones to the Promised Land. That was faith (Heb 11:22)! More than 400 years later, during the exodus, the Jews carried his bones and buried them in the Promised Land.

Joseph is about 40 years when Jacob came to Egypt. He was about 57 years old when his father died (Gen 47:28). He is now at the peak of his power and success in Egypt. After Jacob dies and is buried, Joseph’s brothers felt guilty and afraid. They knew that they planted evil. They must now harvest evil. Without their father, they assumed that Joseph would now seek revenge and punish them. But Jospeh’s words toward his brothers are words of mercy and love. Before he revealed himself to his brothers, they lived in torment, in unconfessed sin. This always makes men guilty and angry. They hate Christians who speak the truth. It affects their relationships with others. Joseph’s brothers’ sin affected their relationship with their father. Lesson: Sin must be confessed and repented of. The only solution is the mercy of Jesus!

This is a reminder of the power of love released when the Kingdom of God is active among men. “When the righteous are in authority and become great, the people rejoice; But when the wicked man rules, the people groan and sigh” (PV 29:2; AMP). Here we see the reason why Joseph was a great man. Joseph was great not because of his dreams, his intelligence or his hard work. It is because of his godly character, the man he has become thru all the trials of life. His brothers wanted to kill him. Eventually they sold him. What effect do you think that action will have upon a 17-year-old boy? Potiphar’s wife lied that he wanted to rape her. Before Joseph was 30 many people betrayed him and tried to destroy his character. But thru it all, Joseph trusted and loved God. He gave his two sons Hebrew names: Manasah (God has helped me to forget the suffering in my father’s house) and Ephraim (God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction). Joseph had a relationship with God even before the trials came. Joseph knew that God would make him fruitful no matter what happens to him. God allowed him to suffer until he could be able to forgive and freely love his selfish brothers. He could not be promoted until Love won his heart. A proof that Joseph truly forgave them is that he encouraged them not to fear him. Joseph did not see himself in the place of God. He knew that vengeance belongs to God and not to man. Lesson: True forgiveness releases the victim from fear of punishment and comes from a humble and loving heart.

How to forgive others? Joseph saw his brothers as an instrument of God! Joseph does not even want his brothers to grieve over their sin. He encourages them because he loves them, and he has forgiven them. Lesson: if you have suffered and you still want others to suffer, you are bitter. You have not forgiven. I am not saying that the pain is not real. But like Joseph, look unto God and see everything as God sees. Joseph focused on the plan of God and left vengeance to God. He realized that God has a purpose for his life and trusted God to fulfill that. Joseph’s life is a proof of the sovereignty and grace of God for those who live faithfully and righteously. Despite being sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph remained faithful to God and trusted God to deliver him from trials. His story shows how God’s plan may not be obvious to our limited perspective but indeed “all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Lessons: Your God given dreams may disturb others. Nothing stops God’s plan for you. Prosperity is not just material wealth. It is being in God’s plan. God’s presence with you means prosperity. Joseph was called prosperous even as a slave (Gen 39:2-6). Obedience and Truth always defeat rebellion and lies. God will test and discipline you. Forgiveness and giving others a second chance is proof of love. It is worth it. Trust God during trials, knowing that God will deliver us! He will display His Justice, love, mercy and grace!

Finally, you look for a mentor, look for one who knows God, who is responsible, faithful, kind and one who fears God! Joseph is the only person in the Old Testament who has no record of guilt. He is a type of Christ! He was a man who knew God and was in touch with God. He has surely learned about God from his father, Jacob. Joseph’s relationship with God started when he was a child, long before his trials came. Joseph found favor with God and with man (with the community). He was faithful in his responsibilities. He had the fear for God. When Potiphar’s wife tempted him, he said that adultery is a sin against God and not only against man. He knew how to say no to sin. But his greatest moral quality manifested as love and forgiveness. He could have sold his brothers into slavery or kill them. But he forgave them and spoke kindly to them. He did not allow his suffering to make him bitter. He kept his heart pure. Joseph became Pharoah’s mentor. He did not corrupt Pharoah with bitterness. Joseph suffered a lot, but when he died at 110, he was the greatest man in the world at that time. This is truly amazing! This is true greatness! Worship the Lord!

FROM NOW, I WILL PRAISE THE LORD!!!

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD

“From Jesus Christ, the faithful and trustworthy Witness, the Firstborn of the dead, and the Ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who [always] loves us and who [has once for all] freed us [or washed us] from our sins by His own blood (His sacrificial death); and formed us into a kingdom [as His subjects], priests to His God and Father—to Him be the glory and the power and the majesty and the dominion forever and ever. Amen” (Rev 1:5, 6; AMP).

This is an amazing praise to the Lord Jesus Christ. John recognizes the greatness of our Lord. He “always loves us”. That verb is in the present tense, not past tense. It is true that 2000 years ago, because Jesus loved us, He died for us. But here we are told that Jesus loves us right now! He loves us now, and forever! His love is relentless. This Agape Love is relentless (strong, persistent, and without interruptions). It is pouring continually like rain from heaven. It never stops. It is the engine of our strength to love Jesus and other people. Everything in the life of believers ought to be based upon the Faith in the Love of Jesus. It is the most wonderful thing, to know in our hearts that though we were born sinners, and we still sin even today, yet He loves us! What a difference it makes when you experience the eternal love of God in your very soul right now! Do you feel His amazing Love right now?

John dedicates the book of Revelation to Him who loves us and, in addition, has freed us from our sins with His blood. In Greek, the word ‘freed’ means to loosen, to release and wash a prisoner. By His Blood, King Jesus breaks the chains of evil habits in our lives. He sets us free from sinful addictions that we have allowed to bind us. Those who have struggled with alcoholism know its terrible grip. We are all sinfully dependent people, shackled by sin one way or another: greed, selfishness, anger, quarrelling, lustful passions, cowardice and pride. Fear of man is an addictive strong bondage. “The fear of man brings a snare, But whoever trusts in the LORD shall be safe” (PV29:25).
Cowardice is more than weakness of character. It is a sin! Cowards are in the same company with unbelievers, adulterers, liars, idol worshippers and the witches. If it is not confessed and repented of, cowardice blocks the way to heaven (Rev 21:8). God’s Word commands us to stand and always confess the truth. “If anyone sins after he hears a public adjuration (solemn command to testify) when he is a witness, whether he has seen or [otherwise] known [something]—if he fails to report it, then he will bear his guilt and be held responsible” (Lev 5:1; AMP). Because you fear offending a criminal, even after you heard the Judge placing a curse upon his sin, and you keep quiet in the court, that is sinful cowardice. Perjury means willfully lying under oath in the court. Perjury is an attack against truth and justice. (In Nigeria, it is punished with up to 14 years imprisonment). Spiritually, giving false witness or keeping quiet about another’s sin, grieves the Holy Spirit and wounds your conscience. These are bondages only the Blood of Jesus can break. Repent! Be free!

Here we see that Jesus is the One who has freed us from these bad habits by the sacrifice of His own life. But more than that, Jesus has made us a Kingdom of priests to serve our God. We are free to worship! A priest stands before God on behalf of men. Sinners feel separated from God. By their evil thoughts, they cut themselves off from a holy God. They need to repent. They are to be brought near God by the priests. That is the work of believers today. We are to exercise the ministry of reconciliation in the name of Jesus. We are to help lost people realize that God is longing to draw them to Himself. For this work Jesus has made us a kingdom of priests. Do you ever think of yourself as a priest? Or as a king? Or as a citizen of God’s Kingdom? This is your destiny and ministry, to serve God forever!

NO QUARRELS IN THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN
“Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved. 2 I implore Euodia, and I implore Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 And I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life” (Phil 4:1-3).

Apostle Paul addresses the Christians in Philippi as ‘beloved and longed-for’. He truly loves them. He tells them to stand fast in the Lord. The word means to stand firm, to persevere against opposition. He is calling the brethren to behave as citizens of heaven. There is no quarrel in heaven! They must settle their differences. Euodia and Syntyche, two Christian women in the church, were quarreling. Euodia means ‘Sweet Fragrance’ and Syntyche means ‘Fortunate’. They were possibly part of the first group of women that started the church (Acts 16:13). Each woman worked hard in the church. There were once sisters in Christ and ‘fellow workers’ with Paul. But now, they separated themselves and each tried to gather followers, dividing the Church. Paul reminds everyone that the Church belongs to Christ who died so that our names are in the Book of Life. Study the way Paul is talking. He has a pastor’s heart, a father’s loving heart. He loves the Lord, and he loves the brethren. Note that he does not command the two women to settle for his sake, to protect his reputation as a pastor. He does not tell the women to settle even for their own sakes. No! He ‘implores’ them, he begs them, to stop the quarrel for Christ’ sake!!! Apostle Paul is truly a humble man who honors God! To settle people who quarrel in the Church is difficult to do, as delicate as doing brain surgery. Paul applies Love, divine wisdom, humility, and great discernment. The unity of the Spirit is essential for the growth of God’s Kingdom thru the Church.

We see the ideal relationship between a pastor who displays agape love and his congregation. This is a reminder that the Body of Christ is One! If one member suffers, all suffer. We all must be peacemakers. The unity in the Church is not based on social status, age, level of education, race or tribe affiliation. The Spirit is one! The Lord Jesus Christ, the King of kings, is One! We are together as co-laborers with God and with one another. We labor in the Gospel. The power of the Church depends on two major factors: The preaching of the Gospel and the agape Love between the brethren. The pastor preaches the Gospel of Christ Crucified and Resurrected. Preaching false doctrines weakens the Church. Quarreling grieves the Holy Spirit. It is not only the pastor who preaches. All believers must do their part to preach the Gospel to others. The Church expands as each believer tells others about Jesus, shares his testimony and lives a successful Christian life. Preaching the Gospel is done not only by mouth, but by actions. Our attending church services encourages the pastor and encourages others. Praying, helping your pastor in any way you can, is also a way to preach the Gospel. May we stand strong and honor God always!

Jesus said that division destroys relationships and families. “If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand. And if Satan has risen up against himself and is divided, he cannot stand but is coming to an end” (Mk 3:24-26). Love is a glue. It binds people together (Col 3:12-15). The Body of Christ is made of many, but it is one. The Holy Spirit is one! The evil spirits are many. One of the works of the flesh is contention, a hot argument that divides people (Gal 5:20). Apostle Paul says that we should avoid people who quarrel and divide the Body of Christ: “I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them” (Rom 16:17). They invent and ‘manufacture’ stumbling blocks to make others fall. We should avoid them! It means that these are religious unbelievers, false brethren who crept into the church to divide the Body. Selah!

LEAH – THE UNLOVED WIFE (Genesis 29)
Leah was the first wife of Jacob, later called Israel. She lived almost 4000 years ago. Her name means ‘weak eyes’, possibly means poor vision. She stands for weakness of flesh and strength of the Spirit. Leah was the mother of six of Jacob’s sons and the ancestor of these tribes: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun. Judah was the ancestor of King David and, in the lineage of Jesus (Matt 1:1-16).

This is the story: After Jacob had deceived his father, Isaac, and deprived his brother, Esau, of his birthright and blessing, he fled from the wrath of Esau and took refuge in the household of his uncle Laban. There he immediately fell in love with Laban’s younger daughter, Rachel and worked for Laban seven years to win her hand in marriage. On the night of the wedding feast, Laban deceived him by sending Leah to his tent. According to the Eastern’s tradition, the bride was veiled, and Jacob was surely drunk. In the morning, Jacob discovered that he slept with Leah and not with Rachel. Laban compelled Jacob to work another seven years for Rachel. Here you see that Love is not cheap. For many years, Jacob did not love Leah. But God consoled her by giving her the gift of motherhood. God gave her six sons and a daughter, Dinah, before allowing Rachel to become pregnant. Rachel had two sons, Jospeh and Benjamin. She died young. She was buried along the road. Leah lived until her old age. She died before the family went to Egypt. She was buried in the cave of family grave at Machpelah in Hebron. This was great honor. Before his death in Egypt, Jacob told Joseph to carry his corpse to the Promised Land and bury him alongside Leah, in Hebron. Jacob said: “There I buried Leah” (Gen 49:31). He was buried next to Leah, alongside Abraham, Sarah, Isaac and Rebeccah. Leah was a godly woman, much more suitable for him as a wife than the worldly-minded Rachel. Though not loved, she was faithful to her husband until the end!

It took many years before finally Jacob learned to love and respect Leah, who remained faithful and loving to him. This speaks of true endurance as a woman of God. For example, when coming back to the Promised Land, Jacob was told that his older brother Esau was coming towards him with 400 men. Jacob was afraid. He divided his children and his people. He put the two maidservants and their children in front. That was the most dangerous place in case of an attack. Then he put Leah and her children next to the maidservants. Finally, he placed his beloved wife Rachel and her son Joseph, at the rear, which was the safest place (Gen 33:1,2). These arrangements prove that even at this time, Leah was treated just a little better than the servants.

God always protects the weak, the victims of human’s oppression. In the Old Testament, God’s word commands that in case of polygamy, men should not discriminate the children of the unloved wife. “If a man has two wives, one loved and the other unloved, and they have borne him children, both the loved and the unloved, and if the firstborn son is of her who is unloved, 16 then it shall be, on the day he bequeaths his possessions to his sons, that he must not bestow firstborn status on the son of the loved wife in preference to the son of the unloved, the true firstborn. 17 But he shall acknowledge the son of the unloved wife as the firstborn by giving him a double portion of all that he has, for he is the beginning of his strength; the right of the firstborn is his” (Deut 21:15-17). All children should be treated well!

Jacob obeyed God’s command. Just before his death, Jacob blessed his sons. In particular, his son Judah, meaning “Praise”, which is the fourth son of Leah, receives the highest blessing. He becomes the leader of his brothers. This is prophetic. Judah is the direct ancestor of King David and Jesus Christ. Jesus is called the Lion of the tribe of Judah. This is according to what Jacob prophesied: “Judah, you are the one whom your brothers shall praise; Your hand will be on the neck of your enemies; Your father’s sons shall bow down to you. 9 “Judah, a lion’s cub; With the prey, my son, you have gone high up [the mountain]. He stooped down, he crouched like a lion, And like a lion—who dares rouse him? 10 “The scepter [of royalty] shall not depart from Judah, Nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, Until Shiloh [the Messiah, the Peaceful One] comes, And to Him shall be the obedience of the peoples” (Gen 49:8-10; AMP). Hallelujah!

LESSONS FROM LEAH:
*This is a story of Grace! God truly cares for those unloved and rejected by men. God comforts and compensate the lowly, in His way, His own time. Through their troubles and afflictions, they learn to look to Him for happiness, help and success. Leah was emotionally rejected by her father, her sister and her husband. Like David, Leah could have said: “Although my father and my mother have abandoned me, Yet the Lord will take me up [adopt me as His child]” (Ps 27:10; AMP). When Jesus came to the earth, He was rejected by men! He died on the Cross! But God raised Him from the dead and gave Him a name above every other name! Jesus knows how it feels to be rejected! Trust Him to vindicate you! God often chooses to work thru those who are rejected, unloved and marginalized. Rachel captured Jacob’s heart. But Leah captured God’s heart! Leah’s life is a story of endurance, strength, perseverance and faith!

*God is sovereign in every matter. He demotes and He promotes as He wishes. Nobody stops God from doing His own will. “The Lord puts to death and makes alive; He brings down to Sheol (the grave) and raises up [from the grave]. 7 “The Lord makes poor and makes rich; He brings low, and He lifts up. 8 “He raises up the poor from the dust, He lifts up the needy from the ash heap To make them sit with nobles and inherit a seat of honor and glory; For the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s, And He set the land on them” (1Sam 2:6-8; AMP). Amen!

*To be a parent is a blessing from God. God rewards obedience, faithfulness and labor of love. Children are God’s reward. “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, The fruit of the womb is a reward. 4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one’s youth. 5 Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them; They shall not be ashamed but shall speak with their enemies in the gate” (Ps 127:3-5).
Leah suffered in her marriage. For many years, she was lonely and unloved by her husband. But God blessed Leah with the gift of motherhood. Her son Levi is the ancestor of Aaron, the head of priests to serve God in the temple and of Moses, the greatest leader of Isreal. “When the Lord saw that Leah was unloved, He opened her womb; but Rachel was barren” (Gen 29:31). At last, Leah’s descendants became greater than the descendants of Rachel (Joseph and Benjamin). Her son Judah is the ancestor of Jesus Christ, the Lord!

*Leah learned contentment. That makes her a mature woman of God. To be content it means to be satisfied with God and with yourself. It is the knowledge that things are OK exactly as they are, right now. It is a spiritual secret that few people learn about. Some call it ‘the deep knowledge of enough’. It is one of the highest achievements of human well-being. Contentment is more powerful than happiness. Seeking happiness in this life leads to anxiety and depression. Contentment is peace, joy, and the courage to live well. Apostle Paul credited the secret of contentment as one of his greatest achievements. “Not that I speak from [any personal] need, for I have learned to be content [and self-sufficient through Christ, satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or uneasy] regardless of my circumstances. 12 I know how to get along and live humbly [in difficult times], and I also know how to enjoy abundance and live in prosperity. In any and every circumstance I have learned the secret [of facing life], whether well-fed or going hungry, whether having an abundance or being in need. 13 I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose—I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.]” (Phil 4:11-13; AMP). May God grant us the grace to experience contentment in life! Amen!

*Only God changes a man. An unloved wife is so grieved that only God can help her. Leah was ignorant about how men think. She thought that just by sleeping with him, her husband will love her. She was wrong. A man can be sexually attracted to a woman even if he does not love her. Later, Leah tried to win her husband’s love by having children. But even after having many sons, Jacob still did not love her. Marriage certificate, sex, or having children does not make a man love his wife. “Under three things the earth is disquieted and quakes, And under four it cannot bear up: 22 Under a servant when he reigns, Under a [spiritually blind] fool when he is filled with food, 23 Under an unloved woman when she gets married, And under a maidservant when she supplants her mistress” (PV30:21-23; AMP).

*Praising God changes lives! Leah’s hopes to find love thru her children are dashed at the beginning. But once she has Judah (Praise), she changed her focus, from hoping in her husband, to looking unto God. She now decided to praise God! From this moment on, she is free. She is a different woman. She can now thank God for what she already has and not for what she misses. Her words change from a piteous “woe is me” tone to “what good fortune!” and “how happy and blessed I am!” (Gen 30:11-12; NIV). While Jacob may have “settled for” Leah, Leah herself doesn’t settle. She grows spiritually. She let go of her idols of marriage, children, and family, and set her sights on higher things than her circumstances. She chooses to praise God! It is then that God demonstrates how He faithfully loves her and blesses her! Stop looking for validation from men. Go to God. He will be enough for you. Jacob’s infatuation with Rachel was “love at first sight”. It is more of liking than loving. But Jacob’s willingness to labor seven years for her demonstrates feelings deeper than flattery or casual interest. Deep down, most women long to captivate a lover this way, to be pursued and cherished by a committed heart. We’re made to yearn for belonging and completion. The best place is standing before God. You are safe there! God has a special place for the rejected. God has big plans for little people. Leah is a symbol of what God can do with the rejected, who chose to praise Him, no matter the circumstances!

*We don’t know Leah’s feelings when her father told her to go into the tent deceiving Jacob that she is Rachel. Jacob deceived his father Isaac and now he will have a taste of his own medicine. At that time, women had little to say about any matter. The men were the total rulers of their homes. We can imagine that it was not easy for Leah to surrender her body as a young virgin woman, to a man who was possibly drunk, and calling her Rachel. In her mind she may have thought: Will this marriage work? Can a marriage with a foundation of sin, of deceit ever be happy? What will her sister say about this? Will Jacob ever love her? Will God give her children? Will people ever respect her? Will God bless her? She did not know at that time that God allowed this deception so that He will take the glory at last.

*Ignorantly, because of her broken heart, she loads the children with her emotional burden. The first three sons knew that their mother was looking for love thru them. It is not good to use children to find love in marriage. Only God can do that!

*God does not look at the outward appearance but at the heart (1Sam 16:7). God does not appreciate physical beauty. He rewards faith, humility and submission to His will. Leah tried to compare herself with her sister beautiful Rachel. Comparison leads to disappointment, jealousy, anger, bitterness, and depression. Be grateful for who God made you to be! We all hunger for significance in this world. Significance means to be seen as important, worthy of attention and respect, to be loved and appreciated by others. Sometimes, there is a delay in significance. That delay is painful. God gives you dreams of greatness. For a long time, the dreams seem dead. Initially, the beautiful Rachel was the star. Her husband loved her openly. Leah became jealous of her sister. But later, after Leah became a mother, and Rachel was still barren, the tables turned. It was Rachel that became jealous on Leah. The tables have been turned! “Now when Rachel saw that she bore Jacob no children, Rachel envied her sister, and said to Jacob, “Give me children, or else I die!” 2 And Jacob’s anger was aroused against Rachel, and he said, “Am I in the place of God, who has withheld from you the fruit of the womb?” (Gen 30:1, 2). It was then that Leah discovered that her significance is in God. This is what God wanted Leah to discover. That God is enough for her! Jesus said: “My grace is enough!” (2Cor 12:9). For now, you may be sad. God’s dreams for you are not yet fulfilled. You may even have to wait until you go to heaven before you can see the majesty of God’s Love for you. Remember this. God’s promises are worth waiting for!!!

*Leah tried to please her husband, to win his heart. But no man will accept and love you unconditionally. Only God can do that. Apostle Paul was a servant of God and not a man pleaser. “You can see that I am not trying to please you by sweet talk and flattery; no, I am trying to please God. If I were still trying to please men, I could not be Christ’s servant” (Gal 1:10; AMP).

*Jesus understands women. Even if the husband or the father does not understand you, Jesus understands you. This Jesus redeems sinners like Mary Magdalene, who was once possessed by demons. Jesus saved and honored the sinful woman who washed His feet with her tears. Jesus saved and honored the woman with the issue of Blood and the woman accused of adultery. Jesus loves women! Jesus loves sinners. He died for them. He saved them. He loved them. Like Leah, after having Judah, she declared: From now on, this time, I will praise the Lord! Say it: This time, and forever, I will praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!

*Leah was a woman of God. She left behind a great legacy. People did not forget her. Her memory was not forgotten by future generation. When Boaz married Ruth, the witnesses prayed for his bride: “The Lord make the woman who is coming to your house like Rachel and Leah, the two who built the house of Israel… ” (Ru 4:11). Leah had Levi: Aaron and the priesthood came from Levi. The greatest leader in the Old Testament, Moses, came from Levi. The Law, the Ten commandments, the worship at the temple, all came from Leah. Also, from her son Judah, King David was born and later, Jesus Christ! God cares for the lonely, the rejected. Leah did not know how great a legacy she leaves behind. It is only in heaven that she discovered how special she was to God, and even to her husband, to the nation of Isreal and to the Church of Christ. She finally saw that God has honored her. Try to imagine how Leah felt in heaven when she heard the name of her son, Judah, connected with Jesus, the King of kings, seated on His throne. “But one of the twenty-four Elders said to me, “Stop crying, for look! The Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, and proved himself worthy to open the scroll and to break its seven seals” (Rev 5:5; AMP). To God be all the glory! FROM NOW ON I WILL PRAISE THE LORD!!! Worship the Lord!!!