I have to admit, with some shame, that I’ve Googled my own name. I know, I know—it’s immature and narcissistic. I think I—and others like me—do this because we want some living proof that we’re significant and important in some way.
Leah in the book of Genesis could probably relate. For starters, her husband had to be tricked into marrying her. He actually had wanted to marry Rachel, Leah’s prettier, younger sister. Desperate for her husband’s love and attention (Genesis 29:32), Leah bore him some sons whose names reflect her painful search for significance. For example, her third son was named Levi, which meant: “Surely this time my husband will feel affection for me, since I have given him three sons!” (Genesis 29:34) Sadly, there’s no evidence that Jacob ever came to truly cherish his first wife.
Leah eventually recognized this, and named her fourth son Judah, which means, “Now I will praise the LORD!” (Genesis 29:35). Little did Leah know what great things would come forth from Judah’s life. In the years and centuries that followed, his bloodline would contain King David, Joseph, and—eventually—Jesus Himself. Yes, Judah had a unique role in God’s salvation plan.
The moment that Leah stopped trying to find her significance in her husband, and found it in God instead (“Now, I will praise the LORD!”), she became part of the most significant story of all time: the gospel!
Leah’s story is a huge encouragement to me. I have used many silly and destructive means in my search for significance. But the greatest significance I’ll ever find in life isn’t from the world and its empty promises and values. It’s found in God alone—being plugged into His story and eternal purposes.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Luke 15:11-32
More:
Read 1 Peter 2:9-10 and Romans 8:15-17 to see examples of the significance we find in Jesus.
Next:
How have you attempted to find significance apart from Jesus? What will you do to seek your part in God’s great story?
Tom Felten on August 15, 2014 at 1:37 pm
Convicting post, Peter. Thanks for tackling this subject. Having interviewed many pro athletes over the years, it’s interesting to hear how often players who have won a championship or have had some other great success in their sport often feel empty and numb. The question often going through their mind is “Is this all there is?” When we realize all that we accomplish, all that we are, all that we’ve been given is from God, we find true reality . . . and true joy in Him.
peter chin on August 16, 2014 at 3:58 pm
It’s telling that the most powerful experiences in this world all have a limited effect on us, and leave us always learning for more. I think this testifies to the fact that we were made for something more, for an inexhaustible source of love and value, something that this world could possibly never provide…
Tom Felten on August 18, 2014 at 10:58 am
Amen, Peter, Only God can satisfy the longings of our hearts!
Winn Collier on August 26, 2014 at 4:41 pm
A friend reminded me today of Nouwen’s Life of the Beloved, reminded us that God’s declaration that we are the chosen serves as the center of our quest for meaning. I need this today.
peter chin on August 27, 2014 at 12:33 am
Thanks Winn. I think this is one of those lessons that we need to hear multiple times throughout our lives…like every day, pretty much