By Linda Tancs

In the Amidah, a Hebrew prayer, the patriarchs and matriarchs are recited: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel and Leah. Rachel and Leah were Jacob’s wives; he married Leah first, but she’s mentioned last. The reason given for this is because Rachel was Jacob’s favorite wife. She’s mentioned first, but arguably the best was saved for last. After all, Leah gave birth to Judah, who is in Jesus’s line of ancestry. Like this ancient prayer, we often assign value to things in order of importance to us. But we don’t have the final say. Sometimes what’s last will be first and what’s first will be last (Matthew 20:16).

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As part of FOOT FORWARD MINISTRIES (a teaching and speaking ministry), Go Forward in Faith represents faith-based meditations for personal and professional growth. Join the Facebook group @goforwardinfaith.

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Linda Tancs is a writer, photographer and avid blogger on various subjects. She holds a Certificate in Theology and Ministry, with distinction, from Princeton Theological Seminary. This blog is intended to foster contemplation on the role of faith in personal and professional development. Interested readers are invited to join the Facebook group at www.facebook.com/groups/goforwardinfaith.

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