So Jacob served seven years for Rachel, and they seemed only a few days to him because of the love he had for her. —
Genesis 29:20
What a price! What a story! What do you regard as the greatest desire of your life? What would qualify as your ultimate aspiration or goal? What value do you place on that thing you love? Is it low, medium or high? When you truly love something, you place a high value on it. Our love for someone is often seen in our willingness to give to or sacrifice for them. John 3:16 says, “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.”Genesis 29:20
Many times, we focus on the notion that Laban demanded seven years of work as dowry payment from Jacob. However, this scripture suggests that Jacob willingly offered the first seven years’ salary for Rachel because of love. Interestingly, at the end of the period, Laban played a fast one on him in the name of tradition. He presented Jacob with the elder sister, Leah, instead of Rachel whom he had served for. Poor Jacob, therefore, ended up working for another seven years making it a total of 14 years (about 20% of the average person’s entire life) for the woman he loved.
What is it that you love or are committed to? What are you passionate about? What is that big prize you ultimately want to attain? What price are you willing to pay for that prize? It is said of Jacob that seven years of service felt like a few days.
Prayer:
Lord, grant me the strength to sacrifice for the things dearest to my heart.Scripture Reading:
Genesis 29:13-30
YearOfExcellence
