JACOB LOVED RACHEL

January 5, 2022

So Jacob served seven years for Rachel, yet it seemed but a few days because of his loveH157 for her.

Genesis 29:20 (BSB)

The reader is probably familiar with the love story of Jacob and Rachel. Jacob was sent by his father, Isaac, to find a wife from the family of his mother Rebekah’s brother Laban. There he discovered Laban’s daughter Rachel and fell head over heels in love with her. He agreed to work for his Uncle Laban for seven years as the bride price for Rachel, but after consummating the marriage, he lifted the veil; and lo and behold, he had been tricked into marrying her older sister Leah! Laban was an even greater schemer than Jacob whose name means “supplanter” or “one who undermines.” Jacob had deceived his brother Esau into selling his birthright as the eldest and had tricked his father, Isaac, into pronouncing the blessing that should have been Esau’s upon him. So, in this case the deceiver was deceived. When confronted about the deception, Laban explained that local tradition dictated that the eldest daughter should marry before the younger. Tradition trumped true love. Laban required Jacob to work another seven years to marry Rachel; and because of his love for her, he agreed to his uncle’s terms. Therefore, all together he worked fourteen years to be allowed to marry the love of his life; but due to his love, the years flew by as if only a few days. Jacob’s love was proven by the sweat equity he willingly expended. Love is not just words alone or action alone. True love is articulated verbally but manifested in affectionate, practical, and self-sacrificing deeds as well. Jacob went to great lengths because of his love for Rachel. By working to earn her hand, he was actualizing his love for her. Think of ways you can demonstrate your love for someone special in your life whether that be your spouse, child, parent, friend, or sibling. Here are some ideas to get you started:

  • Listen intently to the person as they share their sorrows or their joys
  • Do a kind deed for that person without being asked
  • Schedule time to read to a child or elderly loved one
  • Enclose a card or note in a lunch sack
  • Call a loved one on the phone even when it is NOT their birthday

Create your own list and use love as a verb this week!

Father, help us to follow our own advice by demonstrating our love rather than just professing it!