Introductory Thoughts
Jacob made an agreement with Laban to serve him in exchange for Rachel’s hand in marriage. His tenure of service was filled with great difficulties. Not only was the service itself hard work, but his service was marked with change and troubles. No doubt Jacob could have bemoaned these difficulties, but instead the Bible says that the seven years of service “seemed unto him but a few days.” How could Jacob give such testimony when we know that those were seven arduous years of labour? The Bible explains that he made it through those difficult days “for the love he had to her.” Our love for the Saviour ought to parallel and even exceed Jacob’s love for Rachel. Similar to Jacob’s determination to serve, we too have a purpose. At times, our service for the Lord may seem filled with great difficulties, but a deep and genuine love for the Saviour will make one’s service seem “but a few days.”
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): Paul suffered many things because of his service to God (2 Corinthians 11:23-27). His love for God caused him to look on his suffering as a light affliction, which is but for a moment (2 Corinthians 4:17). Oh, that we had a similar kind of love for the Lord (Acts 21:13)!
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(For everyone): Are Gods commandments grievous to you? Sometimes our service may be difficult, but our love for the Lord should keep His commandments from being grievous (1 John 5:3).
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Do you often feel like your service to God is difficult? Do you find yourself complaining about the sacrifices you have made for the Lord? Why do you think this is?
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask the Lord to help you serve Him by love.
- Ask Him to give you a love for others.
Song
WE'LL WORK TILL JESUS COMES
