Love Never Fails (Jacob and Rachel)
So Jacob served seven years to get Rachel, but they seemed like only a few days to him because of his love for her.
READ Genesis 29:1-30.
The first time one lays eyes on a mate is usually one that is never forgotten. The direction of the wind, the position of the sun in the sky, what the other person was wearing… every intricate detail forever etched into the mind of the “smitten”. A memory that will never be forgotten.
Nestled in the family drama that is the story of Jacob and Esau, is a love story of epic proportions. He was there to work, and so was she. He came to hide. She came for duty. Neither one aware that God ordained that day for them to meet. She no doubt was tired and dusty from the chore of tending sheep. He, with familiar fatigue, looked past the sweat and dust on her face to look into the eyes of the most amazing woman he’d ever seen.
The crowd seemed like they weren’t there. With the stealth of a lion, he walked up to her, and the words of eloquence that he wanted or planned to say all dissipated when he opened his mouth. Without expressing a word, he kissed her. We aren’t told how the onlookers responded or if the sheep turned their heads in embarrassment, but his response is written in the sacred book… Jacob cried!
That had to be an amazing kiss! Or an exceptional understanding of the plan and purpose of God. While he was running from his brother, looking for a place of refuge, he fell into the arms of a woman that evoked emotions from him that no other had. The lesson in this story is actually quite simple. Love never fails. Sometimes it is necessary to go back to the small nuances that made your heart beat faster—those gentle ways or quirky ticks that made you feel all gooey inside. For Jacob, he never forgot the woman with whom he fell in love. So much so that even after being tricked, he was willing to work another seven years just to have her.
Maybe it is a good idea to go back to the first day you fell in love. The first day you KNEW it was love. The first day you made a decision to spend forever with your spouse. It may seem far away, but nestled in that moment is a key to unlock the ability to love one more day, one more week, one more year. As change happens and it certainly will never stop learning about your spouse. Take time to appreciate the subtle changes and find creative ways to keep the fire burning. For in the first kiss, you will find that it really is true - love never fails!
Thought Questions
- Describe your first date. What did you do? What did you wear? How did you feel?
- What are some of the things that made your spouse stand out to you when you first met?
- When you see a couple that looks like they are newly-in-love how do you feel? What advice would you give them to keep their love alive?
Life Lessons
- In the darkest moments, remember when you first fell in love. The good moments will help to keep you in the more difficult times.
Further Study
Read Revelation 2:4. Discuss with your spouse ways to return to the moment you first fell in love. Now read 1 Corinthians 13. Make a list of ways that you will show love to your spouse this week.
