20 So Jacob served seven years for Rachel, and they seemed to him but a few days because of the love he had for her. (Gen. 29:20 ESV)
Jacob has fallen in love. (This is one of the few “romantic” stories in the Old Testament.) And he’s got his heart set on marrying Rachel. But he’s facing one challenge–he does not have the resources at hand for the normal bride-price given by the groom’s family to the bride’s family. Thus, he agrees to work seven years for Laban instead.
These seven years could have seemed to have lasted forever. But, due to his passion for Rachel, “they seemed to him but a few days.” Love became his time machine, speeding up weeks, months and years until Rachel could be his.
When love is the motivator, it transforms even the hardest of tasks. Fear, guilt, and obligation are poor alternatives. But a person can do nearly anything when prompted by passion.
Just ask Jesus.
This is the great hope of God–that our very lives will be driven ultimately by love, that religion and relationships will be motivated by nothing other than stubborn, tender, fierce, compassionate, never-ending love.
Paul was transformed by this love. And it’s why he wrote that, when all is said and done, love is the greatest thing in the world (1 Cor. 13:1-13). Plant love in your heart and you become unstoppable.
Prayer: Thank you God for being a God, above all, of love. Thank you for inviting me to, above all, love. Help me, God, to love you and love others in a passionate and enduring way. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.
Task: As you move throughout your day, constantly challenge yourself with this statement: I will do only what love requires in this situation.
