"So Jacob served seven years for Rachel and they seemed to him but a few days because of his love for her."--Genesis 29:20. Here we see the account of Jacob meeting his future wife Rachel. Jacob would serve Laban her father for what ended up being fourteen years to take Rachel as a wife. Why fourteen years? Well Laban would trick Jacob and give him first Leah and then Rachel. This was because Leah was older and in this culture, the older of two sisters would be the one a parent wanted to marry off first. Naturally, Jacob was not happy that he had been deceived but because of his love for Rachel, he would work an additional seven years to take Rachel as his wife. We see here the power of the love of a man.
The love of a man. The account of Jacob and Rachel's marriage brings up a couple of interesting points. First, guys, we can learn that if you really love your special someone, wife, fiance, or even girlfriend no amount of service should be too much to ask to demonstrate your love for her. Secondly, for us single guys some have said we can pick up some pointers as to how we ought to approach pursuing a relationship with the opposite sex. What I am talking about for this second point is dating versus courtship. My intention with this second point is not to bind one or the other. My purpose is for you to examine them both and come to YOUR own conclusions. We have to understand that what we read here in Genesis 29 is a cultural aspect and not a matter of law.
The love of a man. Jacob worked for 14 years for Rachel. The text says the first seven years seemed like just a few days due to Jacob's love for her. No doubt the next seven were the same. If you are married, guys what would you do for your wife? After watching my dad and stepmom's relationship, if there is anything I learned is that there was ABSOLUTELY NOTHING my dad would not do for my stepmom. I learned a lot about marriage just from watching them and I plan to take those lessons into my own marriage when I get married.
The love of a man. If you are single like me, what can we learn from the Genesis account of Jacob and Rachel? Well first and foremost, remember that what we are looking at here is a CULTURAL aspect, not legal. Approaching the opposite sex calls for wisdom, not wisdom of the world but the wisdom that is from God.
The love of a man. I have looked at courtship and dating. In brief courtship involves going through the girl's father or father figure and asking that person for the girl's hand. Courtship also involves accountability to a more experienced Christian married couple and the time spent together is done more in groups rather than alone. These are all good things and courtship is definitely a wise approach.
The love of a man. Dating by connotation involves more time alone. The WORLD sees dating as more of a sexual nature and unfortunately this same mindset has seeped into the minds of Christians meaning "dating" is taboo so courtship is a must. Well I am inclined to disagree that courtship is an absolute must. Here is why, as Christians dating is not absolutely wrong as many make it out to be because the Christian is NOT to approach it as the world does. My advice, if you do spend more time alone with the opposite sex, let it ALWAYS ALWAYS be in public places such as a restaurant, shopping mall, coffee shop, etc. Being alone in isolated areas creates temptation that is unavoidable, especially if it is at one or the other's house. Guys, I strongly advise you DO NOT put yourself in that position because the temptation is greater than any of us might think. Also, here it is important to spend time in groups as well so you don't end up isolating yourself from your other important relationships such as your family and friends.
The love of a man. So guys, whether it's courtship or dating that is your approach, consider Jacob and Rachel and draw your own lessons from this account which can be read in its entirety in Genesis 29:1-35.
The love of a man. My encouragement for you is this. Guys, if you are married, do something for your wife tonight "just because" whether its an act of service such as cooking a meal or helping her around the house with something or consider taking her out on a date, yes you can still go on dates with each other even after you are married :-). If you are single, just be reminded that whether dating or courtship, pursuing a relationship with the opposite sex ultimately calls for wisdom, again not wisdom of the world but GODLY WISDOM and that wisdom can only be found in His Word.
Thanks for reading everyone! DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT! PRAY ABOUT IT! LOVE Y'ALL! GOD BLESS!
No comments:
Post a Comment