INTRODUCTION: It is great being able to learn from other people’s successes and failures especially when it comes to the task of honoring God in your marriage. We are going to learn from some seasoned mentors in the following weeks. Please prayerfully consider these married couples from the Bible. Study them, discuss them, and learn from them.
Jacob and Rachel, Genesis 29:18-20
1. Read the following passage together.
Genesis 29:18-20 Jacob loved Rachel. And he said, “I will serve you seven years for your younger daughter Rachel.” 19 Laban said, “It is better that I give her to you than that I should give her to any other man; stay with me.” 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.
2. Jacob waited seven years for Rachel but they only seemed like a few days to him because of his love for her. There is something romantic about delayed gratification and patient anticipation. Express to your spouse what you would like to grow in but that you need patience from him/her as you grow.
3. We live in a culture that is all about getting things quickly. Set some seven year goals with your spouse. What would you like to see in your marriage or family in seven years?
4. What steps are you going to start taking in order to pursue those goals?
Conclusion: We will be adding Jacob and Rachel to our ALFC lovescape as an example of a married couple that locked in their love and were faithful to their marital commitment. Stop by the display in front of the church and remember the lessons learned from their lives.