they seemed unto him but a few days

I do not believe it is necessary to be a husband or a father to understand the Bible. I read, enjoyed, and was exhorted by the Scripture while I was single. However, I would say that my few short years of being married has caused me to understand some expressions and emotions better than I once did.

And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her. Genesis 29:20

After a month long celebration of family being united, Laban asks Jacob what he would like for his wages. Jacob offers to work for seven years for the hand of Rachel. As we all know, Jacob ends up working fourteen years for this right.

The Bible states that the seven years “seemed unto him (Jacob) but a few days”. Could there be anything better said about a man’s love for his future spouse. He was not going on dates to Six Flags with her or taking strolls around the park. He was working with the hope (expected end) that he would one day be able to marry her. I better understand this passage having gone through the whole engagement process. My father in law is an incredible man of God and didn’t put any unnecessary challenges in my path. If he would have I believe I would have risen to the occasion because I love her.

Here recently I have had the wonderful opportunity to talk with a few young people about their desire to train for the ministry. One young man in particular was saved this June after being around our church for six months. He is currently working 9 to 6 pm Monday through Friday. He attends classes at the O.G.T.C. on Monday and Tuesday from 7 to 9 pm. On Thursday night he attends our mid week service. On Friday night he attends our Abiding in Christ fellowship. Then on Saturday he goes with me down to Cabbagetown (an area in Atlanta) and works with other members of our church in a church plant.

A couple of weeks ago we were discussing his schedule. It has been amazing to see the radical change in is schedule. He would never come to church on Sunday morning because he felt our music was lame. I am so glad we did not work at changing our music – but prayed toward seeing his heart changed. I remember watching him the first Sunday after he got saved and seeing how much he enjoyed our lyrics. I guess Amazing Grace is less than amazing to those who have never experienced.

While we were discussing his schedule he ask me if I thought he was doing to much and what would I do. After a pause, I made it clear to him I could not lay his schedule out for him. Than for the later of the two questions I ask him to look at my schedule to see what I would do. I then asked him what caused him to decide to start attending classes, going to Bible studies, and working to see churches planted. He simply answered, “Because I love Jesus”. I encouraged him to let the love of Christ continue to constrain him to do what is best for him for his future preparation. I do not believe that if he stops on any of those things God will love him less or I should judge him by concluding his love for God is on a decline. I just want to highlight the decision making process he had for making his schedule. He motivated and so does Jacob. I love what I do because I love whom i serve!

I can happily and honestly say, “How has been my last six years of ministry? They seemed but a few days!”.