February 23, 2020 CAC Living Water Devotional :- LOVE LIGHTENS YOKE
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LIVING WATER CAC DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE
Sunday, February 23, 2020
LOVE LIGHTENS YOKE
Read: Genesis 29:18-28
Genesis 29:18-28 And Jacob loved Rachel; and said, I will serve thee seven years for Rachel thy younger daughter.
And Laban said, It is better that I give her to thee, than that I should give her to another man: abide with me.
And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her.
And Jacob said unto Laban, Give me my wife, for my days are fulfilled, that I may go in unto her.
And Laban gathered together all the men of the place, and made a feast.
And it came to pass in the evening, that he took Leah his daughter, and brought her to him; and he went in unto her.
And Laban gave unto his daughter Leah Zilpah his maid for an handmaid.
And it came to pass, that in the morning, behold, it was Leah: and he said to Laban, What is this thou hast done unto me? did not I serve with thee for Rachel? wherefore then hast thou beguiled me?
And Laban said, It must not be so done in our country, to give the younger before the firstborn.
Fulfil her week, and we will give thee this also for the service which thou shalt serve with me yet seven other years.
And Jacob did so, and fulfilled her week: and he gave him Rachel his daughter to wife also.
MEMORISE: Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light (Matthew 11:29, 30)
EXPOSITION
An adage says, “The abode of loved ones is not far from one’s reach”. Paul in 1 Cor. 13:4-7 says, ‘Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things’. Truly, love is the end of the law. The Ten Commandments are compressed into two, because all of man’s relationships, both with God and man, is hinged on LOVE (Mk. 12:30, 31).
Jacob’s love for Rachael made him serve for 7 years, and another 7, without feeling the pain, time and all that it cost him. If you really love someone, you will go extra mile to please him. Couple who confess their affection for each other, openly, are not exempted from the stress and strain of marriage, but love does cover multitudes of sin. Believers in Christ are expected to take upon them the yoke of Christ. Though, this looks like a paradox; for why should an already wearied man add another weight upon himself? Jesus Christ is ready to shoulder both us and the weight of load upon us. To carry His yoke is to be obedient to His words, be humble to follow Him, in spite of our attainments in life, and forsaking all else for the Gospel.
Like Jacob did for Rachael, and even endeavoured to serve an additional 7 years, just to have the woman after his heart, only love would make His yoke light upon us. We can go far with the Saviour, if we surrender our hearts to Him. Cast your burden upon Jesus for He cares for you (Psa. 55:22). Couples, colleagues and staff in offices must be patient and endure one another to enjoy one another in the Lord.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Lord, remove from me the spirit of impatience and intolerance.
2. Father, help couples who, despite that they live under the same roof, are divided, to come together as You establish Your love in their hearts.
3. Lord, help our leaders to love their subordinates, and vice-versa, so that You can dwell among us, once again.
EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: Leviticus 23 & Luke 11