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Four Weddings and a Funeral

A Bride Worth Waiting For

Genesis 29:9-15  The Message

^9-13 While Jacob was in conversation with them, Rachel came up with her father’s sheep. She was the shepherd. The moment Jacob spotted Rachel, daughter of Laban his mother’s brother, saw her arriving with his uncle Laban’s sheep, he went and single-handedly rolled the stone from the mouth of the well and watered the sheep of his uncle Laban. Then he kissed Rachel and broke into tears. He told Rachel that he was related to her father, that he was Rebekah’s son. She ran and told her father. When Laban heard the news—Jacob, his sister’s son!—he ran out to meet him, embraced and kissed him and brought him home. Jacob told Laban the story of everything that had happened.
^14-15 Laban said, “You’re family! My flesh and blood!”
When Jacob had been with him for a month, Laban said, “Just because you’re my nephew, you shouldn’t work for me for nothing. Tell me what you want to be paid. What’s a fair wage?”

For Reflection 

Love at first sight!

Many stories in the Bible spread over generations.  They, at times, read like soap operas.  Plots twist and turn. Blessings turn into treachery and then again into blessings.  The stories illustrate human life with all its potential for glory and its penchant for tragedy.  And yet, God is constant.  God still abides.  God is at the core of all goodness.

Pray

At the start of this new year reflect on the past year's blessings and disappointments.  Asses your God-centeredness.  Resolve, no repent, in confession to God.  Pray often so that you strengthen your trust and commitment to God.