Genesis 29:20 - So Jacob served seven years for Rachel, and they seemed to him but a few days because of the love he had for her.

This devotion pairs with this weekend's Lutheran Hour sermon, which can be found at lhm.org.

And it was love at first sight for them. You told yourself and anyone else listening, "We're not getting a new dog today, only going to the animal shelter to look." How long did that last? A minute after you walked into the shelter and saw the dogs lined up, there was Kylie, a black lab with the kindest eyes you ever saw. She looked at you, and everything about that look said, "You're going to take me home, aren't you?" It was love at first sight. And yes, of course, 30 minutes later you were walking out of the shelter with the cutest, nicest black lab that ever lived. And by the way, this is a true story, and Kylie really was the best dog we ever had.

Does love at first sight really happen? Could love at first sight be more than just a black lab at the animal shelter?

Our text today from Genesis 29 describes how Jacob first saw Rachel. It was love at first sight and a love that lasted. It's a wonderful story full of their love as they waited seven years before they could marry. Jacob and Rachel had a thrilling start to their relationship. Unfortunately, after seven years of waiting, their wedding day didn't turn out as they expected. In a strange twist, Jacob married Leah, Rachel's sister, that day. And while every wedding has something that goes wrong, marrying the wrong person takes trouble to a new level. After seven days Jacob and Rachel did get married, and the whole, long, complicated story of their married lives began. Is that how our lives will turn out? Are we hoping for someone to love us at first sight? But then are we nervous that, somehow, no matter how well love starts, it won't end well?

Something will spoil our plans. It might be love at first sight, but soon it'll be love lost. The good news with God is that He has loved us from His first sight of us and He'll never stop. He knows our lives, every high and low, and none of that has changed the love He has had for us from before the world began. He has formed us with love, and His love has watched over us every day. He doesn't hide our sins from His sight. He cleanses us of our sins and sees us as a perfect bride, as He is a perfect Bridegroom. Because of His forgiveness that comes every day, His love lasts. God holds us perfectly in His love. How could He ever lose His hold on us?

Jesus said in John 10:28, "I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of My hand." In His firm hand, we're safe. No disaster, no change of our earthly plans can tear apart our relationship with Him. He has chosen us as his own, and His choice stands for all time. So, love at first sight really does exist. It might be waiting for you at the animal shelter. You're certainly smarter than I was. You know if you walk into that shelter you're probably walking out with the best dog you ever had. You're going to the animal shelter for love at first sight.

And isn't it wonderful? We have a greater love given us by God. He doesn't choose just one of us. He's come to love and save the world. His look is love for all time. His plan to save us has already been fulfilled by the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Now He lives to gather us together with Him, to walk with Him each day, and to know His love. The love of Jesus is love at first sight, love that lasts.

WE PRAY: Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us from before the foundation of the world. Continue to show us Your love and assure us that Your love will bring us to eternal life with You. We pray in Jesus' Name. Amen.

This Daily Devotion was written by Rev. Dr. Daniel Paavola.

Reflection Questions:

1. Did you ever get a pet from an animal shelter? Was it love at first sight, or did it take a little time?

2. How does God show His love for us in Jesus?

3. What Scriptures do you know that show how completely God loves us?

Today's Bible Readings: Isaiah 41-42    Romans 7

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