Scripture
Laban said, “It is not so done in our country, to give the younger before the firstborn.
— Genesis 29:26 (ESV)
Devotional
We do not excuse Laban for his dishonesty, but we scruple not to learn from the custom which he quoted as his excuse. There are some things which must be taken in order, and if we would win the second we must secure the first. The second may be the more lovely in our eyes, but the rule of the heavenly country must stand, and the elder must be married first. For instance, many men desire the beautiful and well-favoured Rachel of joy and peace in believing, but they must first be wedded to the tender-eyed Leah of repentance. Every one falls in love with happiness, and many would cheerfully serve twice seven years to enjoy it, but according to the rule of the Lord’s kingdom, the Leah of real holiness must be beloved of our soul before the Rachel of true happiness can be attained. Heaven stands not first but second, and only by persevering to the end can we win a portion in it. The cross must be carried before the crown can be worn. We must follow our Lord in his humiliation, or we shall never rest with him in glory.
My soul, what sayest thou, art thou so vain as to hope to break through the heavenly rule? Dost thou hope for reward without labour, or honour without toil? Dismiss the idle expectation, and be content to take the ill-favoured things for the sake of the sweet love of Jesus, which will recompense thee for all. In such a spirit, labouring and suffering, thou wilt find bitters grow sweet, and hard things easy. Like Jacob, thy years of service will seem unto thee but a few days for the love thou hast to Jesus; and when the dear hour of the wedding feast shall come, all thy toils shall be as though they had never been–an hour with Jesus will make up for ages of pain and labour. Jesus, to win thyself so fair, Thy cross I will with gladness bear: Since so the rules of heaven ordain, The first I’ll wed the next to gain.
Reflection
Laban’s excuse was dishonest, but the custom he named still teaches: some gifts come in order. Spurgeon says the second blessing is often beautiful, yet the rule of God’s country puts first things first. Seek the kingdom, and the rest finds its place. Skip the first, and the second will not hold.
Goad
What second thing have you been chasing before the first thing God named?
Tie-In
Morning demanded an undivided heart. Evening demands the right order of seeking. Both bring us back under the Lord’s own rule.
Closing
Spurgeon’s classic text with a brief reflection to help today’s reader.
If these words have stirred something, sit with it.
NewGrapes Ministries. Making disciples, not pew-fillers. Soli Deo Gloria.
Image made with AI tools. Words and Scripture checked by Justin.