Genesis 29:26

We do not excuse Laban for his dishonesty, but we do not hesitate 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 more lovely in our eyes, but the rule of the heavenly kingdom must stand, and the elder must be married first.

For instance, many men desire the beautiful and fair Rachel of joy and peace in believing, but they must first be married to the tender-eyed Leah of repentance. Everyone 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 by our soul before the Rachel of true happiness can be attained. Heaven does not stand first, but second, and only by persevering to the end can we win a place 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 do you say? Are you so vain as to hope to break through the heavenly rule? Do you hope for reward without labour, or honour without toil? Dismiss the idle expectation, and be content to accept the less attractive things for the sake of the sweet love of Jesus, which will recompense you for all. In such a spirit, labouring and suffering, you will find bitter things grow sweet, and hard things easy. Like Jacob, your years of service will seem to you but a few days for the love you have for Jesus; and when the dear hour of the wedding feast comes, all your toils will be as though they had never been—an hour with Jesus will make up for ages of pain and labour.

Jesus, to win yourself so fair,
Your cross I will with gladness bear:
Since so the rules of heaven ordain,
The first I'll wed, the next to gain.