Bibledoorajar Watches as Jacob Begins to Serve

"Do something for somebody every day for which you do not get paid."
                                                             Albert Schweitzer

"Do something wonderful, people may imitate it."
                                             Albert Schweitzer

     There is something wonderful that happens when somebody lends a hand. Bearing each other up is a part of both Jewish and Christian ethics. The root of this service can be found in the early stories of the Bible. Today we find God moving in Jacob's life as he comes upon a group of people tending sheep. Jacob approaches them and asks if they know his uncle, Laban. "Yes, we know him and there comes his daughter Rachel who tends his sheep." Jacob wondered why everyone was at the well when there was still daylight. They explained that they gathered all the sheep together and then watered them.  Jacob looked and saw that the stone that covered the well from where the water was drawn was still in place. He moved to it and removed it so the shepherds could begin to draw water.  Immediately, a bond between the people there at the well took place. 
     Jacob gave Rachel a kiss. Some view this as an immodest act. But let's look at the progression of his acts. He saw her, he watered, he kissed Rachel and wept. Surely, Jacob was overwhelmed with finding his kin. His desire to be of service is paramount.
Jesus met a woman by a well and He was concerned about her. His desire to be of service was paramount and while some may have found his visit with her immodest and, even against Jewish law,  He gave her living waters.

   "I slept and dreamt that life was joy. I awoke and saw that life was service. I acted and behold service was joy."
                  Rabindranath Tagore