What a beautiful story. A few verses longer than our usual text for reflection, but this was a beautiful story I wanted to keep all together. Couldn’t you just picture it all happening? It was like a movie playing in my imagination. I feel like it should end with something like, “they lived happily ever after.” Isaac and Rebekah will carry on the legacy that was promised to Abraham, and we will watch this beautiful story unfold in the days ahead.
God is good. All the time. There are a couple of things that strike me in today’s reading. I’d love to hear from you in the comments what struck you. First, Abraham’s servant was so obedient. He not only obeyed Abraham, but he prayed to God. While he wanted to clarify it was Abraham’s God, it was the God he chose to pray to. Abraham’s influence had rubbed off on his servant, and despite the possibility that his servant was a non-believer, the servant knew where the power and provision came from. Abraham’s God.
Do you walk with the same assurance that God will provide for you? Does your life reflect such devotion and abundance? Abraham was sure. He was so sure he told the servant if it didn’t work out he would be off the hook, so to speak, for finding Isaac a wife. We need to be as demonstrative of God’s power in our life. People are watching, and we want our lives to reflect our maker. We want people to see us living out the faith we profess. It’s not just something we do once a week or for an hour a day. Are you all in for God, or do you put him in a box and only take him out when it’s convenient?
God over delivered here. The culture was probably full of arranged marriages, but the blessing on Isaac and Rebekah seemed special. From the moment Rebekah saw Isaac in the distance, you can tell there is a swell of excitement. We hear, too, how Isaac loved her deeply and that she comforted him following the loss of his mother. Rebekah seemed to have that helping spirit. You’ll recall she offered to water the camels as well as provide the drink to Abraham’s servant as he had requested. She saw a need, and she saw that it was filled.
I was also taken by how quickly Rebekah took to the plan. God was surely at work in her heart. She had lived her whole life where she was, and then a stranger comes along with a great offer. She didn’t seem to hesitate. She had been given gifts, was that what enticed her? Maybe she had been itching to get out of town and spread her wings? We don’t know, we can only suppose based on how people react these days to moves across the country to attend school or start a new career. It is common today to leave your family and start a new life many miles away.
The major theme that really presents itself here is TRUST GOD, HE WILL PROVIDE. It’s simple yet so very difficult at times. What area in your life are you asking God for help to accomplish? Are you waiting on God to provide? Or are you rejoicing in his provision?
Let’s pray. Lord, I thank you that You have my future securely in your hands. I know that you have great things yet in store for me, and I look forward to seeing them revealed. May my life be a testament to my faith and reliance on you. Don’t let my own humanity get in the way and keep me stuck where I am. Grant me the boldness and the assurance to step out in faith. Don’t let me stay sheltered by my own limitations. Bless those around me who are trying to do the same. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
