Friday, May 25, 2012

Another Isaac Story

An illustration of Abraham searching for a wife so Isaac will not marry one of the local women is more
Rebekah's story than Isaac's. This is one of the most romantic chapters in the Bible, Genesis 24. It should be our story as well, as God seeks us, we should be willing to respond quickly.
The servant ventures to Abraham's land of his relatives, where he left. As he stops, he prays a specific prayer for the woman to not only give him water, but offer to water the camels as well. The prayer of Abraham's servant is answered while he is still praying for the right woman to be shown to him. Rebekah displays kindness by not only giving the servant water, but watering the camels as well, as the servant requested. When she revealed her identity as Abraham's great niece, the servant immediately fell to the ground to worship God.
Rebekah eagerly told the traveler about her home. A room is ready for him with plenty of straw and food for the camels as well. The brother, Laban, ran out to invite him in. Mideastern hospitality is the best I hear.
The urgency of the matter comes forth before the servant sits down to eat. He wants them to know he is looking for a wife for his master's son. The whole Abrahamic story is told, as well as the need for a suitable wife for this rich man's son. They see the wealth and are given fine gifts. They agree to allow Rebekah to leave and marry Isaac.
The servant rests the night, but early the next morning, he chomps at the bit to get going. His mission is very successful. Rebekah's brother and mother want her to stay ten days, but the servant is compelled to return. They asked Rebekah, she is ready to go. Her destiny awaits.
When I was ready to marry David, I could hardly wait to fulfill that need to be his wife. We first planned a later date of July 31, his birthday. I thought I don't want to wait that long, we need to get started now, as soon as I graduate from nursing school, which we did, the very next day.
David worried that I would miss my family as we moved eight hours away. I had no such fears, I was clinging to my husband. A woman was to do this, actually the Bible says a man will leave his mother and father and cleave to his wife. But our vows say forsaking all others. This is just not in an adultery sense, but in all sense. Just as we are not to put anything before God, our mates should come first in our lives, after God.
The eagerness of a new bride, the readiness of Rebekah, should mark the Christian's life. Marriage is the perfect metaphor of the relationship of Christ and the Church. That sacrifice is both parties giving up life, self for the other. Because of love, the immediacy of responding to the call leaves no regrets.

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