IMITATE THEIR FAITH/REBEKAH - "YOU MUST TAKE A WIFE FOR MY SON" - Conclusion

Bethuel and Laban were moved by Eliezer's account.  They said:  "This is from Jehovah." As was the custom, they concluded a marriage covenant. betrothing Rebekah to Isaac.  (Genesis 24:50-54) Does that mean, though, that Rebekah had no say in the matter?

Weeks earlier, Eliezer had raised that very issue with Abraham, asking:  "What if the woman is not willing to come with me?" Abraham had responded:  "This will release you from your oath." (Genesis 24;39, 410  In the house of Bethuel too, the young woman's preferences mattered.  Eliezer was so enthusiastic about the successof his mission that on the following morning, he asked if he could return to Canaan with Rebekah immediately.  The family, however, wanted her to stay with them for at least another ten days.  Finally, they resolved the matter this way: " Let us call the young woman and inquire of her." - GENESIS 24:57. 

Here, then, was a great crossroads in Rebekah's life.  What would she say. Would she play on teh sympathy of her father and brother, pleading for  a release from this journey into  unknown?  Or would she view as a privilege to have a part in events that were clearly being guided by Jehovah?  When she answered, she revealed how she felt about this sudden, perhaps daunting,  change in her life.  She simply said: "I am willing to go." - GENESIS 24:58.

What a remarkable spirit he had!  Today, our customs regarding marriage may be quite different, but we can still learn much from Rebekah.  What mattered most to her , was not her own preferences, but those of her God, Jehovah.  When it comes to marriage today.  God's Word still offers the best guidance available-regarding the kind of mate to choose and how to become a husband or wife.  (2 Corinthians 6:14, 15; Ephesians 5:28-33)   We do well to follow Rebekah's example and to seek to do things God's way.

Next time: IMITATE THEIR FAITH/REBEKAH - "WHO IS THAT MAN THERE?" 

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