Holy Matrimony

“Isaac brought her into the tent…and he married Rebekah…and he loved her.”  Genesis 24:67

The match was made in heaven, but the message needed to make it to earth because Sarah was dead, Abraham old, and Isaac unwed!   Since the hometown girls weren’t exactly holy, Abraham sent a servant to retrieve a relative for his son. The man was anxious about the assignment, but Abraham promised an angel would go before him.  The servant heard no wings as he approached the well at Nahor, but since many women came to draw water in the evenings, he knew it was a good place to scout for a spouse.

But before he inspected, he implored.  “Then he prayed, ‘O Lord, God of my master Abraham, give me success today”(Gen. 24:12).   He asked God to make the choice easy and obvious.  “Please, may the girl who gives me and my camels water be the wife you’ve chosen”(Gen. 24:14).

Before he said “Amen,” Rebekah arrived, gave him a drink to sip and his camels drinks to slurp.  The servant was delighted to discover she was the granddaughter of Abraham’s brother, and he bowed in worship.  At her family’s house, he wouldn’t touch his supper until he told the story, giving God credit for His kindness and praise for His provision.  Her brothers realized this duo was divine, bestowed their blessing, and agreed for Rebekah to depart the next day. 

As she neared her new home, Rebekah spotted Isaac in the field and hopped down from her camel into holy matrimony.   The servant’s mission was complete—Operation Hitch was a has-been.

If you’re married, you probably prayed for God to send you a spouse.  He answered when you asked, so praise Him for your partner every day.  Enjoy the easy days.  Hold tight on the hard ones.  Don’t hang on to wrongs, and when you need to, hop down off your own high horse. Love holy and wholly.

That will make the Matchmaker happy.  And you too.