Thursday July 6th, 2017 Genesis 24:34-38,42-49,58-67
He took Rebekah, and she became his wife; and he loved her. (verse 67)
First I must confess my discomfort with this story. Obviously it comes from a different time and culture, but the idea of Abraham’s servant going to “get a wife” for Isaac and approval being sought from Rebekah’s father and brothers suggests that women are a commodity to be bargained for.
Rebekah, of course, does get her say in the matter, and we know that all of this happens according to God’s direction. I suppose we can say that this was truly “a marriage made in heaven.”
Perhaps what is important for us is to regard marriage as divinely ordained and to look to God for guidance and direction in entering such a relationship and living in it. As Christians we have the privilege of seeking God’s will in all aspects of life. We know, because we have witnessed God’s never-failing love, especially in Jesus Christ, that God wants only good for us and promises to be with us always. It is encouraging that today’s reading ends on a positive note, that this became a loving, supportive and enduring relationship.
Faithful God, bless marriages and all relationships with your never-failing love. Give us joy in each other. Amen. — DLK
Contributed by A Marriage Made in Heaven
First I must confess my discomfort with this story. Obviously it comes from a different time and culture, but the idea of Abraham's servant going to "get a wife" for Isaac and approval being sought from Rebekah's father and brothers suggests that women are a commodity to be bargained for.
Rebekah, of course, does get her say in the matter, and we know that all of this happens according to God's direction. I suppose we can say that this was truly "a marriage made in heaven."
Perhaps what is important for us is to regard marriage as divinely ordained and to look to God for guidance and direction in entering such a relationship and living in it. As Christians we have the privilege of seeking God's will in all aspects of life. We know, because we have witnessed God's never-failing love, especially in Jesus Christ, that God wants only good for us and promises to be with us always. It is encouraging that today's reading ends on a positive note, that this became a loving, supportive and enduring relationship.
