Genesis 24:1-67
When some Christians don't know what to do they turn to the Bible. Seeking guidance from God they close their eyes, open the Book, and blindly point to a verse. If they aren't pleased with the result, they try again. However, it's always better to approach the holy Scriptures with your eyes open.
In this chapter Abraham commissioned his ruling servant to take a wife for his son, Isaac. His search for a bride began with God. Whenever you want guidance, regardless of the problem or situation, that's where to begin. Unfortunately, many people turn to Him for guidance at wit's end.
The servant made an oath "by the Lord, the God of heaven and the God of the earth." He promised that he would not take a wife for Isaac from the daughters of the Canaanites. Isaac's bride had to be from Abraham's country and family. Those seeking a bride or husband today would do well to take heed to 2 Corinthians 6:14, which says, "Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers." Abraham did not want a heathen bride for his son. He knew the sad consequences.
Abraham's servant wasn't sure that he would be able to deliver. After traveling hundreds of miles to the city of Nahor he had to find the right woman from Abraham's family. He had to convince her and her family to agree to this marriage to a man in a distant land whom they had never met. Would she be willing to make such a journey? Abraham assured him, "He (God) will send His angel before you, and you shall take a wife for my son from there." Genesis 24:7. Again, they were depending upon the Lord to lead the servant.
Before entering Nahor "he made his camels kneel down outside the city by a well of water at evening time, the time when women go out to draw water." The first thing that Abraham's servant did was pray that the young woman who offered to give his camels a drink would be the one. Before he finished praying, "behold, Rebekah." She gave him a drink of water, and volunteered to draw water for his camels.
The Lord answered his prayer. "And the man, wondering at her, remained silent so as to know whether the Lord had made his journey prosperous or not." She introduced herself as someone from Abraham's family, and invited his servant to lodge at her house. Realizing that God had guided him to Rebekah, he "bowed down his head and worshiped the Lord." Genesis 24:26.
When Abraham's servant explained his errand to Rebekah and her family, they agreed to the marriage, and invited him to remain with them for at least ten days. He replied, "Do not hinder me, since the Lord has prospered my way; send me away so that I may go to my master." Mission accomplished. It was time to return home with Isaac's bride.
Guidance from God begins with God and ends with God. From beginning to end we need to pray, and trust the Lord to lead us in between. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5, 6.
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your guidance in our lives. We acknowledge our need for Your wisdom in our pilgrim journey. Teach us Your will and Your ways. In Jesus' name. Amen!
