Daily Lectionary: Genesis 24:32-52, 61-67; Mark 8:1-21
“‘Who is that man, walking in the field to meet us?‘ The servant said, ‘It is my master.‘ So she took her veil and covered herself.” (Genesis 24:65)
Happy Lent! In the name of Jesus. Amen. Abraham’s servant was sent to find Isaac a wife. This was going to be an old-school arranged marriage.
Tough task. The servant didn’t want to fail. He had to pick just the right wife for his master’s son. “I will ask her for water and she will give me water and offer to water my camels, too.” He prayed, “Let that be the one that you have chosen for my servant.”
His prayer was answered. A beautiful maiden showed up at the well. She had never known a man. She was pure. She not only offered the servant water, but gave water to his camels as well.
Once the negotiations for the marriage between the families were done, the servant brought Isaac to meet her. When Isaac and Rebekah saw each other, it was love at first sight. God had chosen just the right wife for Isaac. He had chosen just the right husband for Rebekah.
Whether a marriage is arranged or is the result of dating, the Lord brings together husbands and wives. He’s the one who does the choosing. Just the right husband for a wife, just the right wife for a husband.
Finding a spouse is not something you should really be concerned about. The Lord will tend to it for you. He’ll pick just the right person for you. How will you know? Well, meet different people. Listen to Mom and Dad. See what happens.
Take your cue from Christ and His Bride, the Church. Does the husband-to-be treat you like Christ does the church? Does he respect you, love you, and is he ready to give his life for you? Does your bride-to-be receive from you like the Church receives from Christ? Does she love you, respect you, and trust you to be Christ for her?
If they do and it works out that you guys get married, swell. If it doesn’t, then he isn’t your Isaac and you aren’t his Rebekah. Keep searching and the Lord will give you one if and when it is His will.
And if it isn’t His will for you to be married, then that’s the gift He has for you, too. He’s not going to do anything to you that isn’t for your good.
How will you know that he or she is the right one? As you stand before God’s altar and He pronounces you man and wife, then you will know.
Rebekah was just the right wife for Isaac. She was the one God choose for him. Isaac was just the right husband for Rebekah. He choose her for Him. That’s the way it goes between husbands and wives in Christ. Happy Lent! In the name of Jesus. Amen.