Read Genesis 24.
While God is sovereign and omniscient, He still desires that we submit to His leadership by praying and asking. Note in verse 15 that Rebekah was already on the way, but this unnamed servant did not know that, nor see it, until this exact time.
The servant waited in silence--observing, discerning. Finally, he was able to declare in verse 27, "...the LORD has led me in the way..." This wonderful story demonstrates prayer at work in lives of real people, along with God's guidance, faithfulness, love, and comfort.
God
instituted marriage. From Genesis 2, it was His design that one man and
one woman become partners for life. The cultural differences and
variations in many of our own relationships may be different than this chapter
describes, but consider these insights when seeking a life partner.
1.
Parental Counsel. (vv.3,49)
Grown children
are no longer under the command to obey their parents, but one is never too old
to honor them. One effective way to honor parents is to seek their
counsel when making life-changing decisions.
2.
Spiritual Unity. (v.3)
2 Corinthians
6:14-"Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what
partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has
light with darkness?"
Standing
before God and witnesses to vow "until death" is the most sacred
human contract of all. Both parties should be fully committed to
following Jesus and desiring to grow in their faith.
3.
Prayerful Consideration. (v.12)
It is normal
to be anxious about the questions: "Will I ever get married?" or
"How will I know if this is the right one?"
Psalm
34:10-"The young lions suffer want and hunger; but those who seek the LORD
lack no good thing.
Proverbs
18:22-"He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the
LORD."
4. Character
Confirmation. (v.14)
Notice
the test of Rebekah's spirit. She possessed a servant’s heart.
Will she do more than expected, without being asked, even for a stranger with
10 large, tired, thirsty camels? This was the type of woman described in
Proverbs 31.
The qualities
in a husband are found in Ephesians 5:25-32. He is to demonstrate
self-sacrifice to meet her needs. A marriage ceremony in itself will not
change true character.
5. Physical
Attractiveness. (v.16a)
Rebekah was
an attractive young woman. Personal desirability is certainly important.
6. Sexual
Purity. (v.16b)
2 Corinthians
7:1-"Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from
every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the
fear of God."
God can
cleanse the impurities of our past and make us holy. If one has been promiscuous,
there needs to be some time of proven faithfulness to the LORD and practice of
purity before the marriage. If immorality is not dealt with before the
marriage, it will not change on its own after the marriage ceremony.
7. Family
Acceptance. (v.23)
Marriage is a
union of two families, not just two individuals. All personal
relationships are affected by the marriage. Without the families involved
extending their blessings, there will always be tension in the relationship
and, in some cases, could possibly destroy the marriage.
8. Mutual
Completion. (v.67)
Genesis
2:18-"Then the LORD God said, 'It is not good that the man should be
alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.'"
A man and a
woman are opposites in nearly every way. This is especially true
physically and emotionally. It is wonderful to have mutual interests but
that is not the same as completion. The marriage partnership is to become
together what one could never be by themselves alone.
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