Genesis 24

Scripture:  Genesis 24:34-67

Observation:  Abraham's servant explains his mission to Bethuel and Laban, Rebekah's father and brother, and asks if they agree to allow Rebekah to come back with him and marry Isaac.  Both men answer that this is from the Lord, and therefore not open to discussion - they will do as the Lord has decreed.  The servant praises God, and the next morning asks to go back home to his master.  Though Rebekah's mother and brother ask to keep her home for 10 days, Rebekah agrees to go back that same day.  And so she returns with Abraham's servant and meets Isaac, who quickly falls in love with his new bride.

Application:  Abraham's concern was for his son, that he not marry an unbeliever.  God blessed Isaac with a godly woman because Abraham was faithful in seeking just that, a woman who was a worshiper of the One True God.  It is an excellent example both to young people looking for a life partner, and to parents.  We are to teach our children to love the Lord their God and to seek someone to marry who also shares in that love.  God will certainly bless them if they are obedient in this.

Prayer:  Father, I lift up to you my own 3 children, and the spouses you have already chosen for them.  I pray my children will be still and wait for You to show them that special person You have selected for their lives, and I also pray a blessing over the ones that will be married to my children one day.  I pray that my children and their future spouses will worship You in truth, as individuals, as a couple, and one day as a family.  May their marriages be a testimony of Your love and faithfulness in their lives.  In Jesus' precious name I pray, Amen.