Gen24 Finding a Spouse in God's Steadfast Love

# Finding a Spouse in God's Steadfast Love
## Genesis 24
[Nathan Dumlao](https://unsplash.com/photos/5BB_atDT4oA "caption")

>>>
+ In our series on book of **Genesis**,
+ passage today is a **happy** one: Isaac + Reb!
  + **love** story, so sweet!
+ Of course, it's not actually **about** Isaac + Reb
  + and although it **is** a love story,
  + it's not about **their** love
+ But it is one of **handful** times Bible describes
  + **how** someone found their spouse
+ Feel for **singles**, esp. in **pandemic**:
  + everyday at **home** in my pajamas
  + **how** am I supposed to meet someone?

---

# How do I find a **spouse**?

>>>
+ not just for **singles**, passage speaks to all of us:
+ Teens: marriage a **long** way off
  + but understand **purpose** of marriage
  + don't succumb to **pressure** to date (whether ext/int)
+ "Happy singles" not **looking** for spouse:
  + God has a **plan** for you, too (come **back** later)
+ Couples: **stuck**, done deal
  + God has **promises** specifically about marriage
  + how our rl can **grow** in faith + obedience
+ Parents w/kids @home: what **spouse** hope for kids?
+ Seniors: how **pass on** the faith in God's promises
  + that we've learned from **walking** w/Him?
+ The One who **determines** paths of our lives
  + also **redeems** our hearts + families
+ Behold the Lamb of God **[ PRAYER ]**

---

## Biblical Examples of Finding a Spouse
+ Adam [(Gen 2:18-25)](# "ref")
+ Jacob [(Gen 28:1-5, 29:1-30)](# "ref")
+ Ruth
+ Hosea [(Hos 1-3)](# "ref")
+ Samson [(Jdg 14-16)](# "ref")

["Ruth Gleans in the Fields of Boaz", Bible Panorama, 1891](https://www.flickr.com/photos/internetarchivebookimages/14598288918 "caption")

>>>
+ one of several **examples** in Bible,
  + not all **positive**, many pretty messed up!
+ Adam (went to **sleep**)
  + Jacob (worked **14 years**)
  + Ruth (proactive but **humble**)
  + Hosea (God used both wife + **kids**)
  + Samson (God used **despite** his poor judgment)
+ in exploring Biblical **precedent**,
  + discover it's not **how-to** guide
  + for finding a **spouse**, bc
+ that's **not** most important: focus on
  + **God's** faithfulness + steadfast love

---

1. **Principle** [(v1-4)](# "ref")
2. **Promise** [(v5-8)](# "ref")
 + Father of Promises [(v7a)](# "ref")
 + Faith in Action [(v7b)](# "ref")
 + Freewill [(v8)](# "ref")
3. **Practise** [(v10-49)](# "ref")
 + Purpose [(v10)](# "ref")
 + Prayer [(v12-14)](# "ref")
 + Proposal [(v22-49)](# "ref")

>>>
+ focus mostly on first **half**, for time's sake
+ (1) even w/o specific **regulation** from God
  + purpose marriage not for our **happiness**
  + but **remember** our Creator + pass it on
+ (2) dwell on God's **promises**:
  + knowing **who** He is gives us **confidence** / hope
  + even if people **choose** to reject His plan
  + God's **purposes** will prevail
+ (3) take **action** w/focus to see His promises fulfilled
  + **praying** in faith that God will reveal His will
  + offering honest **invitation** to join in God's promises
+ So what's the **setting** for today's passage?

---

Now Abraham was **old**, well advanced in years. 
And the Lord had **blessed** Abraham in all things.

[Genesis 24:1 (ESV)](# "ref")
[Brandenburg Alps, Austria.  Paul Gilmore](https://unsplash.com/photos/qKIaA41lMjM "caption")

>>>
+ Abe **140yo**, still 35yrs left
  + wife **Sarah** died 3yrs prior
  + **Ishmael** 54yo, already sent away
+ now worrying about **Isaac** (40yo)
  + knows how important a good **wife** is!
+ But Abe's not main **character** of this story;
  + not **Rebekah**: does very little
  + not **Isaac**: does zero!
+ majority of **text** on actions of a **servant**:

---

And Abraham said to his **servant**, 
the **oldest** of his household, 
who had **charge** of all that he had

[Genesis 24:2 (ESV)](# "ref")
[Eliezer of Damascus, William Dyce, 1860](https://collections.artsmia.org/art/1647/eliezer-of-damascus-william-dyce "caption")

>>>
+ (though even **he's** not the real main character)
+ probably **Eliezer** of Damascus (15:2)
  + with Abe for **longer** than Isaac alive
  + faithful + **trusted**
+ now Abe entrusts with even **greater** task
  + than overseeing all Abe's **possessions**

---

Put your hand under my **thigh**, 
[3](# "ref")
that I may make you **swear** by the Lord, 
the God of **heaven** and God of the **earth**,

[Genesis 24:2-3 (ESV)](# "ref")
[Isaac Blesses Jacob, Gustave Doré, 1866](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:020.Isaac_Blesses_Jacob.jpg "caption")

>>>
+ hand under **thigh**: solemnity of oath
  + unique to **Bible**
  + also **Jacob** to Joseph (47:29)
+ no evidence **Romans** did this
+ charge/task is really **important**
  + deals w/Abe's **progeny** / legacy
+ for servant, **failure** not an option

---

that you will not take a **wife** for my son 
from the daughters of the **Canaanites**, 
among whom I dwell,

[4](# "ref")
but will go to my country and to my **kindred**, 
and take a wife for my son Isaac.

[Genesis 24:3-4 (ESV)](# "ref")
[Gdynia, Poland](https://unsplash.com/photos/urfVdTSFKfo "caption")

>>>
+ Abe's goal: believing **wife** for Isaac
+ Already sent **Hagar** + Ishmael away (ch21)
  + as per God's **command** (Gal4:30-31)
+ Ishmael's wife **Egyptian**, found by **Hagar**
  + Abe had no **hand** in it
+ So what's the **deal** w/marrying **kin**?
  + Do **Chinese** have to marry only Chinese?
+ Here's the **principle**:

---
When God **created** man, 
he made him in the **likeness** of God.

| **Adam** | *130* | Seth | *105* | 
|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|
| Enosh | *90* | Kenan | *70* |
| Mahalalel | *65* | Jared | *162* |
| Enoch | *65* | Methuselah | *187* |
| Lamech | *182* | **Noah** | |

[Genesis 5:1 (ESV)](# "ref")

>>>
+ from beginning **all** knew Creator
  + not a **foreign** religion
  + orig. we could **walk** w/Him
+ But after **fall**, mankind quickly **forgot** / left
+ 1 **family line** that remembered God
  + **10 gens** / 1000 yrs, Adam to birth of Noah
  + each gen **teaching** from father to son
+ In **Noah's** time, 
  + earth was **filled** w/violence, but

---

But Noah found **favor** in the eyes of the Lord.

[Genesis 6:8 (ESV)](# "ref")
[Hans Braxmeier](https://pixabay.com/en/wave-sea-surf-swell-foam-spray-384385/ "caption")

>>>
+ God had **mercy** on Noah + family
  + (8 mouths on a **boat**)
+ but **after** flood, mankind **again** left God
+ **Canaanites** in particular under God's curse:

---

"Cursed be **Canaan**; 
a **servant** of servants 
shall he be to his brothers"

[Genesis 9:25 (ESV)](# "ref")
[Brad Helmink](https://unsplash.com/photos/8EFA86nI6yg "caption")

>>>
+ From Canaan came the **Hittites** and other nations
+ amongst whom Abe+Isaac were presently **living**
+ They had long **forsaken** worship of the true Creator
  + turned aside to false **idols**
+ but once again, God preserved a **remnant**:

---
Now the Lord said to **Abram**, 
“**Go** from your country and your kindred 
and your father's house 
to the **land** that I will show you."

| **Noah** | *500* | Shem | *100* | Arpachshad | *35* |
|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|
| Shelah | *30* | Eber | *34* | Peleg | *30* |
| Reu | *32* | Serug | *30* | Nahor | *29* |
| Terah | *70* | **Abram** | | | |

[Genesis 12:1, 11:10-26 (ESV)](# "ref")

>>>
+ 1 family line that **remembered** God
  + 10 gens / 1000 yrs, birth Noah to birth Abe
+ passing on **knowledge** of who God is
  + from **father** to son
+ we see how **important** family is:
  + the **habits** we cultivate at home
  + the **priorities** we instill in our children
+ By the time we reach **Abe**,
  + again the **majority** of nations
  + had **forgotten** the Creator
+ But again, God had **mercy** on one:

---

And I will make of you a **great nation**, ...

and in you all the **families** of the earth 
shall be **blessed**.

[Genesis 12:2,3 (ESV)](# "ref")
[Ales Krivec](https://unsplash.com/photos/ywtbSuCSjhM "caption")

>>>
+ God made His **promise** to Abe
+ through Abe - Isaac - Jacob
  + estab. **nation** of Israel
+ **chosen** by God in His mercy
  + to **remember** the Creator
+ and **pass on** to next gen knowledge of
  + God of heaven + earth
+ That brings us now to **Isaac**:

---

you will not take a **wife** for my son 
from the daughters of the **Canaanites**, 
among whom I dwell,

[4](# "ref")
but will go to my country and to my **kindred**, 
and take a wife for my son Isaac.

[Genesis 24:3-4 (ESV)](# "ref")
[Rebecca at the Well, Giovanni Piazzetta, 1740](https://www.wga.hu/html/p/piazzett/giovanni/rebecca.html "caption")

>>>
+ from the **lineage** of those who remember Creator
+ find a **wife** who will help you to
  + **teach** next gen to remember God
  + good wife so **important**!
+ same thing w/next gen **after** Isaac:
  + Jacob went to relatives at **Haran** for wife
  + Esau married 2 **Hittite** women
+ Not **legalistic** require: not **codified** anywhere
  + **predates** Moses' law!
+ from the **beginning**, God has **revealed** Himself
  + and **chosen** to have mercy 
  + on a **remnant** who remembered Him
+ so we must **revere** Him as holy in our homes
  + **estab.** family w/spouse who also reveres Him →

---

This **mystery** is that 
the **Gentiles** are fellow **heirs**, 
members of the same **body**,

and partakers of the **promise** 
in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

[Ephesians 3:6 (ESV)](# "ref")
[Nancy, France. Rémi Walle](https://unsplash.com/photos/UOwvwZ9Dy6w "caption")

>>>
+ What about us **today**?
+ Raising godly **family** still critically imp.
+ **all** nations blessed via Seed of Abe
  + through whom **mystery** of gospel revealed:
  + **[Eph 3:6]**
+ we who are **not** part of family line of Abe
  + have been **adopted** in by grace
+ continue to **pass on** the remembrance of Creator
+ Those of us who weren't **taught** by our parents
  + have **mentors** / teachers in the faith
  + just as **Paul** was spiritual father to many

---
(application: looking for spouse)

>>>
+ So when **looking** for spouse
  + whether for **self** or for **child**
+ don't just **tick** the checkbox:
  + attends **church**, got baptised
+ Find someone who **remembers** the Creator
  + and will help you **teach** to children
+ that He is **holy** + righteous
  + created us for **fellowship** w/Him
+ teach to **fear** + obey LORD
  + **repent** of our sins + **return** to Him
+ show **mercy** to others
  + as **Christ** has to us

---
(aside: to happy singles)

>>>
+ to **happy singles**: whether teens, 20s, or up
+ first: today's passage **isn't** primarily
  + about how Isaac+Reb got **married**
+ it's about **God's** faithfulness, and how to
  + take **action** in light of His promises
+ So all the real **lessons** from this ch
  + apply to **all** of us, single or married
+ You're right that what principally **defines** one
  + should not be one's **marital status**.
+ But: what principally defines you 
  + is not sth **you** can choose for yourself, either
+ You are, foremost, a **child** of God
  + loved + adopted into His **family** →

---

The **unmarried** or betrothed woman is 
**anxious** about the things of the Lord, 
how to be **holy** in **body** and **spirit**.

But the **married** woman is anxious about **worldly** things, 
how to please her **husband**

[1 Corinthians 7:34 (ESV)](# "ref")
[Olivia Snow](https://unsplash.com/photos/CPPFtCHY6mo "caption")

>>>
+ you have a certain **freedom** as singles:
  + do not use it to **indulge** selfishness
+ but to be **undistracted** in devotion to God
  + **[1 Cor 7]**
+ not just **working** hard to serve Him
  + e.g., **caring** for poor / seniors / orphans
+ but fully committed to **pursuing** holiness
  + seeking **accountability** in the family of Christ
+ much **more** to be said about this, another time!

---

# What is the **purpose** of marriage?

>>>
+ sign of **God's** steadfast covenant love
+ way for us to **experience** God's love
  + and practise **showing** it selflessly
+ establish **family** that remembers Creator
+ **pass** it on to next gen

**[4 count pause]**

---

1. Principle [(v1-4)](# "ref")
2. **Promise** [(v5-8)](# "ref")
 + *Father of Promises* [(v7a)](# "ref")
 + *Faith in Action* [(v7b)](# "ref")
 + *Freewill* [(v8)](# "ref")
3. Practise [(v10-49)](# "ref")
 + Purpose [(v10)](# "ref")
 + Prayer [(v12-14)](# "ref")
 + Proposal [(v22-49)](# "ref")

>>>
+ in v1-4 we see **principle** of
  + finding a **godly** wife
  + to pass on the **remembrance** of the Creator
+ in v5-8 we see Abe's **faith** in action:
+ Remembering **who** made the promises
  + gives us **confidence** + assurance
+ Each person can **choose** whether to be
  + part of God's plan of **blessing** or not,
+ but that does not **thwart** God's plan
+ nor should it **paralyse** us with uncertainty
+ Abe emphasizes the **nature** of
  + God, the **Promise**-Keeper:

---

The Lord, the God of **heaven**, 
who **took me** from my father's house 
and from the land of my kindred,

and who **spoke to me** and swore to me, 
‘To your offspring I will give this land,’

[Genesis 24:7 (ESV)](# "ref")
[Avenue of the Giants, CA. John Towner](https://unsplash.com/photos/3Kv48NS4WUU "caption")

>>>
+ (1) Creator, (2) Shepherd, (3) Father
+ "God of **heaven**": all-powerful, capable
  + 20 gens / 2000 yrs of history
+ "took me from land of my **kin**" (12:1):
  + sent Abe here to **Canaan**, blessed
  + **personally** exp. God's providence
  + know God **cares** + leads
+ **Seniors** (remember Abe 140yo):
  + you've **experienced** God's faithfulness
+ you've **journeyed** in faith as Abe did
  + not knowing what **tomorrow** holds
  + but knowing **who** holds tomorrow
+ prom. not **empty** words you recite: you've **lived** it!
  + have same **confid** in God's power Abe did

---

Then the Lord **appeared** to Abram and said, 
“To your **offspring** I will give **this land**.”

[Genesis 12:7 (ESV)](# "ref")
[Jake Givens](https://unsplash.com/photos/ocwmWiNAWGs "caption")

>>>
+ specific promise of **family lineage**
  + why Isaac's **wife** so imp. to Abe
  + God estab. **family** legacy for Abe
+ also specifically about land of **Canaan**
  + why Isaac must not **move** away
+ Remember **who** it is who made the promise:
  + Creator is **able** to fulfill
  + Shepherd **cares** for us + leads us forward
  + Father establishes our **family** + legacy
+ This gives us **assurance** of faith
  + in the face of **uncertainty**
+ Servant Eliezer is thinking **ahead**:

---

The servant said to him, “Perhaps **the woman** 
may not be **willing** to follow me to this land."

[Genesis 24:5 (ESV)](# "ref")
[Rebecca at the Well. old Bible etching, 1885](https://www.flickr.com/photos/wonderlane/4675509353 "caption")

>>>
+ not a sign of **lack** of faith, just
  + being **shrewd**, plan contingency:
+ That's **great** that God promised a family legacy
  + but what if things **don't** go acc to plan?
+ "Perhaps the woman": **singular**
  + imply not **ranking** candidates / going down list
  + not **Eliezer** choosing, but God
+ ok, let's say God prepares **one** woman for Isaac
  + and **leads** me to find her
+ God does **His** part, I've done **my** part
  + she still has **freewill** to refuse God's plan
+ Abe's **reply**: I know **who** it is who promises, and

---

He **will** send His angel before you, 
and you **shall** take a wife for my son from there.

[Genesis 24:7 (ESV)](# "ref")
[Chuckanut Mountain, US.  Patrick Fore](https://unsplash.com/photos/74TufExdP3Y "caption")

>>>
+ no **doubt** that God will provide God-fearing wife
  + therefore **shall act** in that assurance
+ This isn't about **wishing** something to happen
  + doesn't rest on **strength** of our conviction
+ but on **faithfulness** of God to His promises
+ Abe acks **freewill** choice of the woman
  + and takes **pressure** off Eliezer:

---

If the woman is **not willing** to follow you, 
then you will be **free** from this oath of mine

[Genesis 24:8 (ESV)](# "ref")
[Rebecca at the Well. old Bible etching, 1885](https://www.flickr.com/photos/wonderlane/4675509353 "caption")

>>>
+ free: clean, empty cup, **innocent** of wrong
+ assumption would be Isaac would marry **Canaanite**
  + trust that God can still continue a family line
  + that **remembers** the Creator
+ but! won't need to **use** the contingency plan
  + God will **provide**, as He always has! 
+ So what about **us**?
  + here's where **diverge** slightly from Isaac →

---

And I will make of you a **great nation**, ...

and in you all the **families** of the earth 
shall be **blessed**.

[Genesis 12:2,3 (ESV)](# "ref")
[Mario Purisic](https://unsplash.com/photos/jG1z5o7NCq4 "caption")

>>>
+ God gave Abe **specific** promise
  + would become a vast **nation** [Gen12]
+ so he **knew** family line would continue
+ That promise has been **fulfilled**
  + not only with **Isaac** + Rebekah
+ but ultimately in **Christ**
  + extending **blessing** to all families of earth

---
(God still speaks)

>>>
+ but God can and does still **speak** to us
  + in our **specific** circumstances!
+ e.g., **wife** + I met in **small group**: not our **"type"**
+ but God **sees** better than we do:
  + both **farther** ahead + **deeper** into the soul
+ and God made His **choice** clear to us, so
+ our **choice** was not to choose the **person**
  + based on a list of matching **criteria**
+ but we chose to say **yes** to God's choice
  + and hence **yes** to each other
+ still **struggles** all the time in marriage,
  + but I have never **once** doubted that
  + supposed to be **married** to each other
+ God doesn't make **mistakes**, doesn't **change** mind:

---

God is not **man**, that he should **lie**, 
or a son of man, 
that he should **change** his mind.

Has he **said**, and will he not **do** it? 
Or has he **spoken**, and will he not **fulfill** it?

[Numbers 23:19 (ESV)](# "ref")
[Samuel Ferrara](https://unsplash.com/photos/IEHPDNk2-8w "caption")

>>>
+ even Balaam the **unfaithful** prophet was used by God
  + to demonstrate His **unchanging** faithfulness
+ So **why** should I **doubt** God's goodness?

---

# What are God's **promises** to me?

>>>
+ God has **not** promised to all of us that
  + we will have **children**
  + or have a **happy** marriage
  + or even **get** married
+ but we **do** have God's promise through Christ
+ He established **times** + **places** for us to live (Ac17)
+ **Adopted** us into His family
  + granted **inheritance** in heaven (Eph1)
+ Blessed us to become **blessing** to all nations

**[4 count pause]**

---

1. Principle [(v1-4)](# "ref")
2. Promise [(v5-8)](# "ref")
 + Father of Promises [(v7a)](# "ref")
 + Faith in Action [(v7b)](# "ref")
 + Freewill [(v8)](# "ref")
3. **Practise** [(v10-49)](# "ref")
 + *Purpose* [(v10)](# "ref")
 + *Prayer* [(v12-14)](# "ref")
 + *Proposal* [(v22-49)](# "ref")

>>>
+ **Principle**: to establish families that
  + **remember** the Creator
+ Remember **who** it is who gives the **promises**,
  + have full **assurance** of faith, even if
  + God allows **choice** to reject His blessings.
+ Now turn to **Eliezer** the servant to learn
  + how to take **action** in light of God's faithfulness →

[Genesis 24:2 (ESV)](# "ref")
[Eliezer of Damascus, William Dyce, 1860](https://collections.artsmia.org/art/1647/eliezer-of-damascus-william-dyce "caption")

>>>
+ most of us don't have dads **wealthy** enough
  + to have **trusted** servant to find spouse
+ Possible for **parents** to find spouse
  + but immense **responsibility**:
+ to be **honest**, in individualistic society,
  + we no longer **know** our kids
  + as well as we ought
+ nor do we **pray** for them / marriage
  + in the way we ought

---
(matchmaking)

>>>
+ e.g., when single: church aunties as **matchmakers**
  + (not that I had **prospects**!)
+ or even **now**, want to help single friends:
  + but think **twice** about matchmaking
+ Marriage is **serious**, lifelong commit.,
  + sign of **God's** covenant love
+ not to be **trifled** with
  + not, "oh, you two would be **cute** together"
  + not so **I** take credit, only God.
+ So as we read Eliezer's **dedication** to his task
  + **lessons** learned can apply to
  + anyone **looking** for God's guidance:

---

Then the servant took 
ten of his master's **camels** and departed, 
taking all sorts of choice **gifts** from his master;

and he arose and went to **Mesopotamia** 
to the city of **Nahor**.

[Genesis 24:10 (ESV)](# "ref")
[Dallol, Ethiopia. Trevor Cole](https://unsplash.com/photos/UQJP4eEqRV0 "caption")

>>>
+ long distance, **weeks** of journey: 
  + **Canaan**: likely Beersheba or Hebron
  + **Nahor**: Aram-Naharaim, NW Mesopotamia
+ many supplies, gifts, need whole **team**:
  + several other **servants**, guards
+ much **preparation**, taking it **seriously**
+ would be **self-sufficient**
  + able to draw own **water** for camels

---

And he made the **camels** kneel down 
outside the city by the **well** of water

at the time of **evening**, 
the time when **women** go out to draw water.

[Genesis 24:11 (ESV)](# "ref")
[Hagars Well in the Desert of Beersheba. Archibald Forder, 1863](https://www.flickr.com/photos/internetarchivebookimages/14767208571 "caption")

>>>
+ strategic in going to **well** at evening
+ (single **guys**: where are the wells now?)
  + not just going where eligible **ladies** are
+ Eliezer was a **servant**: not looking for **himself**
  + but to fulfill solemn **oath**
  + and immense **task** given by master
+ didn't need the **odds** to be in his favour
  + trust that **God** had already prepared **one**
+ showed **planning** + earnest **intent**

---
(praying for a spouse)

>>>
+ e.g., when **single**, big step was starting to
  + actually **pray** for a wife, **ask** for prayer
  + ack **want** to be married
+ not dreaming of what I **get** out of it
  + meeting my **needs**, companionship, etc
  + being able to **say** I have a bf/gf
+ but preparing for the **commitment**
  + respect spouse as **equal** but complementary
+ and **ready** to move forward when God says **go**
+ Later, when God made His choice **clear**,
  + but fam **reluctant** to let Reb go:

---

But he said to them, “Do not **delay** me, 
since the Lord has **prospered** my way. 
Send me **away** that I may go to my master.”

[Genesis 24:56 (ESV)](# "ref")
[Egypt. Mariam Soliman](https://unsplash.com/photos/Ht5XmeuLyDg "caption")

>>>
+ just the **next day** after meeting Reb! 
+ Once God made it **clear** who Isaac's wife would be
  + and she made her own **choice** to accept
+ No **delay**, just move **forward**
  + bring **back** to Isaac
  + and indeed, Isaac accepted + **loved** her
+ Eliezer's **focus** on seeing God's promise **fulfilled**
+ Secondly, Eliezer **prayed**:

---

O Lord, God of my master Abraham, 
please grant me **success** today ...

let her be the one whom you have 
**appointed** for your servant Isaac.

By this I shall know that you have 
shown **steadfast love** to my master

[Genesis 24:12,14 (ESV)](# "ref")
[Ben White](https://unsplash.com/photos/bEbqpPeHEM4 "caption")

>>>
+ who is LORD: God of Abe
  + able to grant **success** (for Eliezer)
  + the One who **appoints** spouse (for Isaac)
  + shows steadfast **love** (to Abe)
  + (**chesed**: covenant lovingkindness)
+ "Eliezer": my God is **help**
+ a note about drawing water for the **camels**:

---

She said, “I will draw water for your **camels** also, 
until they have finished drinking.”

[20](# "ref")
So she quickly **emptied** her jar into the trough 
and **ran** again to the well to draw water, 
and she drew for all his **camels**.

[Genesis 24:19-20 (ESV)](# "ref")
[Rebecca and Eliezer, Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, 1660](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Rebeca_y_Eliezer.jpg "caption")

>>>
+ 20gal/camel: major **effort**
  + (ladies: beef up your **biceps**!)
  + or: show **kindness** to strangers
+ This isn't to say Reb was more **noble** than other girls
  + focus not on Reb but **God's** faithfulness
+ **Filtering** criteria to narrow the selection
  + Eliezer asking for a **sign**
  + to indicate God's **choice**
+ So when God **answered** his prayer,
  + what did he do **next**?

---

The man took a **gold ring** 
weighing a half shekel, 
and two **bracelets** for her arms 
weighing ten gold shekels, [23](# "ref") and said,

“Please tell me whose **daughter** you are. 
Is there room in your **father's house** 
for us to spend the night?”

[Genesis 24:22-23 (ESV)](# "ref")
[Isaacs Servant Tying Bracelet on Rebeccas Arm, Benjamin West, 1775](http://collections.britishart.yale.edu/vufind/Record/1669171 "caption")

>>>
+ 3 things he did **immediately**:
+ Gifts as **token** of earnestness
  + (not to **buy** favourable response)
  + he's off the **hook** if she refuses
+ Ask about her **family**:
  + (Bible doesn't even say he asked **her** name!)
  + specific plans to **meet** the family
+ thirdly:

---

The man bowed his head 
and **worshiped** the Lord

[27](# "ref")
and said, “**Blessed** be the Lord, 
the God of my master Abraham,

who has not forsaken his **steadfast love** 
and his **faithfulness** toward my master.

[Genesis 24:26-27 (ESV)](# "ref")
[Lake of Carezza, Italy. Alessandro Viaro](https://unsplash.com/photos/fwWj5Y1IgQg "caption")

>>>
+ **worship** God, thanksgiving
+ when God brings 2 ppl **together**
  + is this our response: humble **worship**?
  + what our **weddings** should be full of! 
+ Notice this repeated **refrain**:
  + God's **steadfast love** (chesed, covenant)
  + and **faithfulness** (truth)
+ That's the real **heart** of this chapter!
  + Not what Isaac or Reb or even **Eliezer** did
+ Then, upon meeting Reb's **family**:

---

Then **food** was set before him to eat.

But he said, “I **will not eat** until 
I have **said** what I have to say.”

[Genesis 24:33 (ESV)](# "ref")
[Toa Heftiba](https://unsplash.com/photos/uhlTPoH2Eb0 "caption")

>>>
+ **Focused** on his mission, bc
  + he knew it would affect **families** + lives
  + potentially even for **gens** to come
+ **Explained** entire task + journey: 
  + w/o **hiding** / duplicit
  + not to **persuade** or cajole
+ Then simply presented the **proposal** to them:

---

Now then, if you are going to show 
**steadfast love** and **faithfulness** to my master,

tell me; and if not, tell me, that I may 
turn to the **right** hand or to the **left**.

[Genesis 24:49 (ESV)](# "ref")
[Jens Lelie](https://unsplash.com/photos/u0vgcIOQG08 "caption")

>>>
+ Same **themes**: 
  + God has already shown chesed **love** + **truth**
  + now will **you**?
+ God made His **choice** clear
  + but **you** have a choice whether to accept or not
+ The same **invitation** extends to us today:

---

# Am I **ready** to act when God **reveals** His will?

>>>
+ Whether in **marriage**, or career, moving house, ministry
+ **Preparation** in assurance of God's **promises**
+ A time of **prayer** + waiting,
  + which may **seem** unending
+ But when God **speaks**, will I respond with
  + immediate **action**,
  + humble **worship**, and an
  + open and honest **invitation** to 
  + participate in God's miraculous **promises**?

**[4 count pause]**

---
(Rebekah and afterward)

>>>
+ Isaac + Reb's story **not** "happily ever after"
  + next ch: 20yrs **infertility**
  + difficult **pregnancy**
+ kids' sibling **rivalry**, parents' **favouritism**
+ Not like **Rebekah** was perfect wife, either:
  + "ribqah": alluring, **captivating**, cord tied firmly
  + as **baby**: so lovely, capture heart
+ as **adult**: can be dangerous
  + use God-given beauty to **bend** men to her will
+ **Jacob** ("grasps, deceives") / Israel ("wrestles w/God")
  + easy to see where got **scheming** nature from →

---

**Blessed** be the Lord, 
the God of my master Abraham,

who has not forsaken his **steadfast love** 
and his **faithfulness** toward my master.

[Genesis 24:27 (ESV)](# "ref")
[Lake of Carezza, Italy. Alessandro Viaro](https://unsplash.com/photos/fwWj5Y1IgQg "caption")

>>>
+ Focus not on how hard **Isaac** searched for wife
  + not on **Reb** being perfect wife for Isaac
  + not even **Abe's** faith or **Eliezer's** diligence
+ but **God's** chesed love, as in Eliezer's **prayer**: [v7] 
+ His faithfulness to His **promises**
  + His **plan** from Abe to Isaac to Jacob
+ through both **royal** and **priestly** lines,
  + on down to **Jesus**
  + through whom **all nations** are blessed
+ Focus is on His **steadfast love** + **faithfulness**

---

>>>
+ **Families** remember our Creator
  + **honour** You in our homes
+ **Remember** who You are as Promise-Keeper
  + Creator, Shepherd, Father
+ **Trust** in Your promises completely
  + even as You give each one a **choice**
  + whether to obey or **refuse** Your blessing
+ **Prepare** selves w/focus + intent
  + **praying** w/faith to see Your promises fulfilled
+ **extending** invitation that others may
  + enter into Your **covenant love** + truth