The Genesis record has love stories that far outdo Hallmark romances. Isaac and Rebekah getting together is one of them. In Genesis 24, banking on God’s promises, Abraham delegated his chief servant to go to the land of Abraham’s heritage to find a wife for Isaac – the son through whom God would fulfill his promises. Without clarity as to how he would recognize “the right one”, nor the certainty that she would agree to come back with him, the servant sets out to the land of Mesopotamia in search of a bride for his master’s son.
Having arrived at his destination, the servant was gripped by the enormity of his task. So, he prayed that God would “show steadfast love” to his master, Abraham, and lead him to the right woman for the success of his mission. Trusting the promise that God made to his master, the servant requested a specific sign – when I ask a young woman for water, she will offer to water my camels, too. Camels drink a LOT of water!
As the servant pulled up to a well at evening watering time, the “amen” to his prayer was, “By this I shall know that you have shown steadfast love to my master” (Genesis 24:14). Before he finished his prayer, the young and beautiful Rebekah approached the well. He asked her for water; she gladly refreshed him… then she offered to water his camels!
Upon discovering Rebekah’s heritage, the servant was once again gripped – but no longer by the magnitude of the task. When God answered his request with specific detail, he became intensely aware that God was near – he heard, he provided, his love was steadfast. The servant bowed down and worshiped.
The word translated “steadfast love” is the Hebrew word hesed, which Michael Card defines as, “When the person from whom I have a right to expect nothing gives me everything.”* It is the LORD our God who purposes and brings to pass through his loving providence. He comes near to grace us with his goodness in unmistakable ways. God has spoken to us in his Son (Hebrews 1:2; Philippians 2:6-7). He is the God who comes near. Bow and worship him.
_____________________* Michael Card, Inexpressible: Hesed and the Mystery of God’s lovingkindness, (IVP Books, 2018) p.5
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