An interesting narrative of the start of finding a bride for Abraham’s beloved son, Isaac! We see a few instructions given to his trusted servant, Eliezer in this regard. What are the key elements that went into the search and the finding of the right bride? In our generation, the principles of God’s Word in this crucial matter still holds good.

• Abraham’s priority of finding a godly bride (Not among the Canaanites V3)- The first element for any successful marriage is finding godly partners- both who know the Living God and worship Him. 2 Cor.6:14 is clear in this aspect: “Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?” An unequal yoking is a sure recipe for disunity, discord and sometimes a dissolving of what God intended to be a strong and lasting union. So thumb rule for a believer is that he/she should always seek for a believer spouse!

• Eliezer’s prudence in seeking God’s guidance (Vs10-14)- We see the servant who seeks God’s counsel every step of the way! Prov. 3:5,6 says: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” He prayed and trusted God to lead him to the right person for his master’s son. And we see how his prayers were answered and how he made sure this was God’s choice! Prayer is the key ingredient before a marriage and continuing after. As parents, it is never too early to start praying for the right spouses for your children. And in our day where the customs have changed, and our youngsters seek to find their own partners, it is crucial to keep in mind that you must not first run with your heart but seek to know God’s will and choice for your life partner. God will bring success if we seek His counsel!

• Rebekah’s presentation of herself (Vs15-20)- Rebekah is introduced in the backdrop of her family as a beautiful virgin. Keeping oneself pure and undefiled in a world that has hit rock bottom in its moral values is so important for a believer. 1 Thess.4:3-5 says, “It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God;” The sanctity of marriage is the foundation of a lasting marriage.

Then we see Rebekah being courteous in her behaviour towards Eliezer; besides we see her to be an industrious woman who waters all of Eliezer’s camels! Later we see her willingness to go with him to her would-be bridegroom. In all of this, Eliezer perceived Rebekah to be the right bride for Isaac. Though these are great qualities in themselves, every woman can work towards the beauty of the “… inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” (1Peter 3:4).

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While taking into consideration the preparation of the right bride for the waiting groom, it points to the Church the bride of Christ being prepared for meeting her bridegroom, Christ Jesus. Eph.5: 25-27 says “…Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.” May we keep ourselves pure and holy to be presented to Him on that day of His coming!

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Thought: “As God by creation made two of one, so again by marriage He made one of two.”~ Thomas Adams

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LISTEN- Strange Logic: An original song by Rampert and Meghala Ratnaiya