Happily ever after
by Verena Johnson
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Isaac brought her into the tent of his mother Sarah, and he married Rebekah. So she became his wife, and he loved her; and Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death (Genesis 24:67).
Read Genesis 24:50–67
Don’t you just love a happy ending? I know I do.
If this were a fairytale, verse 67 would end with: ‘and they all lived happily ever after’. Add Isaac and Rebekah in each other’s arms with a sunset in the background and some swelling romantic music, and you have a classic romance movie ending. Except that, we know the story doesn’t end here.
So far, we haven’t focused much on Rebekah. It seems to me she must have been a brave, strong and faith-filled woman. Not only would she have had to be strong to carry all that water to all those camels at the spring, but she was also quick to follow God’s plan even though it happened suddenly and would change her whole life.
Imagine you’re Rebekah. You’re just minding your own business; however, because you are kind and generous, you offer to water a stranger’s camels. Unexpectedly, he tells you that you’re exactly who he’s been looking for as a wife for his master. While you’re still recovering from that surprise, he gives you marriage jewellery as a sign of good faith and an indication of the wealth of his master. So, in a daze, you take him home to discuss things with your father and brother.
They all agree it’s God’s will; you can feel that too. The servant wants you to leave right now. Under normal circumstances, it would be customary for you to stay with your family for at least ten days to pack, prepare yourself for the marriage and say goodbye to everyone. But you immediately agree to leave in the morning with this stranger you’ve only just met.
Rebekah bravely agreed to uproot her comfortable, stable life for a completely unknown future. She didn’t make a list of pros and cons. She didn’t spend hours thinking and praying about it. She didn’t even worry about how she would get all her packing done in time. Why? She could feel God’s leading and didn’t hesitate to be part of his plan.
It’s interesting the blessing Rebekah’s family gave her when she left was also a prophecy that would be fulfilled. Indeed, this woman of faith would ultimately be the mother of ‘thousands upon thousands’ of descendants.
Dear God, help me to be willing to follow where you lead me. Please help me to be brave, strong and faith-filled as I follow where you lead me today. Amen.
Verena is a Church Worker Support Officer for the LCA’s Church Worker Support team, through which it is her privilege to support congregations, pastors, lay workers, employees and volunteers of the LCA. In her spare time, she is involved in drama ministry, women’s ministry and prayer ministry. She has three children and nine grandchildren in three different states.
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