160 likes | 269 Vues
“The Thing Has Come From the LORD.”. Inviting God’s help in your search for a mate. The popular idea of a “soul mate” is not biblical. Divine p rovidence does not override free will when we choose a mate. Abraham was concerned about who his son would marry.
E N D
“The Thing Has Come From the LORD.” Inviting God’s help in your search for a mate
The popular idea of a “soul mate” is not biblical. Divine providence does not override free will when we choose a mate.
Abraham was concerned about who his son would marry. • Abraham said to his servant, the oldestof his household, who had charge of all he had… v. 2 • He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD. Proverbs 18:22
Abraham was not motivated by financial gain. • “…swear by the LORD… that you will not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Caananites…” v. 3 • An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. Proverbs 31:10
Abraham trusted in God. • “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,’ he will send his angelbefore you…” v. 7 • House and wealth are inherited from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the LORD. Proverbs 19:14
Abraham acknowledged that a wife might not be found. • “But if the woman is not willingto follow you, then you will be free from this oath of mine…” v. 8 • Only let the person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him. 1 Corinthians 7:17
The servant was proactive in prayer. • And he said, “O LORD, God of my master Abraham, please grant me successtoday…” v 12
The criterion was hospitality. • “Let the young woman to whom I shall say, ‘Please let down your jar that I may drink,’ and who shall say, ‘Drink, and I will water your camels’—let her be the one whom you have appointed for your servant Isaac. v. 14
Rebekah’s character resembled Abraham’s. • And she quicklylet down her jar upon her hand and gave him a drink… So she quicklyemptied her jar into the trough and ranagain to the well to draw water, and she drew for all his camels. v. 18, 20
The answered prayer led to worship. • The man bowed his head and worshipedthe LORD and said, “Blessed be the LORD…” v. 26-27 • When Abraham’s servant heard their words, he bowedhimself to the earth before the LORD. v. 52
Physical beauty was not a priority. • And Rebekah lifted up her eyes, and when she saw Isaac, she dismounted from the camel… So she took her veil and veiledherself. v. 65 • Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Proverbs 31:30