Rebekah - A Woman of Cooperation

Even today in some cultures, marriages are arranged. Brides and grooms don't get to choose each other. We who see these choices as absolute rights find it hard to imagine a time when arranged marriages were the norm. Rebekah grew up in such a world. She lived in a large household ruled by her father and brother. They had the power to decide her marital fate. But God was also working in the background of her life.

One day when she went to the city well for water she met an old man named Eliezer, a servant of Abraham. Eliezer had just prayed for guidance in finding a suitable wife for Abraham's son Isaac. Rebekah turned out to be the answer to that prayer. Both Rebekah's timing and her attitude fit Eliezer's expectations. She didn't hesitate to be helpful, even before she found he represented a distant relative.

After Eliezer met her family and explained his mission and the events at the well, Rebekah's father and brother realized God was arranging these events. They agreed to release Rebekah for marriage with Isaac. Gifts were presented. Return travel arrangements were made. Then, Rebekah was honored with the final veto, "Will you go with this man?" (Gen. 24:58). Her simple affirmation took God's plan for the world another step. She chose wisely.

Rebekah had a lot to learn. She made some major mistakes as a wife and mother. But her early and beautiful cooperation with God's work in her life was never undone. If we are going to make choices in our tomorrows that cooperate with the difference God wants to make through us, it will hinge on what we do with our nows. What decisions and opportunities are before you now? In what ways are you seeking God's guidance about the choices you have? How ready are you to respond to His direction? Even when He seems to be pointing you down a path that you don't understand, cooperation with God will always be the right way to go.

Want to know more? Read Rebekah's story in: Genesis: 24-27.