Finding Your Spouse

Finding Your Spouse “But thou shalt go unto my country, and to my kindred, and take a wife unto my son Isaac.” Genesis 24:4 In today's society it seems that most of the young men and women are frantically searching for their future husband's or wife's, which is as it is supposed to be. However, many become discouraged and impatient trying to find the right "somebody" for them. In Abraham’s day a marriage affected not only the family but also the entire tribe, or patriarchal community. Therefore it was customary for the parents to select a mate for their children. In searching for a wife for his son Isaac, however, Abraham was faced with a dilemma. The ungodly ways of the local Canaanites made marriage to one of them out of the question. And while it was customary for a man to marry within his own tribe, Abraham’s relatives lived hundreds of miles away in northern Mesopotamia. He could not simply have Isaac relocate there, for God had promised Abraham: “Unto thy seed will I give this land,” the land of Canaan. (Genesis 24:7) So Abraham sent his friend Eliezer, to go back to their land and find a wife for Isaac. Eliezer returned later with Rebekah, who was led to him by God. In time, Rebekah became Isaac’s wife, and she had the privilege of becoming an ancestress of Jesus, as Isaac’s marriage was directly tied in with God’s purpose to produce a seed through Abraham. You too may find that conforming to God’s standards is not always easy. If you are searching for a mate, do not compromise God’s standards. Seek His direction and wisdom. When we don't follow God's directions, wrong decisions are made. Always seek Him and allow Him to guide your steps. If you do, a Rebekah may be waiting for you, just around the corner. Robert W. Brock My Daily Devotional Volume Six December 15