Then Isaac brought her into the tent of Sarah his mother and took Rebekah, and she became his wife, and he loved her. So Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death. (Genesis 24:67)
It did not occur to me just how many expressions of true love are apparent throughout this chapter.
Father-Son Love: The incident would look odd in modern circles here in the West. Here we know better so we leave it to the individuals to ‘fall in love’ and promote that whole ethos of individual autonomy. There is a love story that happens later in Genesis that ticks the box. For the present, though, look at how much Abraham loves his son. The most important relationship in his life is not left to chance. It’s not left to a wish and a hope and a prayer. It’s actively addressed proactively by the love of a father who wants to see the best for his son. It’s not a prescription for fathers to go around setting up weddings for the offspring … well not this overtly, anyway. It speaks volumes, however of the love a parent invests in the welfare of the child.
Master-Servant Love: It’s weird to talk about this kind of love in certain circles, but look at the level of trust Abraham has in his chief servant. Entrusting such a delicate task to your chief servant says much about the depth of the relationship. Likewise the method that the servant takes in identifying the right candidate for the son of his master talks about the level of influence Abraham had on his whole household. The love of an employee and the employer need not be one driven by necessity. Over time and experience there can be real expressions of mutual love between both parties.
Family Love: In as much as the master servant feels he’s hit the jackpot when he comes across Rebekah, he acknowledges the process of getting permission before any progress can be made. At this point I always chuckle at the engagement with the brother and father of Rebekah. At first the response to Laban is one of the gold-digger. He looks at the bling that his sister shows off and he’s off life a roadrunner to bring the servant back in. Yet, the process is considered. Laban and Bethuel are not quick to sell off their beloved sister/daughter. There’s the acknowledgement of God being behind everything and they even take the intriguing step of asking Rebekah what she makes of all this, That protectiveness and willingness to engage with the woman at the centre of the affair is outstanding.
Man-Woman Love: Talk about a blind date. Rebekah has never met the man before, but she’s ready to commit herself to the selection process. Isaac has never met this woman, but he’s taken with the gift that comes his way. In fact there’s a lot about this that is familiar to how Adam behaved when God presented the woman before him. The source of comfort for Isaac after the death of a significant woman in his life was to meet another significant woman in his life. Someone who he came across, as he was out meditating. That’s quite a meditation. Also notice the initiative Rebekah took in the introduction stages by unveiling herself before her soon-to-be husband and the connection that would have huge repercussions for the history of God’s people.
God-Man Love: The concern Abraham shows for his son that leads him to commission his servant to find a wife for his son of promise comes out of a desire to honour the relationship he has with God. Indeed even as he carries out the meticulous procedure of identifying the right woman for his son, so we get a glimpse of the heavenly Father’s concern for the Bride for His Son. Such is His interest that He is willing to invest heavily in the process to ensure that His Son will have a bride fitting for the purpose. Not carried with modern whims of fancy, but grounded in the right character that will bring glory to the family. Such is the Father’s love for the Son. Such is the Father’s love His creation.
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
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