We see today that Abraham's servant completes his mission. The Lord has indeed gone before him. The bride he has selected from Abraham's ancestral household is given to him and to Isaac by her father. She herself is quite willing to go. They return and Isaac joins with Rebekah in marriage.
Scripture often compares the marriage to Christ and the Church. The Church is the bride of Christ. If we may be so bold as to make an allegory here, let's observe that Rebekah is given over to her husband. She doesn't spend time toying with him or toying with the idea of whether or not marriage would be a good idea. When the meet, they marry. I fear that many people in our modern society have the idea they would like to try out the Christian faith. Is this not like taking marriage for a "test drive" - what the Bible clearly paints as sexual immorality? This ought not to be, particularly in matters of the faith. Certainly Rebekah had familiarity with what marriage was, what would be expected of her, what the blessings would be and what the demands would be. Likewise it is right that people should be exposed to what life in the Christian Church will be like. But let's not be so hesitant to expect that people will dedicate themselves to a wholehearted life in the body of Christ. These are matters of eternal life. They are not to be toyed with.
Lord, as you prepared Isaac to care for Rebekah, so you yourself care for your body, the Church. May we see the loving care you exhibit for your people. May we devote ourselves to you in love and trust.
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