Narrative Lectionary Key Verse for Today
“And they called Rebekah, and said to her, ‘Will you go with this man?’ She said, ‘I will.’”
NL Daily Devotion for Thursday, September 21, 2023
by R. M. Fergus, Clergy Stuff
I’ve always been partial to Rebekah. And not just because my name is Rebekah, although that does play into it, I suppose.
When Abraham’s servant goes looking for a wife for Isaac, he’s looking for someone who is kind and of service—someone who will offer him water and then offer to water his camels. Rebekah shows up, sets aside what it is she had come to do, and works to make sure this stranger has what he needs. I aspire to that kind of openness and kind service.
When the servant insists that Rebekah not delay a few days, but return with him immediately to meet and marry Isaac, and her parents give her the option, she has the strength of spirit to say, “Yes. I will go.” She is the one who decides. She is secure enough in herself to take action and trust God with the outcome. I aspire to that kind of trust and willingness.
When Isaac takes Rebekah into his mother’s tent, he “loves her.” I think this is the first time in the Bible where it talks about one person loving another person. And while the marriage is still pre-arranged without the bride and groom having seen each other (or even known of each other) until almost the moment of the wedding, Isaac at once loves Rebekah, and, I am sure, she loves him. She is kind, resourceful, willing, smart, and above all, loveable. That is one aspect of Rebekah I do not need to aspire to. I know I am loveable, that I deserve love, and that I am loved. And so are you.
What biblical person do I most relate to? Why?
