January 10, 2026 - Genesis 24-26

The Bible is full of, though not always conventional, love stories.  The story of Isaac and Rebekah is one.  It’s the story of an arranged marriage – “You will not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell, but will go to my country and to my kindred, and take a wife for my son Isaac” (24:3-4) – which is not all that unusual.  The irregularity of this match lies in the details.  Abraham’s servant came to the lands of Laban where he met Rebekah at a well while watering livestock.  Standing by the spring, the servant told the Lord that he would bring back as Isaac’s wife the first single gal who came to water her animals and also offered to water the servant’s camels.  And so, Rebekah returned with the servant and, viola, Isaac had a wife.  Of course, this story is not nearly as unique in its details as that of Jacob and Rachel, which is to follow.  And, of course, there’s the story of the brothers, Jacob and Esau, yet to come.  Here’s the thing, though, through all the twists and turns of the story, the Lord repeats his promise to Isaac:  “I will be with you and will bless you, for to you and to your offspring I will give all these lands, and I will establish the oath that I swore to Abraham your father” (26:3).  Once again, we are reminded about our God’s faithfulness.  Surely, along with us, these OT men would testify of God’s assurances as he says to us:

“Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed,

for I am thy God, and will still give thee aid;

I'll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,

upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.”   --R. Keen and others (1787)