Rebekah 1

Genesis 24:10-14

This week we will be looking at the story of a young woman named Rebekah or Rivkah (in the Hebrew tradition). She is truly the hand that rocks the cradle of God's people. Because from her, everything else happens.

Abraham is now too old to go looking for a wife for his son, who is mourning the loss of his beloved Mother, Sarai. So Abraham sends a servant back to the land he came from and tells him to find a wife. She must be from Abraham's kinsmen and she must be willing to come. Those are the only stipulations that Abraham puts on the servant.

So the head of the household starts off on the journey with ten camels. TEN camels. Remember that tomorrow.

When he arrives, he prays that God will show him a sign. He wants to find Isaac a wife who is not only of their people and willing, but also generous and hospitable.

He knows that God has the young woman already in mind for Isaac. He just needs to be shown which one it is.

Each of us is one-of-a-kind with a completely unique set of skills, talents and experiences. We are who God has made us to be (if we have allowed him). We are called to be used by God for just who we are. The servant has asked God to show him this woman in secret. He isn't coming in and announcing a beauty pageant where the girls will pretend to be something they are not to impress anyone. He wants someone who is genuine.

Notice that not once does physical beauty enter into these requirements of a good wife. God does not need for us to look or act perfect. What we do need, though, is to be part of the family of faith, have a willing heart to go where we are asked, and to be hospitable to strangers. That is what makes us beautiful.

DAILY CHALLENGE: What is God calling you do to this year? Who is out there praying that your one-of-a-kind help will come their way? Ask God to show you today.