Rebekah

<<the wife of Isaac, and sister of Laban>>

The servant of Abraham was tasked with finding a bride for his son Isaac, and through divine providence she was the ‘right’ one. It was only after being married for 20 years she was able to have any children. Prior to the birth of these twin boys (Esau and Jacob) their destinies were foretold (Gen 25:20-26). Her story is told in Genesis 24-27. She lived about 2000 BC.

Lessons from her life: * She had a caring attitude of heart, going beyond what was expected. Not only did she give a drink to a weary traveler but also volunteered to draw water from the well for his ten thirsty camels, and continued until the task was complete. She didn’t know this traveler was on a mission to find a wife for Isaac, and this was the response he had prayed to receive from the divinely chosen one. She was totally unaware of the ‘reward’ for such a menial task (Gen 24:13-51). Do we go beyond the call of duty to bless people as well as seeing a demanding job through to completion? God knows about any labour of love that we extend to others.

* She left her family and all that which was familiar to her and went with Abraham’s trusted servant (Gen 24:58). Sometimes to follow the call of God on our lives we have to make costly family decisions. Jesus said those who give up what is precious to them for the Kingdom of God will be blessed abundantly (Mk 10:29,30).

* Isaac favoured Esau, while Rebekah favoured Jacob (Gen 25:28). Parental favouritism is harmful and in this case destroyed the family unit, because later things came to a head and then Jacob, for his own safety, moved far away from Esau who was planning to kill him. Each child has different qualities and abilities that should only enhance its unique individual personality and not be the cause to give preferential treatment, as this will result in conflict within the family that should be a tight harmonious unit.

* Rebekah deceived her husband, devising a plan to trick an almost blind Isaac into giving the eldest son’s blessing to the younger son Jacob (Gen 27:1-40). She was prone to deceiving just as her brother Laban was. God had already told her that Jacob would be the family leader and Esau had already surrendered his birthright (Gen 25:23-34). It was just a matter of time before it happened but she took the situation into her own hands forcing the issue as she considered the end justified the means. What God has said will happen in His time, our responsibility is to walk in faith, obedience and integrity, not to usurp His authority.

* She pronounced a curse on herself (Gen 27:12,13). What we say we empower to come true. We don’t comprehend the power of words to build up and tear down (Prov 18:21). Our tongues are the cause of much trouble (Jas 3:2-12). The controlling of our tongues should be a major focus for us to take seriously. Soon after this event, for his safety Jacob moved away and it is considered the parents and two sons were never together again as Rebekah died before Jacob returned.