BULLETIN ARTICLE
23 June 2019
CHOOSE WISELY

In ancient Israel, and in fact in many countries, societies and cultures, marriages were arranged and decided by parents when their children reached marriageable age. But in today’s modern societies, like that in Singapore, it is not uncommon to hear concerned parents lament their lack of influence over their children’s choice of a spouse.

Not so for Abraham. He was very old and frail when he knew that it was high time to get a godly wife for Isaac, who was about forty years old. Although there was some urgency in the matter, he was not about to compromise Isaac’s future by taking the easy way of getting him a Canaanite woman. He had faith that God would provide a “kindred” godly wife for Isaac and through him would come many descendants – as numerous as the stars in the sky (Gen 22:17).

Abraham knew where to look for a godly wife for Isaac – back to his home country, some 500 miles away, where his relatives lived. The godly wife will not to be from wicked Canaan where he and Isaac were waiting to take possession of the land God had promised to give them. Although Abraham would not make the journey personally for this “godly wife search”, he sent his trusted senior servant and made him take an oath to do as instructed.

His faithful senior servant set out on the long journey to Aram Naharaim, as directed. He too knew where to look – he went to the well, where people would come to draw water (showing industry), and not to the public square where people would gather for all sorts of political and social interactions. He earnestly sought God’s guidance to lead him to the right woman. He did not stay on to celebrate or rest after the marriage proposal was accepted, even though he was very happy and had come a long way. He took leave the very next day with Rebekah, as he did not want to keep his master waiting while he lingered for celebration and leisure.

We see in this account of “seeking a godly wife for Isaac” the devotion and wisdom of Abraham and his senior servant in seeking God’s will for a godly wife for Isaac. They set their hearts and their minds, did everything in their strength, and committed the search to God every step of the way.

Whether in marriage or in Christian ministry, as in every aspect of our lives, the Apostle Paul urges us to, “Be very careful how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish but understand what the Lord’s will is” (Eph 5:15-17). We do well to follow the example of Abraham and his senior servant in doing things in our lives according to the will of God.