Godly People: Genesis 24:62-67

Godly decisions made by godly people help make us people God can use.  We do the right thing because we follow God.  Doing the right thing, though, helps us learn patterns of behavior that make it easier to do the right thing the next time.  Our decisions help make it easier to make better decisions in the future.

As Rebekah and the steward journey into Canaan, they come across Isaac.  Isaac, who had been at the well where Hagar was visited by the Lord, was out in the wilderness meditating.  When Isaac sees the caravan, he comes to investigate.

Isaac isn’t given too many significant roles in stories in Genesis.  What we do know of him is that he is obedient.  He went with his father to his own sacrifice.  Here, Isaac meditates to draw close to the Lord.  Isaac may not be flashy.  He may not have many stories where he makes a key decision and shines in glory.  But he is steadfast.  He is reliable.  He is consistent in his understanding and his obedience.

In Isaac, we see relationship with God.  It is not Isaac who is great, but rather God who is made great through Isaac’s obedience.  Isaac plays a significant role in the lineage from Abraham to Jesus, but he plays a significant role because God makes it significant.  We are significant beings because of what God does within us.

When Rebekah sees Isaac coming towards the caravan, she asks the steward who it is.  When the steward indicates him to be Isaac, Rebekah immediately dismounts.  Her actions continue to impress.

By dismounting, Rebekah puts herself on equal ground with Isaac.  She does not present herself as a threat.  She does not present herself as a superior.  She meets Isaac on his terms.  Rebekah is willing to humble herself and play the role God asks of her.

Furthermore, Rebekah places a veil upon herself as cover.  Not only is she humble, but she is respectful and modest.  When a woman places a veil upon her face, she is making several claims.  The most obvious claim is modesty.  The veil hides her beauty.  The veil allows the encounter to be about God and not about Rebekah.

The veil also makes a claim of chastity.  By donning the veil, Rebekah announces her body is undefiled.  She lets Isaac know she is pure.

Finally, the veil speaks to Rebekah’s willingness to transition to a new role in life.  The veil indicates to Isaac she is ready to become his wife.  She is ready to stop her life as an individual and become yoked together in marriage.

When Isaac sees Rebekah, he takes her into the tent of his mother and the marriage is complete.  Isaac sees Rebekah’s humility, respects her chastity, and acknowledges her desire to transition to become his wife.  Rebekah makes all the right decisions.  Godly decisions made by godly people help make us people God can use.