Finding Isaac a wife to fulfill the promise Part 2: Character

Abraham, in sending his servant to find a bride for Isaac tells him God will send an angel to guide him, and that if the woman is not willing to come,  he is released from the oath Abraham caused him to swear. The servant leaves, arrives at Nahor  making his camels  kneel by the well at the time when women go out to draw water. He asks the Lord “Let it be that the young woman to whom I say, “Please let down your pitcher that I may drink,’ and she says, ‘Drink, and I will also give your camels a drink’—let her be the one You have appointed for Your servant Isaac. By this I will know that You have shown kindness to my master” (Genesis 24:8-14).

In asking for a sign the servant is not answering one way of the other, the question of is there just one person whom we are supposed to marry. Matthew Henry puts it this way, in asking for a sign it is “a prayer that God would provide a good wife for his young master. It  was a good prayer indicating she should be industrious, humble, cheerful,  and hospitable. Whatever the culture, common sense  tells us, these are the proper qualifications for a wife and mother; for one who is to be a companion to her husband, the manager of domestic concerns, and trusted to form the minds of children.”

Whatever our opinion of the roles of men and women in today's culture,  it is very likely disaster to marry into incompatibility in this area. I say this, because such incompatibility is likely to be the cause of endless strife! Our culture by and large despises stay at home mums. But in my opinion,  there is great value in putting such  a very high value on the nurture of our children. It may not be for you, but why dis someone whose opinion differs from yours in this or any other regard?  Whatever happened to “different strokes for different folks?” Are we to be tolerant only of those with whom we agree?

Our culture puts a lot of value on the externals, on power, money, beauty, intelligence etc. “Man looks on the outward appearance, but God looks on the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7).  Peter tells us  “Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine cloths,  rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God (1 Peter 3:3, 4). For us men, our role model is Jesus,  meek but not mild (Matthew 5:5).  Meekness is not weakness, it is strength under control (see also Galatians 5:22, 23).  Jesus was not mild, it was not a mild man who controlled His anger by taking time to braid a whip of chords before driving the money changers out of the temple (John 2:15; see also 11 March).

Father, I confess that many of us have allowed the outward appearance, even sexual attraction to dominate our decisions about mates.  For many of us Lord, todays thoughts are too late. But thank You that You are a God who redeems.  For those for whom it's not too late, or who are starting out again after disaster, help us to not compromise our values in choosing a mate. And help us to wait, and to be guided by You  in Jesus Name Amen