Isaac Meets Rebekah

Published Nov 13, 2024, 10:00 AM

# 29 - Isaac Meets Rebekah - In this episode of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein, Eliezer embarks on a journey to find a wife for Isaac, trusting in divine guidance to fulfill Abraham's wishes. This episode reflects on obedience, faith, and God's providence, as Rebekah's kindness and willingness to follow lead to a love story orchestrated by God's hand.

Episode 29 of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein is inspired by the Book of Genesis.

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For more information about Yael Eckstein and IFCJ visit https://www.ifcj.org/

Today's opening prayer is inspired by Ephesians 5:15-16, “Therefore watch carefully how you walk, not as unwise, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”

Listen to some of the greatest Bible stories ever told and make prayer a priority in your life by downloading the Pray.com app.

Show Notes:

(01:51) Intro with Yael Eckstein

(03:04) Isaac Meets Rebekah - Cinematic Retelling

(35:18) Reflection with Yael Eckstein

Previously on the chosen people.

Can you count the stars, Abram.

Abram shook his head uncertain.

You cannot, for there are too many. It is impossible. It is to be the same with your offspring. The great nation I shall make through your air would be as innumerable as the stars in the night sky.

Sarah has given you a son, Isaac.

Listen, carefully, take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love. Go to the land of Moriah and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains.

My son, Ai, I must ask something of you.

Whatever you ask of me, Father, I'll do.

See destiny, dreams, the future. Isaac represented all those things. With one fell swoop of his blade. He would end it all, sacrifice it all for his god. Abraham poised to strike and shouted to the heavens. His voice billowed against the wind. He threw his hips back, cocked his arm, and began his descent into sorrow.

Abraham, Abraham, do not lay a hand on the boy or do anything to him.

For now I know that.

You fear your God, since.

You have not withheld your only son from me.

Amidst the aired landscape of Canaan, with faith and obedience her only guides. A young woman's kindness becomes the key to an ancient promise fulfilled. Shallo, my friends from here in the Holy Land, i'm ya l Extein with the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews. Welcome to the Chosen People. Today's story is the story of a mission, a mission of love and faith, A mission where every step echoes with ancient promises, of a covenant, whose every choice reverberates through the corridors of time, whose outcome is consequential for generations yet to come. A mission that asks us, what does it mean to trust in something greater than ourselves? And how do we find direction when the road ahead is shrouded and uncertainty? And what are those invisible threads that bind us to our ancestors who came before us? These are the questions that stir our hearts as we embark on the mission found in Genesis twenty four, a mission that is as much about faith as it is about finding a pride for Isaac.

The dawn's early light stretched long fingers across the pasture, casting shadows that dance like phantoms in the morning. Mist Elieza was inspecting the freshly shorn wool, evaluating its quality to ensure it bore the mark of his master Abraham. As the morning sun cast long shadows across the pasture and urgent summons reached him without delay, he nodded to the shepherds and hastened towards Abraham's tent. The old Patriarch's tent was a simple but stately structure, its weathered fabric bearing the marks of many seasons.

Yes, Master Abram, you called for me.

Yes, Eliazar, I have something important to discuss with you. Please take a seat with me. I've decided to take another wife. I miss Sarah dear, and her memory will be with me every day, but I can no longer ignore the duty that is expected of me. I've put it off for these past three years, but I can't put it off for much longer.

Yes, that's wise, Master, It's as the custom of your God goes, be fruitful and multiply. I should be glad to see you have more children and add to our household.

Quite but it actually wasn't my marriage that I wanted to speak with you about. It's Isaac's ah. Yes, though he is a man grown, I admit I still think of him as my precious boy. Perhaps it's the vast difference in age between us. He is the child of my twilight years. But he has taken on every responsibility I've given him and worn it well. He is a fine air one I know I can and rely on. But now that my own attention turns to matrimony, I must acknowledge that my son is yet a bachelor. Truth be told, I enjoy having him near me, and perhaps that is why I have put this off for so long. But I must see Isaac married before I take a wife.

He is ready, Master. He will make a fine husband, just as he will bear his inheritance.

Well, I know, Eliezar, Thank you.

Do you wish for me to search for a bride for him, Master.

I do, But I suppose that brings us to the heart of what I would ask of you.

Master, I will do anything you ask.

I know you will.

Eliezar, you are a true friend. I would have you seek out a wife for Isaac from the land of my family in haran Ah.

I see that is quite the journey.

Yes it is, But I cannot permit a marriage pact with the people of Canaan. They do not know our God or understand our ways. I fear this could lead my son or his children, or his children's children astray. And besides, our God has spoken of my legacy in my line time and time again. I wish for the line of my father's to be preserved through my grandchildren. I want to honor the line of Shem, that of Noahs, and that of Seths.

I understand, Master, But suppose the woman is unwilling to follow me back to this land. It would be a great distance without the protection of her family, and she would be a complete stranger in these lands. It would be quite a woman who is bold enough to forego the protection of her father's house and take me at my word. If I am unsuccessful at finding such a woman, who would venture to Canaan to secure a marriage. Fact, should I have Isaac come with me to the land of your fathers instead?

No, Isaac will not return there. I would have you swear an oath to me to ensure that you carry this task out in exactly the manner I've commanded. When the God Most High came to me all those years ago, he bid me go out and leave the land for good. He promised that my offspring would have this land worth standing upon. Right now, our God will go ahead of you and make a way for you to get a wife from my son there. If the woman is unwilling to come back with you, then you will be released from this oath of mine. Only do not take my son back there. I understand, Master, I am ready to swear the oath. I must have you do this, not because I do not trust you, but because if something were to happen, or if I should not live to see the result, I would rest easier knowing that we swore this oath. As you know, this is profoundly important to me. The promise must be protected at all costs. We must remain the chosen people.

I understand, Master Apram, I will do as you ask.

With that, Elieza dutifully knelt before his master and placed his hand under Abraham's thigh, as was the custom of Abraham's people when swearing this type of oath Allah. The oath resembled a curse upon Elieza should he break it. Though born and raised in another land, Elieza had learned the ways of Abraham's people.

Well, swear by my God God Almighty, the God most High, that you will not take a wife from my son, from the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I lived, but that you will go to my land and my family to take a wife from my son Isaac.

I swear by our God.

Let this be a solemn sign between us that if this oath is not carried out, any of my children will avenge your unfaithfulness.

I understand, Master, Thank.

You, Eliezer.

Now I hope your journey brings you back to us swiftly. I do not wish to die with my duty to take another wife unfulfilled, and I am sure Isaac would feel the same.

Of course, Master, very true, I would not have you delay this blessing on my account.

Two weeks later, Eliezer and his men approached Taran, their ten camels laden with provisions and gifts. The journey had been swift, driven by Eliaz's determination and the urgency of his mission. Each day prayed fervently for success, for he dreaded returning to Abraham without fulfilling his vow. Eliezer had joined Abraham's household when the patriarch had pass through Damascus. The young servant had grown by Abraham's side, rising from obscurity to become chief servant and trusted adviser. He owed everything to Abraham, and he loved him as a father. As they neared heron as scout raised a hand to hold the party.

This be Aram Naharaim. If the travelers from the roadway back there, can we believe the locals call it nahorstown.

Neahor Master Abraham's brother. We're in the right place.

Hi. It sounds like he's a prominent man in these parts, rich too. Oh.

Yes, our master's family was wealthy long before he departed from them. These sons of Shem are considered merchant princes, their well thrivaling royalty among the trade routes between Haran and oh Nery.

Aye.

A suitable family for our master's son, then.

Eh, yes, exactly, I see a well over there by the city walls. Let's unload the camels so we can water them. We can also set up camp here outside the walls.

Yes, Eliza.

The men sprang from their camels and set to the task Eliezer had assigned them. Eli Azer dismounted more slowly and massaged his aching joints once he was on the ground. The ride here had been long and hard, and the weight of his task hadn't helped. He decided to go and see to his own thirst before returning to help the other men unload. As he neared, he saw the townswomen emerging to draw water in the cool of the day. He watched them, wondering if any were kin to Nahor and if he might find Isaac's bride among them. For two weeks, Eliezer had pondered how to fulfill his task. Now standing at Aaron's well, he devised a test. He closed his eyes and prayed silently to the God of Abraham.

Aye, I ask you, God, Most High God of my master Abraham, make this happen for me to day, and show kindness to my master Abraham. Here I am, Lord, standing at the spring where the daughters of the men of the town are coming out to draw water. Let the girl to whom I say, please lower your water jug so I may drink, and who responds drink and our water the camels also, Let her be the one whom you have appointed for your servant, Master Isaac. By this I will know that you have shown kindness to my master.

Eli As I felt satisfied with the test, he had devised. He would ask the approaching women if they would draw a drink for him, a hospitable act the most any respectable woman would certainly oblige. But he would know that Abraham's God's hand was at play if the woman miraculously went above and beyond this common display of social niceties. He had ten camels in tow. Watering them would be no small task. If a woman offered to do that as well, there would be no denying divine intentions were at work. Eyes still closed, Elieza sent out a quieter, a more vulnerable prayer in his heart to the God of Abraham. He prayed that his voice would be heard, that he would even be permitted to make such a request to this powerful god. He desperately hoped that his master's God would deign to listen to him. He hoped for it as much as he was fearful of failing Master Abraham. As he opened his eyes, a young woman approached her water jug, balanced gracefully on her shoulder. Elieza watched her with anticipation, his heart pounding, My.

Lady, I have news. What is it, Deborah, hurry, let's hear it. I must leave to go down and draw water soon.

That's just it, my lady, I hurt. Some wealthy travelers just arrived. They're saying it's an advanced party sent out on behalf of some lord or merchant to look for a wife. I heard their wealth is quite substantial.

Oh, you would have me go down and bat my eyes.

You should find out what their business is. At least, my lady, you should be the first to offer them hospitality. Go and make a good impression. See what comes of it.

Deborah, have you made an offering to the Goddess Eana today? Did you beg for her favor in love and fertility? Your scheming is as bad as Laban's.

My lady, If I thought as your brother does, I would be on the city wall peering down at them and counting the parcels myself.

I wouldn't be surprised if Laban isn't doing that very thing. I do suppose you're right. Though it doesn't cost me anything to be kind, and who knows I could have much to gain. I would be wise to see if there's something advantageous for me. Oh, and I know my brother Laban would never forgive me if I let a good opportunity pass me by.

Not half an hour later, Rebecca was on her way toward the well. Deborah fussed over her clothes, but then frantically shoot her out the door of their house, Fretting about the other young women of the town speaking to the visitors before her, Rebecca nervously smoothed her dress with one hand as she walked. The other balanced the large clay water jug on her shoulder. Rebecca was young, but she was no fool to the way of things. Her brother Larban had not yet begun to take marriage negotiation meetings with her, but she knew what was expected of her. She was the daughter of a great family. Her grandfather was none other than their patriarch, Nahor. The day was soon coming that she would be a bride, and if she could have a hand in bringing it about, she was determined to do so. Rebecca was clever, never missing an opportunity. Deborah often told her she had a wilful and independent spirit that would need to be curbed some day, but Rebecca could not help it. Perhaps she and her brother were more alike than she would care to admit. Rebecca inhaled sharply and straightened her shoulders as she passed through the city gates. Sure enough, the camels were kneeling beside the well. Deborah was right. The amount of goods divided among the unridden camels was staggering. Perhaps their lord was as rich as her family, maybe even more so, she chuckled to herself. There she was thinking like Larbon again. As she approached the entrance to the well, she noticed a man standing several paces away, watching her. Keeping her head high in her shoulders back, she demurely pretended not to notice him. She proceeded to walk down the stairs and draw water from the well. He had the look of a servant, but one of status the head servant.

Perhaps.

She sifted through her thoughts to plan what to say to him. But as she climbed the stairs to the well, she found that all her schemes and designs suddenly evaporated from her mind. She didn't feel overwhelmed or scared. She just felt present, an odd feeling since she constantly dreamed and skimmed about the future. Rebecca was aware of her breath going in and out of her lungs. Her mind felt crystal clear and open. The man approached, Please, my lady, would you let me have a little water from your vessel. Up close, Rebecca was surprised to feel compassion for the man. He seemed incredibly weary and tired. He must have come from a far distance. Though she did not know him, she felt responsible to him for some reason, loyal even without thinking, she cared for. Shrugged the heavy water jug from her shoulder, clasping it with two hands, and handed it to him in a gesture of kindness.

Drink, my lord.

She watched as he drank long and deep from the jug. She saw the camels kneeling beside the water trough behind him. She could see from here that the limestone bottom of the trough was cracked and dry as a bone. The water from the day had been drained earlier or evaporated in the heat. Again, a strong sense of compassion nagged at her. She had to do something about that. She was young and capable. She found within her an intense, urgent desire to help.

Please my Lord, Allow me to serve you. I see that your camels have not been watered after your journey. I'll also draw water for them until they've had enough to drink.

The man blinked at her in surprise, but graciously handed her back her vessel and stepped aside. Rebecca emptied the rest of her jogging to the trough. She took her empty water chug and descended the stairs. She drew more water and began the climb again. The first camel was already drinking deeply from the trough, and the others were crowded around, eager to drink from the next. It took Rebecca nine trips just to satisfy the first camel. The man watched her still, and now his companions had slowed their camp making to watch this strange scene unfold, that of a young girl hurrying back and forth from the well to the trough. A few of them started to move forward to help, but the man wordlessly waved them off, his eyes still fixed on Rebecca. But Rebecca didn't stop at the first camel. She kept drawing water and marching up and down the stairs, lungs and legs burning, until all ten camels nearly one hundred trips, were watered. All the while she wondered at herself. Gone was the advice from her nurse maid, Gone was her own ambition or scheme. Instead, there was only this overwhelming sense of miraculous loyalty. The kindness and compassion she felt in her heart were all that remained As she labored at her task. Eliezza had to keep reminding himself not to hang his mouth open in disbelief. The girl was fulfilling the test he laid before God. He was stunned into silence. The task had taken several hours to complete, but she didn't stop to rest or show signs of halting, even once. The light was very nearly gone from the sky now and the flicker of lamps in high windows could be seen beyond the city walls. The girl finally stopped when she poured the last portion of water into the trough for the last camel. She turned and faced him, panting as if waiting for him to speak. Still in shock, dumbly, Elieza stumbled forward toward one of the camels, now kneeling satiated beside her.

My lady, wait, I know it's getting late, and I'm sure your family will be wondering where you are, but I would present.

You with something.

He fumbled through the saddle bags until he found what he was looking for. He then stood before the girl. She was young, but stunningly beautiful, with sharp, clever eyes that he knew would not miss a thing. This was undoubtedly the girl God intended for Master Isaac, and still shaking with realization and clarity, he gently took her hand and placed a half shekeled gold ring in her palm. He then took her other hand and placed two bracelets weighing ten shekels of gold upon her wrists.

Whose daughter are you? And please tell me? Is there room in your father's house for us to spend the night?

I am the daughter of Bethul, son of Milcah, whom she bore to Nahor. And yes, our camp has plenty of straw and feed for your camels, and a place for you and your men to spend the night.

Elieza should not have been surprised by this discovery, after what he had just witnessed, but he was amazed for a second time that evening. When the girl named herself one of Abraham's extended family. An overpowering sense of awe swelled inside Eliezza, and he dropped to his knees in amazement.

Blessed be the God of my master Abraham. He has not withheld his kindness and his faithfulness from my master as for me. This same god, the god of my master, has not led me astray, but led me straight to the house of my master's relatives.

Rebecca ran home and promised to send someone back to meet them and escort them to her house. A short while later, Elieza and his men were preparing to move the camels when a large bear like man approached.

Rather, I am Laban at yours. My sister tells me you have joined it a long while Lamb. I shall spoil you with lamb wine and figs. Your camels will have plenty of straw, and your heads will have soft pillows to be at ease.

Larban presented himself as a jolly simple man, Yet Rebecca knew better. She knew that Larban always had an angle. The wheels were always turning behind his wide smile and earnest, deep voice. Elieza and the others were escorted to the grand dining tent. Tapestries of Nahor's exploits laced the walls and floor. Torches flickered, music played, and the rich smell of lamb stew and roasted figs filled the air. It was nearly more than Elieza could handle after such a journey, but he had to remember the task at hand.

My Lord Laban, and sweet Lady Rebecca, I must not eat until I've said what I've come to say.

Speak to your heart's content.

I am Abraham's servant, that is Abraham, son of Terah, and your father's brother. Now, God Almighty has blessed my master in the land of Canaan. He has become very wealthy in land and resources. God has given him flocks and herds, silver and gold, servants, camels and donkeys. Sarah, my master's wife, bore a son to my master in her old age, and he has given him everything he owns. His name is Isaac.

Hell has a paused for breath, and when he did, he noticed with amusement that Rebecca's cheeks reddened at the mention of Isaac's name.

You see, I have traveled back to this land because my master put me under an oath. He said to me, you will not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites, but will go to my father's family. Well to day we arrived in the land of my master, and this is the first town we came upon. Imagine my surprise when we came to discover the name. While resting at the well, I devised a test to discern God's will. I prayed to him and I said, let the young woman who comes out to draw the water, and I say to her, please, let me drink from your vessel. And she responds, drink, and I'll also water for your camels. Let her be the woman that God Almighty has appointed for my master's son.

The look of shark on the faces around the table revealed that this match precisely to the account Rebecca told them.

So, it sounds like you already know where my tail is heading. Before I had even finished praying, there was Rebecca with her jug of water. What happened next was it was exactly the sign that I had prayed for. So you see the God of my master Abraham, He's guided me to you, the granddaughter of my master's own brother.

I speak for all of us when I say I am amazed. Now I've heard rumors of Abraham's God whispers and tall tales that blow in with the sand. Hearing your account makes me believe.

All the more.

Hoo, it would seem that we have no choice in the matter. You have also already offered, my dear sister, what would appear to be the beginning of a generous bride price. You should stay so we can discuss the details of the arrangement. As long as it's all right with you, dear sister.

It seems fitting, brother, let's proceed.

Ah, Yes, fitting indeed, Eliezar raise your cup to Rebecca and Isaac.

Household hummed with an excited frenzy. Elieza and Laban negotiated the bride price. Of course, Laban squeezed every last ounce he could during the negotiations, but in the end all was set and ready. She was to be Isaac's wife. She could scarcely sleep and have been up at first light to begin preparing for her journey. Word had come to her that Eliezza was eager to depart right away. Rebecca heard voices from outside. She leaned in closer to listen.

I know you are eager to get back to your master, but let the girl stay with us for another ten days. We are delighted with your offer, but this is so sudden. We need time to prepare. Give us ten days then she can go.

I understand this may seem sudden, but please do not delay me. Since God Almighty has made my journey successful, I must go to tell my master and tell him.

But we cannot organize an escort for her on such short notice.

You would have us send Rebecca alone without the protection of her family.

Because you were unwilling to.

Wait a few days.

I cannot delay, but I assure you she will be under my protection. I will see her to my master and my master's son safely.

But how let us ask the girl. I am sure Rebecca will have himpeen. She will decide.

Rebecca pulled away from the door in surprise. She thought she would have more time to prepare for this new life. Now that her thoughts were racing, she wondered if she would ever be ready for something like this, leaving the nun and stepping into the unknown to learn a new land and its customs, to learn to follow this God of Abraham. She had never met Isaac or traveled to the land she would help him rule. What had seen and exciting in one moment now seemed utterly daunting. As she fumbled through her thoughts, her mother, Elieza, and Laban entered Rebecca.

A Liezer maintains that he cannot be delayed in reporting back to his master. Will you go with him? He intends to leave this very day.

Rebecca looked from her mother to Alieza. When she looked at him, all her overwhelming fears dissipated again. She felt that sensation of loyalty and peace. Whether it was the display of this man's faith or the power of his God, she knew it would be all right.

I will go.

Look at this desolate place.

Do these people live in sand castles? My betrothed people are ranchers. They travel with their flocks and move about in caravans. I would think some areas are more barren than others.

Rebecca had never beheld anything quite like the Negev before. She had lived in Nahor's town her whole life, and traveled to Haran and the surrounding camps on occasion. Nothing could have prepared her to see great plains and the wild wildernesses. But when they arrived at the edge of the Negev Well, she had never seen anything like it. It was barren and harsh, yet she marveled at its dangerous beauty. Her betrothed family had learned to harness the land and create a vast empire. She too, would soon be brought into the fold and learn the ways of the desert.

He Yezon, are we close. I'm not sure how many more days on a camel my rump can take.

We are close. We have just crossed into the Master's lands.

Rebecca's heart soared in anticipation. Hardly a fortnight ago, her family had sent her off with Abraham's servant all her belong means Dowry, and her nursemaid, Deborah, who would become her handmaiden in her new roller's mistress. Her family had blessed her before she left, and she had given them each a tearful goodbye late at night when they slept under the stars. She still missed them terribly, but as each day brought her closer to her new home, she could not deny the excitement building inside. Just then, movement on the horizon caught her attention. Through the haze of the desert, her shape started to solidify.

It was a man, Eliezer. Who is that in the field coming out to meet us? How can you.

See anyone through this blasted haze and heat?

That my lady is Master Isaac.

Rebecca blushed and grinned like a fool. She quickly turned away from Eliezza to hide her nervousness.

My lady, your veil.

You're about to meet your patrolled You should dune your veil.

That is what is proper in your new station.

Rebecca heeded her former nursemaid and donned her veil. She fidgeted atop her camel in the saddle and wished her palms were not sweating so much. As the man approached, he was alone, as if returning from a leisurely walk about his lands. His stature was impressive, even from the top of her camel, and at a distance she could tell he was tall, but his demeanor was not intimidating. She could see a good natured grin springing across his face, brightening his eyes and forming deep crinkles on his face. This was a man who smiled a great deal.

He Liezer, you've returned that I have Master Isaac, and so soon eager to remain my father's favorite.

I see.

Master Isaac. As you can see, I have returned from my journey. God has made it successful. May I present Lady Rebecca.

Rebeca inclined her head and found that when she brought her gaze back up to meet her betrothed. His smile had somehow doubled in size. Butterflies coursed through her, and she was thankful that the veil covered most of her face. She could only imagine the vibrant shade of red that could be found beneath it. The desert heat was nothing to the heat that radiated from her cheeks. She then remembered she was supposed to say something, Oh, my.

My lord, I have traveled a long way to meet you. I am honored to become your wife.

Oh no, no, Rebecca, it is I who am honored. Look at how far you've traveled, why you've uprooted your whole life to be here. I just pray I don't disappoint you with that.

He strode to her camel, reached up with muscular arms, and lifted her gently to the ground. Her breath caught as he set her down, and she nearly swooned as she grasped his arms to steady herself. As if sensing her nervousness, he gave her a good natured smile and turned to Elieza.

Eliezer, tell me everything I want to know about your journey and how you met this lovely woman. Spare no detail.

Rebecca was grateful for not being the center of attention. She wondered if Isaac knew that explicitly or simply intuited sir. As they walked side by side, she had the opportunity to observe him. He earnestly listened and responded to Elieza's story with great enthusiasm. Rebecca admired the man's easy going way about him.

My lady, Rebecca, I'm amazed you can stand around all these camels for a moment longer, after all the time you spent watering and wandering among them these past weeks. But fear not, my dear, your camel wrangling days are far behind you.

Oh, I am grateful to hear it.

My lord, Come, I would be honored to introduce you to father.

Isaac took Rebecca's hand as they walked toward his father's camp. She looked up at him, and he smiled at her. She smiled back. Rebecca was home at last.

Isaac and Rebecca. It's one of those tales that feels more like a Hollywood screenplay than ancient history. The drama starts when Abraham, our aging patriarch, sends his faithful servant on a mission to find a wife for Isaac, his beloved son. No pressure right now, Imagine the scene, a vast desert, stretching as far as the eye can see, a lone servant with ten camels trudging through the sand, dust swirling all around him. And then there's a well, a simple well can you might pass by without a second thought. And then there she is, Rebecca, a woman of unparalleled kindness and hospitality. She offers water, not just to the servant, but to all ten of his camels. That's no small feet. A camel can drink up to thirty gallons of water at a time. We are talking about a major act of service here. It's a love story that I believe is scripted by God himself, and it's a story that shows his hand at work. But here's the thing. How often do we recognize God's hand at work in our own lives. We rush through our days, eyes and minds focused on the tasks at hand, and sometimes we miss the divine moments along the way. Do you ever feel that way that you miss something that's so important. Maybe it's the smile of a stranger. It could be as simple as a kind word from a friend. It could even be the stillness of a morning prayer. But when you open your eye to it, God's fingerprints in your life are everywhere. The story of Isaac and Rebecca reminds us that every step we take, every encounter, and every act of kindness is directly orchestrated by a loving God who cares about the details. So next time you find yourself at a proverbial well, take a pause look around, because if you open your eyes, you might just see God's hand at work writing your very own story. Now, let's talk about Rebecca and Isaac, since this is actually their story. The test to find a wife for Isaac that ultimately leads to Rebecca is an interesting one, isn't it.

It's not to find the.

Woman who praised the most deeply or has the closest relationship to God. It's not to find the most spiritual woman. Now, it's to find the woman who showed the greatest commitment to hospitality to strangers and even to their cam Doesn't this seem like a strange test if you actually think about it, But the truth is, if we look at it through Godly eyes, it's not so strange. Think about Abraham. Think about those qualities of hospitality and compassion. Those were so important to our patriarch. As we've seen in previous episodes, those qualities are still central to the Jewish people. So it's actually not so strange that compassion and hospitality would be absolute musts for Isaac's bride, who's going to continue his lineage. Those same qualities hospitality and compassion are ones we all, as God's chosen people, should still show today. Those are Godly qualities, and it's those same qualities that drive the Fellowship each and every day here in Israel and all around the world. Here at the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, the organization that I oversee, we seek out those in need and we provide them what is all too often lacking life saving food, water, shelter, medicine, and love. We look at the scriptures and God tells us where we should be. We should be there to save lives of the lonely.

And the hopeless.

And that's where the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews goes. As Rebecca is passing the test, Isaac is waiting back at home for his new bride. In verse sixty three, we read that Isaac quote went out to the field one evening to meditate, and as he looked up, he saw camels approaching. Now, the Bible doesn't tell us what Isaac was meditating about, but we can be pretty sure that he was praying that his bride would be the right one for him, that she would help him carry on the great tradition of his parents, beloved Abraham and Sarah. In fact, Jewish tradition teaches us that at that moment, Isaac established one of the three main prayer services that the Jewish people still pray every single day. Isaac's prayer in the field is the Jewish prayer in the afternoon. You see Jewish people say the traditional prayers from the prayer book three times a day in the morning, in the afternoon, and in the evening. This prayer that Isaac instituted is the afternoon prayer called Minchah, which literally means offering. And this prayer is one where we stop our work and offer to God our time praying in the middle of the day in the afternoon, we stop and we say, I am yours, my time is yours, my success is yours. But even as his prayer is one still prayed by Jews today. Isaac didn't whip out a prayer book when he first prayed this prayer. No, Isaac prayed from the heart. He prayed spontaneously, and this can be a model of prayer for all of us. Of course, we often pray from a text, but all prayers, especially at the most important moment in our lives, like this moment for Isaac, must also be from the heart, our own personal words of connecting with God. And like Isaac, we pray knowing that our Father in heaven Avenu shebasha Mine is guiding us every step of the way. So much is happening in this love story of Isaac and Rebecca. To expand more in its significance to Christians, Let's turn again to my good friend, Bishop Paulineer.

Thank you so much. Child. Here we are in Genesis chapter twenty four, and it's one of the most consequential chapters of generational transfer that we're going to read about. In fact, I don't think I'm exaggerating when I say to you that Rebecca is one of the most significant persons or characters individuals in our entire faith. It didn't matter what call it said to Abraham. It didn't matter what he had promised to Isaac. If that woman, if that Rebecca didn't believe, if she didn't in somehow or away engage this God of Abraham, it's all gone. The Covenant conversation ends there. Then we come to this providential moment. Verse sixty seven says that Isaac met her and did the most profound thing. The scripture says that he took her into his mother's tent. I don't even know. You know the later Moses took his father in law, Jethrow, into his own tent. We have to be very careful who we allow on our inner circle, in those sacred spaces of our lives. I tell my people here in this church, you better know who you're Peter, James, and John are. But he brought her in that hallowed place that had been a space of hurt, and she was there to transform it into a space of healing. Rebecca came into that tent, went into that space, and you know what the scripture says, says that Isaac loved her. Isaac loved his Rebecca. Do you know this is the first time in Torah when the scriptures note that a man loved a woman. No, I'm not saying Abraham didn't love Sarah. Of course they loved each other. But it's worth noting this is the first time it's noted in this Torah that Isaac loved her. While Isaac loved her, the verse continues to say that and she comforted.

Him.

He loved her and she comfort What a.

Wonderful moment.

In his longing. She came into his mother's tent, and she lived in his hurt, and she healed him, and they began their own covenant conversation together with God. Would you think it's strange if I pray right now for you, for your children, that your son, your Isaac will meet his Rebecca, not just a pretty girl, not just a smart and brilliant, talented gift. No, it's too important. This is about your generations. Could I pray for your daughter that she meets her Isaac, not that he's just kind and he's a good guy and he makes a good living, good gracious, Think higher for your child, Think greater for your son and daughter, that the covenant blessings of God will be extended through them. Amen.

Genesis twenty four is Rebecca and Isaac's story, but it ends by mentioning Sarah. The verse last the verse. The last verse closes by telling us that after he married Rebecca, Isaac was comforted after his mother's death. According to Jewish tradition, Isaac was comforted by much more than the love of his wife. You see, when Rebecca entered Isaac's tent, a part of Sarah returned as well.

Her spirit was with them.

Tradition teaches that while Sarah was alive, there were three constant miracles in her home. The Sabbath candles burned all week, the bread never got stale or moldy, and God's clouds of glory always rested upon the tent. When Sarah left this world, those miracles left two for when Isaac married Rebecca, all three miracles returned, and the miracles and the homes of both matriarchs reflected the holiness of the women who lived inside of them. The lasting candlelight represented the warmth and insight that both women offered to others. The second miracle, the fresh bread, reflected the fresh enthusiasm that both women brought to their service of God every day. And the third miracle, the clouds of glory, which was always on their which was all and the third miracle, the clouds of Glory, which was always above them, showed God's constant presence in their homes. They spoke of God, prayed to God, and ran their homes according to God's ways. As God's Chosen People, my friends, we too can make our homes into a temple, into holy places where God's presence and blessings are bound. So let's make our own homes a place of love and light where people can rest and revive and feel renewed. Let's make our own homes into godly spaces that remind people of God and his love for them. Let's fill our homes with prayers and words of scripture. And just like Sarah and Rebecca's tents, which were open on all four sides, Let's make our homes welcoming. Let's make our homes a welcoming place for strangers and family alike. Just like our matriarchs and patriarchs, we can bring God's blessings into the world from the inner sanctuary of our homes.

You can listen to the Chosen People with isl Eckstein and free by downloading and subscribing to the Prey dot Com app today. This Prey dot com production is only made possible by our dedicated team of creative talents. Steve Gattina, Max Bard, Zach Shellabarger and Ben Gammon are the executive producers of The Chosen People with Yile Eckstein. Edited by Alberto Avilla, narrated by Paul Coltofianu. Characters are voiced by Jonathan Cotton, Aaron Salvato, Sarah Seltz, Mike Reagan, Stephen Ringwold, Sylvia Zaradoc and the opening prayer is voiced by John Moore. Music by Andrew Morgan Smith, written by Bree Rosie and Aaron Salvato. Special thanks to Bishop Paul Lanier, Robin van Ettin, kayleb Burrows, Jocelyn Fuller, and the team at International Fellowship of Christians and Jews. You can hear more Prey dot com productions on the Prey dot com app, available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. If you enjoyed The Chosen People with Yile Eckstein, please rate and leave a refew

The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein

Welcome to The Chosen People podcast with Yael Eckstein, a transformative podcast experience that in 
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