Arkansas State press. [volume] (Little Rock, Ark.) 1941-1959, 1945-08-03

The ordinary things of life become
extraordinary when we recognize in
them the outworking of the plan of
God. Our lesson presents one of his
torys sweetest love stories. II would
be worth reading just for that
reason, but it is also the account Of
Gods hand in the carrying forward
of His promised blessing on the seed
Of Abraham.
For long time it seemed that
there could be no fulfllment at all,
for Sarah and Abraham had no
child. Then by miracle, God gave
them a beloved son.
Isaac's remarkable deliverance In
the hour when it looked as though
he might be taken from his father
Gen. 22:l0-lO was like bringing
back one who was dead Heb. 1918,
10.
He grew into manhood, and Abra-
ham, good father and faithful SER
want OF the Lord, determined that
his son must have a godly wife. So
in accordance with Oriental custom
he sent a most trusted servant back
to their homeland to choose a bride
from their own kindred.
The altogether charming story un-
folds in our lesson as we see
!. A Faithful Servant ". 10y.
Full instructions from Abraham
and an oath that he would not
take bride for Isaac from among
the Canaanites, prepared the servant
for his journey. Taking with him a
goodly caravan and rich presents
from his master, he set out on his
journey.
There is much to learn here about
the need OF parental concern, and
their interested action in helping
young people to find the right mate.
We see the importance of avoiding
mixed marriages, especially
those between a believer and an I'm.
believer.
We see the need of constant de.
pendence on God, for only He has
the wisdom and the knowledge OF
human hearts which can properly
Join two lives together In our day
when marriage Is SO earelessly and
casually contracted, these mat,
ters need special emphasis.
ii. A Fair Damsel (vv. 1920.
To be good to look upon is GER
tainly desirable thing in wom'
an, but it has been far too much
exploited in our day Notice that
| while Rebekah was very fair, she
also had those qualities Of character
and Of experience which prepared
her to be good wife for Isaac.
She was kind and willing to serve;
not only did she offer water to the
servant Of Abraham. but prompt,
watered his camels. Such an attitude
Of heart and mind is a great asse
| to woman In marriage.
She was instructed in the domestic
arts. The fact that she had come te
draw water indicated that, and hel
ability to draw the water showed
that she had experienced thu
duties Of woman in the household.
Here is wise counsel for the young
man who Is interested in marriage
and for his parents as they guide
him. Let him look for the girl will
the fair countenance If he will, bu
let him be sure that there is some
thing really worthwhile behind tn,
pretty face.
No woman, no matter how extern
sive her culture or how rich hel
family. is ready for marriage unit
she knows something Of the re
sponsidlities Of family hfe and ha
will 10 do what she can for tn,
care and comfort Of others.
iii. An Honorable Proposal wv
34-36).
Abraham's trusted man, perceiv
! ing that God had led him to the on,
OF His choice, at once stated his er
rand. There was no trickery, NJ
smooth double-talk. This was
straight-out proposal that Rebekal
come with him to be the bride O
Isaac.
Notice that he made known hi
masters financial position. an,
made clear the place Rebekal
would occupy as the wife Of Isaac
That is as 1t should be. There Is
contractual basis for marriag
which calls for complete candor ant
honest dealing.
But there was more here, for Re
bekah ultimately responded to tn
dictates Of her own heart when sh
said, II will 60" (see v. So. II wa
w. A Love Marriage wv. 6l-87)
Isaac, meditating in the twilight
presents fine picture Of a maj
spiritually ready to be a good hus
band. He had more to offer thai
riches. Let other young men folio,
his example.
The tefder scene OF their meet
ing. and Of the love which welled VI
in their hearts at first sight Of on
another, needs no comment.
We do need to say that mles
America gets back to real love maj
riages, our nation is destined for dis
aster. Matrinony based on physica
attraction. improper emphasis o
sex. or on convenience, will neve
be able to meet the stress Of mod
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