The Truth Behind “Happily Ever After”

I wonder if Rebekah dreamt of love, as most young girls do. I wonder if she went about her daily chores wrapped in daydreams of being a princess adorned in jewels and gowns. We aren’t told how old she was or if she’d been waiting for a suitor; for a young man to notice her. We’re simply told it was time for her to fetch water.

Devotional Scripture: Genesis 24:29-67

Key Verse: “I will greatly rejoice in the LORD; my soul shall exult in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.” Isaiah 61:10

And when a thirsty traveler asked for a drink, it would have been rude to say no. But her kindness didn’t stop there, fetching water for his entourage of ten thirsty camels – able to drink up to 30 gallons of water each. Did it take hours? Did her family begin to worry?

Bucket after bucket she filled the trough with no clue her life was about to change forever. No clue the man watching was more than just a traveler passing through. I wonder at her surprise and astonishment when she finished and the servant adorned her with a ring for her nose “and two bracelets for her arms weighing ten gold shekels” (24:22).

Filled with excitement she ran home to her mother. Then after hearing the servant’s story, his purpose for coming, and agreeing to return with him as Isaac’s wife, there were more jewels of gold and silver and even garments. Was she giddy? Astonished? Was this really happening to her? Clearly her suitor was a wealthy man!

But little did she know he was also the heir of much more. Including an unconditional covenant with the LORD himself, the Creator and Ruler of all things. And by accepting the servants offer to go she was gaining an inheritance of undeserved promise. Marrying Isaac meant inheriting Sarah’s position as princess of God’s chosen people.

This kind, small town girl was to be a princess! Reminds me a bit of Cinderella. Every girl’s dream right? But alas only a dream. Not reality. Or is it?

As is often the case in Scripture God paints an eternal picture for us through the lives of his chosen servants. In this account Isaac represents Christ, back home preparing for his bride. The servant represents the Holy Spirit and Abraham, God the Father. Just as Abraham sent his servant, who is never named in the account, to get a bride for his son. God the Father has sent the Holy Spirit into the world to do the same. We don’t come to Christ on our own. We are drawn to Him through the work of the Holy Spirit.

When we accept his invitation we become part of the body of Christ, the church, also known as His bride (2 Cor. 11:2; Rev. 19:7-9). Gaining more than we could ever fathom. An inheritance of undeserved promise. And a place of royalty as co-heirs with Christ. 

Along with spiritual gifts given to us by the Holy Spirit, pictured in this account by the gifts bestowed upon Rebekah. Including jewels and gowns to be a bride fit for Isaac.

But this is not just Rebekah’s story. No my friend…this is your story.      For He has clothed you “with the garments of salvation” and covered you “with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels” (Is. 61:10).

And he’s leading you as the servant led Rebekah. One day at a time. To her betrothed. I can’t help but wonder if she asked questions along the way. What’s he like? Tell me the miracle of his birth again. Did he really lay himself on the altar?

And I can’t help but think the servant willingly recited each account with love and admiration for his master. Just as the Holy Spirit leads and teaches us all things about Christ. Drawing us to him until the day we’re united together. Until we reign with Him for eternity (2 Tim. 2:12; Rev. 510; 22:5). For He has “raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus” (Eph. 2:6). Declaring us not only righteous, but royal (1 Peter 2:9).

In spite of what may have happened yesterday or what’s going on today, as part of the church, the bride of Christ, this is your story. However tight you must grasp, hold onto it.

Though it might not be happily ever after right now. One day it will be. When the Holy Spirit, who has sealed us for the day of redemption, delivers us unto Christ, as the servant delivered Rebekah until Isaac. Who is seen praying upon their arrival (Gen. 24:63). Because even now Jesus is interceding on our behalf (Heb. 7:25).

And He won’t stop until we are with Him. Until this story…is truly your story.

Contemplate and Evaluate

Is eternity with Christ part of your story? Do you focus more on the past or the future hope of glory?

Do you live as though you are betrothed to Christ? (2 Cor. 11:2) Do your actions and attitude reflect such a position?