Whenever I think about arranged marriages, I cringe. I recall in college I had a conversation with some students in the library. When we were discussing arranged marriage, I wanted to shut my ears and not listen! I always figured: What do my parents know about finding a mate for me? How can someone arrange a marriage – at times when their children are still babies.
However, there is a HUGE difference between marriages arranged by God and marriages arranged my men. But, is it possible that parents can arrange marriage(s) feeling that they are being led by God?
Isaac had recently lost his mother, Sarah, and Abraham sent his oldest servant to find a mate for Isaac. His servant said a special prayer to God, asking for a specific sign to indicate whom Isaac’s bride should be. When Rebekah showed up, she responded to the servant just as he’d requested of the Lord – showing that she was the bride for Isaac.
Rebekah’s and Isaac’s marriage was obviously arranged by God. However, this happened in the Old Testament. I’ve noticed that people seemed to be closer to God during the Old Testament times – saying a prayer, speaking directly to God and then physically hearing God’s voice in response. I know, personally, I don’t have such a close relationship with God, where I can physically hear his voice. Other Christians may differ in their opinion, but, I’m just speaking about my own experience.
Have you ever asked the Lord to show you a sign – showing you whom your future mate should be? Do you feel that your mate was chosen by God? If you are single, do you ask God to help you find your future mate?
Genesis 24:63-67
63 And Isaac went out to meditate in the field in the evening; and he lifted his eyes and looked, and there, the camels were coming. 64 Then Rebekah lifted her eyes, and when she saw Isaac she dismounted from her camel; 65 for she had said to the servant, “Who is this man walking in the field to meet us?”
The servant said, “It is my master.” So she took a veil and covered herself.
66 And the servant told Isaac all the things that he had done. 67 Then Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah’s tent; and he took Rebekah and she became his wife, and he loved her. So Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death.
