Rebekah then went home and told everything to her mother. It is a fine thing when children learn to tell things to their parents. “Honor thy father and mother” (Ephesians 6:2) is still God’s order and cannot be disobeyed without bringing down His hand in discipline.
Eliezer awaited the invitation from Rebekah’s brother Laban, and what a hearty invitation it was, “Come in, thou blessed of the Lord.” Every kindness was shown to him, his servants, and his camels, and very soon a nice meal was ready for them. Eliezer would not eat, however, until he had told his errand. Everything was open and aboveboard, and there was no false impression left. He did not say one thing and mean another. It is nice to see this straightforwardness of character in the children of God, and it surely is honoring to the Lord. Nor was Eliezer out to see what he could get from his friends. Too many young people want to get as good a time as they can and do not deliver their message fairly as Eliezer did. God delights in uprightness, and so the whole matter was clearly stated in the presence of Rebekah’s parents. How much happier the parents felt about it, although the decision was left entirely to her, and they acknowledged that it was of the Lord.
The Lord Acknowledged
Again Eliezer bowed his head and worshipped. He acknowledged the Lord in all his ways, and surely He directed him. He gave jewels of gold and silver and raiment to Rebekah, as well as precious gifts to her brother and mother.
At last, when everything had been talked over, he relaxed and enjoyed himself, eating of the meal which had been prepared for him and his servants.
Having considered this touching story in its practical application to us as young Christians, let us now look at its primary meaning. Eliezer, as we remarked in a previous chapter, speaks to us of the Spirit of God who is now in this world, pleading with sinners to leave this “far country” and come to Christ. There is a place in His bright home above for all who will come.
The Decision Made
After Rebekah had heard all about Isaac’s wealth and what would be hers as his bride, she was asked to make her decision. Her father and mother might have hindered her, but she must decide for herself. Eliezer wanted her to go at once, and the question is put plainly to her, “Wilt thou go with this man?” Dear reader, the question is being put plainly to you too, if you are still unsaved, “Will you accept Christ as your Saviour and start out for a Better Land?” Just as Eliezer, Abraham’s servant, was going to accompany Rebekah all the way back to Canaan if she was willing to go, so the Spirit of God will abide with the believer forever, taking him all the way to glory. Rebekah’s answer was definite. She said, “I will go.” Have you made your decision? If not, why not do so now? Do not delay — not even a few days, as Rebekah’s mother and brother suggested she should, but decide for Christ NOW.
Jesus for your choice is waiting;
Tarry not, at once decide.
While the Spirit now is striving,
Yield and seek the Saviour’s side.
Further Meditation
1. What did Eliezer need to do before he could eat with Rebekah’s family?
2. Rebekah had never met Isaac, so her decision was a huge step of faith. Who, if either of them, had the easier trip of faith to Israel, Rebekah or Ruth?
3. Faith is essential for the life of every believer. A simple pamphlet that will really help you in your life of faith is Faith by H. P. Barker. It contains many simple illustrations to help you grasp the difference between faith and feelings.