The grieving heart finds comfort in remaining relationships, especially when the enemy death has severed the closest of all relationships — the loss of a spouse or a parent. Nevertheless, one’s relationship with Almighty God sustains us through such devastating circumstances, and helps us to continue on life’s journey for all that God has for us. 

Genesis 23 and 24 brings Abraham at a turning point in his life. The woman God chose to begin the Messianic line, Sarah, died at the age of 127, only 37 years after giving birth to God’s promised son, Isaac. An important note concerning Genesis 23 is that Abraham buried Sarah in the hope of resurrection. God had promised that the land in which Abraham, Sarah, Isaac and the rest of Abraham’s servants were nomads was the Land of Promise. Just as Abraham believed God would raise Isaac from the dead should he have offered him as a sacrifice, he believed God would raise Sarah and together they would inherit the Holy Land. The Bible does not share with us Abraham’s thoughts or prayers, during this very trying time.

After burying Sarah, God wanted Isaac to be comforted, so he sent his servant to find a wife for his son. Again, notice the reliance on God’s providence. Abraham and his servant wanted the wife that God wanted for Isaac. Undoubtedly, Abraham was in prayer, even as his servant prayed. God honored their faith and their prayers by providing Rebekah. With the marriage of Isaac and Rebekah, God moved salvation’s history one step closer to Jesus.

“Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe” (Proverbs 29:25, NIV11).

David W. Davis, Carmel, ME