How can we see God in the life of Rebekah and Isaac? The start of their family was similar to that of Abraham and Sarah. Both waited many years for a promise from God. (Abraham 25 years and Isaac 20 years) God promised to make Abraham a great nation.
“I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others.” Genesis 12:2 NLT
God hears our prayers
I am sure that Isaac knew of God’s promise to Abraham, but he still pleaded with the Lord on behalf of Rebekah.
“Isaac pleaded with the Lord on behalf of his wife, because she was unable to have children. The Lord answered Isaac’s prayer, and Rebekah became pregnant with twins.” Genesis 25:21 NLT
And when Rebekah need direction, she did the same.
“But the two children struggled with each other in her womb. So she went to ask the Lord about it. “Why is this happening to me?” she asked. Genesis 25:22 NLT
I am so grateful for the ability to talk with God and know that He hears us. God has been gracious to answer many of my prayers. Bible instructs us to tell God about the things that we need.
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” Philippians 4:6 NLT
Scripture is replete with examples of how God hears the prayers of His people. He cares for us and listens to us.
God cares about the unborn
God values life. The born and the unborn. He has a plan for each person. We see in the life of Rebekah and Isaac how this is true.
When Rebekah asked the Lord about the struggle going on in her stomach, this is what happened. “And the Lord told her, “The sons in your womb will become two nations. From the very beginning, the two nations will be rivals. One nation will be stronger than the other, and your older son will serve your younger son.” Genesis 25:23 NLT
Romans 9:10-12 tells a little bit more,
“This son was our ancestor Isaac. When he married Rebekah, she gave birth to twins. But before they were born, before they had done anything good or bad, she received a message from God. (This message shows that God chooses people according to his own purposes; he calls people, but not according to their good or bad works.) She was told, “Your older son will serve your younger son.” NLT
It is essential to value and care about the things that God cares about. This is just one of many examples of where we see God’s plan for a person not yet born. God has a plan and purpose for each person.
As we look at Rebekah and Isaac’s lives, we see examples of how God hears and answers our prayers and God’s care of the unborn. Isaac and Rebekah both salt the Lord earnestly for answers. While the answers to our prayers may not always turn out the way we want, God still hears them and works out the plan for our good.
“But I am trusting you, O Lord, saying, “You are my God!” My future is in your hands.”
Psalms 31:14-15a NLT
