Then Isaac brought her into the tent of Sarah his mother and took Rebekah, and she became his wife, and he loved her. (Genesis 24:67 ESV)
Fear Not… Then Love
Robert Todd Lincoln grew up in the shadow of his father, Abraham Lincoln. While Robert served as an aid to General U.S. Grant, was a key alderman in South Chicago, and was even Secretary of War in his later years, he lived in fear that he would not live up to the world’s expectations of the Great Emancipator’s son.
It is easy to imagine Isaac living in similar fear. Abraham had huge sandals. He had accomplished so much, had created so much, and had believed so much. How could Isaac live up to that?
But God’s promises had been clear. The line of the Savior would pass through Isaac. No matter what Isaac felt about his own abilities, his own accomplishments, or his own place in history, God Himself promised that Isaac had nothing to fear. (Genesis 17:16, 22:18) But maybe he feared anway.
Just like we often fear, despite God’s promises.
But when Isaac saw Rebekah, the woman who was to be his wife, it appears that his fears dissipated. He was out in the field mediating, (Genesis 24:63) which sounds a lot like praying. And God chose that moment to give Isaac faith.
Isaac responded to his lack of fear by loving Rebekah.
A pretty good reaction, actually. Love is God’s primary command to His people. And when our fear is lessened, maybe we have more energy to do what God commands
Fear not, then love.