Genesis 24 is the longest chapter in Genesis. It explains why – to the great consternation of her family- a competent, beautiful, strong, self-assured young woman steps out to the city well and returns 2 hours later, wearing a gold nose ring and two massive bracelets, having accepted a marriage contract offered on behalf of a total stranger. The next day, she willingly packs up and leaves her family. The chapter carefully explains how God was present in all of this, allowing things to work out exactly right.
Abraham and his head servant trust explicitly that God would provide the right woman to continue the promise to Abraham and Sarah, that through their descendants the whole earth would be blessed. That is why the head servant could pray so specifically that the woman who was right for Isaac would happily give him a drink of water and would also offer to water ten thirsty camels (800 litres!). Rebekah passed the test with flying colours, and joyfully recognised that God’s good hand was in all of this. She said yes – to marrying Isaac, and to being part of God’s deep plans.
All of us are chosen and delighted in by God. All of us are part of God’s family in holy baptism. All of us are his dearly loved daughters and sons. All of us. And all of us keep being invited to say yes to God’s good plans for us.
When Rebekah arrives, she sees the unknown man whom she will marry, in the distance. This highly competent woman promptly falls off her camel. (That’s what the original Hebrew says – English translations just say she got off.) We don’t know if Isaac was stunningly handsome, or had his shirt unbuttoned to reveal a gorgeous chest, or she just had an unexpected awkward moment. She veils herself, which might be just as much about embarrassment as modesty. They marry, and Isaac grows in love for her, the first time in the Bible love is mentioned within a marriage.
We all have our awkward moments. We trust that God works with us in spite of them, and that they are never a deal breaker for God.