Here, try this on. You like it? The blessings we enjoy now are just a sampling of the treasures God has in store.
At the well side, Abraham’s servant gave the young woman, Rebekah by name, a few pieces of jewelry (Rebekah means “captivating”). When she arrived home, her big brother Laban noticed the jewelry and knew something unusual had happened. Standing in for their deceased father, Nahor, Laban quizzed Rebekah. After she explained, he ran to Abraham’s servant, who respectfully waited at the well for a formal invitation. Warmly received, his camels provisioned, the table was spread. But no, the servant was too eager to explain his mission. This he did, and, Spirit-like, he brought out a sample of the treasures of his wealthy master and his son for “to him he has given all that he has” (v 36). Sounds like there’s another larger story, doesn’t it? Listen: “His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things” (Heb 1:2). But more, we read of “the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee (Gk, arrabon, pledge) of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession” (Eph 1:13-14). W.E. Vine points out, “In modern Greek arrabona is an ‘engagement ring.’” What rich blessings we already have in Christ! But, writes Paul, it is a sample of what awaits us at Home! Rebekah, “whom having not seen” Isaac (see 1 Pet 1:8), nonetheless agreed to make the long journey to be with him. What conversations they must have had on the way, reminiscent of the Spirit, who Jesus said, “will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you” (Jn 16:14). Gerhardt Tersteegen put it like this: “Long the blessed Guide has led me, By the desert road; Now I see the coming splendor, Splendor of my God. There amidst the love and glory He is waiting yet; On His hands our names are graven, He can ne’er forget.”