THE COVENANT UNION SERIES: 2026
BIBLE READING: GENESIS 24:1–21
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: NUMBERS 16, 17, 18
MEMORISE: “Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?” (2 CORINTHIANS 6:14)
I. THE JURISPRUDENCE OF THE YOKE: SPIRITUAL COMPATIBILITY
The most critical decision you will ever make after choosing Jesus Christ is choosing who you will walk with for the rest of your life. In 2 Corinthians 6:14, the Bible uses the imagery of a “Yoke”—a wooden beam used to connect two oxen. If one ox is strong and the other is weak, or if one wants to go left while the other goes right, the plow will break, and the field will remain unplanted.
The Three Dimensions of the Yoke:
1: The Spiritual Yoke: Fellowship between “Righteousness and Lawlessness” is impossible. If you marry someone who does not love Jesus, you are inviting a civil war into your home. One will be praying while the other is mocking; one will want to give to God while the other wants to spend on the world.
2: The Intellectual Yoke: Do you share a common vision? Can you communicate effectively? Amos 3:3 asks, “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?”
3: The Purpose Yoke: Marriage is not just a romantic retreat; it is a partnership for a mission. Your spouse should be someone who makes your God-given assignment easier, not someone who distracts you from it.
II. THE WELL OF WATER: THE TEST OF CHARACTER (GENESIS 24)
In our Bible reading, Abraham’s servant did not look for the “prettiest” girl or the “wealthiest” family. He looked for Character.
The Industry of Rebekah: She didn’t just give the servant a drink; she offered to water ten camels. A thirsty camel can drink up to 30 gallons of water. Rebekah was committing to a massive task for a stranger. This showed she was hardworking, hospitable, and compassionate.
The Beauty of Discretion: Though she was “very beautiful to behold,” it was her internal virtues that secured the proposal.
The Sign of Divine Appointment: The servant prayed for a specific sign of character. When you are looking for a spouse, don’t just pray for “the one.” Pray for God to reveal their heart through their actions when they think no one is watching.
III. THE ABRAHAMIC CONSTRAINT: GEOGRAPHY OF THE HEART
Abraham gave a strict instruction: “Do not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites… go to my country and to my family.” (v. 3-4).
In 2026, this does not mean you must marry someone from your physical village. It means you must marry from your Spiritual Family. * The “Canaanites” represent the culture of the world—idolatry, selfishness, and carnality.
The “Family of Abraham” represents the culture of faith—obedience, sacrifice, and the fear of the Lord.
The Danger of “Backsliding for Love”: Abraham warned his servant never to take Isaac back to the old land. Never compromise your spiritual standards to keep a relationship. If you have to leave your “Land of Faith” to be with someone, that person is not from God.
IV. COMPREHENSIVE Q&A: NAVIGATING MODERN COURTSHIP
Q1: What if I am already in a relationship with an unbeliever and I really love them?
Answer: Love is not a sufficient foundation for marriage; Covenant is. If they do not love God, they do not have the capacity to love you with “Agape” love. It is better to have a broken heart now than a broken life later. Trust God’s “Memorise” verse (2 Cor 6:14) as a protective fence, not a restrictive prison.
Q2: How much weight should I give to physical attraction?
Answer: Proverbs 31:30 says beauty is “fleeting.” Attraction is the “spark,” but character is the “fuel” that keeps the fire burning for fifty years. Look for someone whose character makes them more beautiful to you every day.
Q3: Is it okay to use “signs” like Abraham’s servant did?
- Answer: While God can use signs, the primary way He guides us today is through His Word, the Peace of the Spirit, and Godly Counsel. Don’t just look for a “fleece”; look for the “Fruit of the Spirit” in the other person’s life.
V. THE MARITAL READINESS CHECKLIST
Personal Wholeness: Are you “mine” in the sense of the hymn? Is Jesus your first love? You cannot be a good spouse if you are not a healthy disciple.
Prayer Transparency: Can you pray with this person? If you feel uncomfortable praying together, there is a spiritual misalignment.
Service Alignment: Like Rebekah at the well, are they found serving? People who serve God faithfully usually serve their families faithfully.
Counsel Validation: What do your spiritual parents and mentors say? (Numbers 16–18 shows the danger of rebelling against God-appointed authority).
VI. REFLECTION & PRAYER SUITE
REFLECTION: Is my current attraction based on the “pitcher” (the external) or the “water” (the internal character)?
PRAYER POINTS:
The Spirit of Discernment: Holy Spirit, grant me the eyes of Abraham’s servant. Help me to look past charm and beauty to see the true character and spiritual state of anyone I consider for marriage, in Jesus’ Name!
The Patience of Faith: Lord, I refuse to be desperate. I will not settle for a “Canaanite” because I am afraid of being alone. I trust Your perfect timing to bring my “Rebekah” or “Isaac” to my well, in Jesus’ Name!
The Purpose Alignment: Father, guide every bachelor and spinster in this church. Let our marriages be “Kingdom Partnerships” that fulfill Your will and bring glory to Your Name, in Jesus’ Name!
The Love Refinement: (Singing the Hymn) My Jesus, I love Thee, I know Thou art mine. Lord, let my love for You be the standard. Let me never love a human being more than I love You.
HYMN 757: MY JESUS I LOVE THEE, I KNOW THOU ART MINE
My Jesus I love Thee, I know Thou art mine, For Thee all the pleasures of sin I resign; My gracious Redeemer, my Saviour art thou, If ever I love Thee, my Jesus ’tis now!
EXTRA READING: Numbers 16, 17, 18
FINAL THOUGHT: Who you marry determines the “atmosphere” of your eternity. Choose by the Spirit, not by the flesh.
