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A WEDDING PREVENTED
Jamal Khashoggi was a critic of the Saudi government—a fact that led to his self-imposed exile. Nevertheless, he entered the Saudi consulate in Turkey on October 2 to get the papers that would enable him to marry his fiancée, Hatice Cengiz. Khashoggi never left that Istanbul consulate. Evidence seems to be mounting that he was murdered at the embassy and his dismembered body secretly removed by Saudi officials. It took nearly three weeks for the Saudi government to explain his death. There are widespread doubts about the truth of the account.
A WEDDING ARRANGED
When Abraham’s servant arrived in Haran to arrange a marriage for Isaac, the servant was met with gracious hospitality. This was a significantly different welcome than Jamal Khashoggi received! And unlike Khashoggi’s posthumous departure from the Saudi consulate, Rebekah left her home freely, with the blessing of her family. There was one other difference. God’s hand was in what transpired with Rebekah.
- Jamal Khashoggi had fled his native Saudi Arabia, but chose to enter sovereign Saudi territory (their embassy in Turkey). Explain his reasons for doing so. Why do you think he would believe that the risk he took was worth it?
- What are some marriage customs in our culture that require risks—or at least leaving one’s comfort zones? Why do you believe taking chances for a future spouse is worth it? What part does a faith in God play for believers when they make such commitments?
- What do you think prompted Rebekah to accept the marriage offer and leave home for the rest of her life? Leaving home for a far country is a common thread in the story of Abraham and his family. Would you be willing to respond to the call those people received? Explain.
—Charles R. Boatman
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