It is generally thought that the prearranged marriages was the work of the bridegroom’s father and once his selection was made, neither the bride nor her parents had a choice. In the case of Isaac and Rebekah’s marriage contract, Eliezer, Abrahams’ servant, discussed the marriage between Rebekah and Isaac. When morning arose, they sent for Rebekah and asked her, “Will you go with this man? Rebekah consented to leave with him to be Isaac’s wife. She might not have the freedom to choose which man she wanted, but she had the freedom to reject the man chosen for her. From all accounts, Judaism taught that the marriage must be carried out by mutual consent.
In the spiritual context, God doesn’t force us to agree to His terms. He may choose the path, but we have to consent. This illustration demonstrates that serving Christ is a choice. We can say, “Yes, I will go with Him” or we can say, “No, I will not go.” Either way, the ability to choose is created by God’s call and invitation. He took the initiative. He “popped the question” so to speak. At that point, the choice is ours to accept or reject the offer.