Genesis 24:1-28

Genesis 24:1-28

As Abraham began to prepare for life on earth without him, he gave strict orders to his servant to find a wife for his son Isaac. Abraham remembered that God had made a promise to him that the land in which he was dwelling would be the land of his descendants. For that reason, he did not want Isaac traveling back to Ur (where Abraham originally lived). However, Abraham did want Isaac to have of wife from back home rather than the Canaanites. So the servant left to find Isaac a wife, obeying the words of Abraham.

It becomes quite obvious that Abraham’s faith was not a faith of his own. It was something that he was teaching his entire household. He did not keep it sealed in a bottle, only to be brought out during his encounters with God. Instead, he lived it out every day, and those around him were learning to follow God as well. This can be seen by the servant as he was praying to God in the city of Nahor. He was still in search for a wife for Isaac, and he immediately went to God for help. Instead of depending on his own strength, he turned to God, asking God to once again provide the answer. Not only should we be that trusting of God that we do not hesitate to ask Him for guidance in life’s tough decisions, but our faith should also be so evident that we have a great influence on others, helping them to serve and follow God as well.

In writing about the end of Genesis 23 I made mention of not knowing what the significance of the reference to Abraham’s brother was. Now, reading Genesis 24:25, I notice that the names mentioned here tie back into Genesis 24:20-24. Again, we do tend to get bogged down in the names thinking there is no significance, but they were not written in vain. Sometimes we just have to do a little more reading, paying closer attention to detail. This has served as a reminder for me to be sure to not just skim over Scripture and rush through but to read it verse by verse.

Rebekah was the woman who God sent the servant’s way while he was still praying. She did exactly as the servant had prayed she would, and he once again turned to God to make sure this was the right one. After learning that he could return with her to her house to discuss matters further, the servant immediately praised God for His help in this journey. This is a good reminder of the two sides of prayer. In working with the kids at the daycare, I wanted them to make sure that they understood these two sides. They always had prayer requests but hardly any praises. But I noticed that that is exactly how my prayer life is most of the time as well. I get so caught up in asking God for help in a number of situations, but I neglect to thank Him for the things He has given me. When He comes through for me, at times, I forget to praise Him for what He had done. May we all learn a lesson from this faithful servant who did not hesitate to ask for help when he needed it, but who also gave all the glory back to God after that need had been met.

Matt