Genesis 24 deals with getting a wife for Isaac. If there is a theme for this chapter it would be having a servant’s heart. Abraham entrusts the very important job of finding a wife for Isaac with his servant. Though the servant’s name is not mentioned in this passage most believe it to be Eliezer, the servant whom Abraham planned to leave his fortune too before he had sons (Gen. 15:2). Eliezer of Damascus was a trusted servant who did his job so well that Abraham put great faith in him. He is sent back to find a wife among Abraham’s family.
The test Eliezer sets up is that the girl who offers him a drink and offers to water his camels would be the one. A thirsty camel can drink 20 to 28 gallons of water. Eliezer had ten camels with him. Only one with a true servant’s heart would offer that. Rebekah offered that and they went to her home where Eliezer told her family the story and asked for her to be Isaac’s wife. Rebekah was asked if she wanted to go and she gladly accepted.
Isaac was out meditating when he saw the caravan bringing Rebekah. The chapter closes by stating that the marriage to Rebekah comforted him from his mother’s death.
I am struck by the servant spirit of both Eliezer and Rebekah. Jesus came to serve. Part of being a child of the Promise is to be as servant.
“Lord, help us to seek to serve. When others want to be power brokers help us to be servants. I pray this in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.”
About Me
- Robert and Ray Miller
- Robert is the pastor of First Baptist Texas City, Tx. And Ray is the pastor of First Baptist Mertens, Tx. Robert brings over 30 years of biblical study as a pastor. Ray brings a younger perspective to the Bible and also a command of the original languages. Our greatest passion is to see lives changed through the good news of Jesus Christ.
3 comments:
A great story with a great message. I have learned over the years that the true joy is in helping others rather than helping yourself. I wished I had learned that much earlier in life.
i live in a state of confusion about what i need to do or decisions i need to make. what a blessing for this servant to come out and say "i want her to give me a drink and then offer to water my camels" and then to know that God was answering his prayer before he even asked. I pray i will ask God to give me answers as clear as he gives this servant.
I love this passage because it re-emphasizes to me the total faithfulness of God to prepare the way for us when we are abiding in His will. No need to fret or worry about how we can make something happen or our many "what if's". Live in His presence, long to please Him and do as He commands is all He ever asks of us. He'll always take care of the rest - over and above anything we could ever conceive.
Post a Comment