Isaac and Rebekah

God’s promise continues into the next generation, as God provides a wife for Abraham’s son. While Rebekah’s offer to give water to the servant would have been expected hospitality, her offer to water the camels was above-and-beyond service which would have required considerable work. Camels could drink 25 gallons of water, each! This gesture would not be normally offered, pointing to God’s willingness to intervene for Isaac. God moved Rebekah to take this rare action, making clear that this was the Waymaker providing for Abraham’s son.

STUDY THE SCRIPTURE

Click here to access the reading in Genesis 24:42-50

REFLECTION 

God is in the Details
by Judy Webb

I am often amazed at how God gets my attention. I am equally astounded with how He answers prayers and guides me to the center of His will for me. Have you ever sensed God moving in your life, but were uncertain if you heard correctly? It is during these times I will ask God for a sign so that I might recognize His plan. It isn’t like bartering – if you do this, I’ll do that. No, it is a truly prayerful process and it leaves no room for doubt on my part.

42 “When I came to the spring today, I said, ‘Lord, God of my master Abraham, if you will, please grant success to the journey on which I have come. 43 See, I am standing beside this spring. If a young woman comes out to draw water and I say to her, “Please let me drink a little water from your jar,” 44 and if she says to me, “Drink, and I’ll draw water for your camels too,” let her be the one the Lord has chosen for my master’s son.’ (Genesis 24:42-22)

Take today’s text for example. Abraham is looking for a wife for his son, Isaac, and he wants her to be from his own country, his own family. He gives this task to his head servant, one he trusts implicitly, and sends him off. The servant prays about his assignment, taking it very seriously. While praying he is painting a picture in his minds eye for how this will all come about.

At times, I feel like God is trying to show me something or bring about a change in my life. Frequently, this feeling niggles at me for awhile before I turn to him for clarity. I process these thoughts in my journal and ask God for a Word to confirm what I am sensing. Often, He will take me to more than one verse in my Bible that will provide peace and a clear direction. When this takes place, I feel so blessed and I know that I am in His will. That He would care about me so much…takes my breath away each time.

So, when I read this story of how Abraham’s servant prayed for discernment regarding the task his master handed him, I could relate. I am learning how God is in the details. We’ve heard this many times, and this story is an example. The servant requested a sign and God took care of every detail.

UALC'S CAMPAIGN OF PRAYER: WEDNESDAY WISDOM – Pray for wisdom in these times as we all work toward protecting lives and consider the livelihoods of millions hurt by the economic impact.