Genesis 24:1-32
Monday, 21 October 2024
Then he said, “O LORD God of my master Abraham, please give me success this day, and show kindness to my master Abraham.” -Genesis 24:12
In the story of Isaac getting a suitable bride described in Genesis 24, God directs the steps of Abraham’s servant to accomplish the great task his master had sent him for. It is interesting how Eliezer plays the role of the faithful servant in seeing to it that his master’s wishes are fulfilled. There is much to learn from this trusted servant of Abraham!
Let’s understand how Eliezer sought God’s guidance and received it in the crucial role he had to play. Look at a few steps:
· He prayed for guidance- The first thing Eliezer did was to submit the important matter to God and ask for His guidance all the way. We may have a lot of friends and colleagues who can provide us good advice; but the priority of a Christian is to seek God’s counsel in every matter that concerns him/her. Eliezer asked for a sign to know which would be the right girl; we have God’s promises in His Word we can ask Him to give us an assurance to guide us in particular situations.
· He trusted God to lead him in the right path- When Eliezer was specific in his prayer, he was guided to the right well where Rebekah came to fetch water. James 1:6-7 says: “But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. ..... he will receive anything from the Lord”
· He thanked God- When Eliezer received his first answer to his prayer, he bowed down and worshipped, thanking God for leading him aright. Many of us forget to thank God for the ways He leads us when we ask Him for help. Jesus tells us in the story of the Ten lepers the importance of gratitude, through the Samaritan leper who returned to give thanks!
· He waited for a confirmation- Rebekah led Eliezer to her family and he told them about his task, yet he waited to see how they would respond. We see that in each of the steps Eliezer took. A Christian needs to wait on the Lord to receive His directions and confirmation before he takes the next step. Prov. 16: 9 “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.” God will not leave us in the dark confused; He is a God of clarity.
· He acted without delay- Later in the chapter, we see that once Eliezer was clear about the answer, he did not delay further to take Rebekah to Isaac. He acted prudently yet precisely. Many are fond of dilly dallying even when the way has been made clear to them by the Lord. Such delays can hamper the work of the Lord in your life.
The Christian life is to be one lived in constant guidance by the Lord. In John 16:13 Jesus says, “However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth…” We need to be tuned to the Holy Spirit resident in us, to guide us as we read God’s Word, pray and listen to Him. Let us seek God’s guidance in our day to day lives in small matters and big, in that He will be glorified in our lives.
To Meditate:
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.
(Proverbs 3:5-6)
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