I was so excited to get to this chapter. Isaac and Rebekah's love story is so cool! (Not everything in Genesis is heavy and burdensome!) But before we get to her, let's look at the plan that Abraham had for his beloved son. Notice in verse 6, and again in verse 8, how serious Abraham was about not letting Isaac go to the place himself. I don't know why, but I am pretty sure it is relevant. God is beginning a whole new nation through Isaac, and to let him go back would be to risk the influence of Abraham's pre-covenant family. (And judging from what will happen very soon to Jacob, I'm thinking this was a wise forethought.)
In verse 10 we learn that the servant (un-named, but pivotal in his role--let's call him Jeeves for just for today.) took ten camels with him. I don't know why, but when I have visualized this in the past, I imagined Jeeves alone--almost like a spy on a mission. But camels are huge. This was no inconspicuous parade. Now I'm thinking it was more like the one in Aladdin. He was bringing a treasure back for Isaac. In verse 14 we find out a little about why Abraham chose Jeeves for this task. The man sought God's will. And in his prayer he is bold. I'm not sure that I have every prayed anything quite this specific, but this guy was looking for a sign that would leave nothing to interpretation. One of my favorite prayers when I am trying to make a decision is, "Lord, make it obvious." And he usually does.
Just a quick note on the introduction of Rebekah. God knows us and blesses us in all different ways. In fact, it says that God had blessed Abraham in every way. It says here in verse 16 that Rebekah was very beautiful. God knew Isaac. He knew his sensibilities, and picked Rebekah out for him. So cool. So, Rebekah turns out to be the one. In fact, she does exactly what Jeeves had prayed that she would. And drawing for ten camels cannot have been an easy task. And they drank until they were finished. How much does a camel drink, anyway?
The lesson that I'm really going to center on today is not actually about Isaac and Rebekah. It's Good Old Jeeves. This guy is truly amazing. When he finds out that God has answered his prayer (to the letter!) he bows low and worships the Lord. He is so bold in his faith! And then we are introduced to Laban. If Laban ever had an ounce of character, it sure isn't recorded in this Book. The second he meets the stranger, his eye is on the treasure. He invites Jeeves in, gives him the royal treatment...I wonder if any of this is sincere. Or was he just trying to get on his good side?
But Jeeves doesn't fall for it. He won't even eat, tired and hungry as he probably is, until he has said what he came to say. He doesn't let Laban's flattery affect him at all. And what Jeeves says is amazing to me. He isn't timid in his faith. He isn't even tactful. He tells them exactly why he is there, and that he believes it is the work of the Lord. This is someone who truly believes that God is in control. I probably would have held something back, maybe not tell them my whole story...just in case it didn't work out. But this guy is a true servant of God. And then he worships boldly again.
There is a slight hiccup in the plan in verse 55. For some reason Laban and his mother try to stall Rebekah's departure. Maybe it was an intimidation tactic, to see if they could take back control. I'm not sure. But once again Jeeves is ready. he reminds them that he is not just working for some rich cousin, here. This is God's mission, and I'd suggest you let me get on with it. How can you be intimidated when you work for the Creator?!
We are going to look at the next two chapters, but before we do, lets take a moment to reflect on the character of "Jeeves" for a moment. Interesting how a man of such a lowly state could be so integral in God's plan. He was unafraid. He was not intimidated. He was faithful. He was purposeful. He was honest. He was a SERVANT. We should all strive to be more like him.
The end of chapter 24 reminds us of a very important role that wives play. Our men have a lot of emotional stress to deal with, and are not really equipped to deal with it the way that women are. It must have been quite a while after Sarah's death that Rebekah came onto the scene. But only then does it say that he was comforted.
Chapter 25. Did you know that Abraham had more sons? I don't remember reading that before. Isaac and Rebekah were much different than the generation before. Rebekah is also barren, but instead of taking it into their own hands, they pray to the Lord. They have a relationship with God.
Chapter 26. Isn't it kind of tragic that Isaac and Rebekah make the same mistake that his parents did? Why would he be afraid of being killed if God had just promised to prosper him? BELIEVE GOD! Thankfully, Abimelech does learn from his mistakes, and he doesn't fall for it this time. He gives them his protection, and even gives them their own land.
Now, remember. The reason that Isaac and Rebekah were on the move was that there was a famine. They needed to go somewhere that had food. Everyone was going to Egypt, but God told them to go to Gerar. And notice how God rewards their obedience: Verse 12. Now Isaac sowed in that land and reaped in the same year a hundredfold. And the Lord blessed him. This was in the middle of a famine! That's a pretty amazing return. He trusted God, and God made impossible blessings for him! Let's step back and give God the chance to show His glory through our lives.
Next time: Genesis 27-29 (This is simultaneously my favorite and least favorite story in the Bible.)
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