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Sunday School Lesson
It is easy for us to place the people of the past on some kind of "spiritual pedestal." We see these individuals as "patriarchs" or "matriarchs." These individuals did not live their lives as some kind of "spiritual specimen" that were to be "held in awe." These humans were "ordinary people" who lived among others, yet, had a faith that pleased God. The stories of their lives were not that different from others of that time or society. However, their "distinguishing feature" was their faith in "one God." Their neighbors were pagan, with many gods. Yet, faith in "Elohim" - the heavenly father, the creator of the universe - was the single basis for the way that they were to be used in the divine plan of salvation for the lost human race. The whole "point" of the call of Abraham (Genesis 11:29-12:5) was the coming of the savior - the only begotten son of God (John 3:16) - into the world. This "coming one" is described as the "lamb slain form the foundation of the world (order; system)." Revelation 13:8. This one was to be born through the lineage of Abraham. Isaac, the son of Abraham, was the "son of promise." Genesis 21:12c. Thus, he was the offspring that God would use for the completion of the plan of salvation. These people did not see themselves as "players in the unfolding drama of the divine pattern." Their lives were seen by their neighbors as fairly commonplace. Yet, this was hardly the case. In order for Isaac to have a wife, an arranged marriage was pursued. Abraham called "his eldest servant of his house, that ruled over all that he had" (Genesis 24:2b), and took a pledge regarding the wife for Isaac. "And I will make thee swear by the Lord, the God of heaven, and the God of earth, that thou shalt not take a wife unto my son of the daughters of the Caananites, among whom I dwell: But thou shalt go unto my country, and to my kindred, and take a wife unto my son Isaac." Genesis 24:3,4. The servant wondered what course of action was open to him, if the one he chose refused to come to this "foreign land." "Peradventure the woman will not be willing to follow me unto this land: must I needs bring thy son again unto the land from whence thou camest? And Abraham said unto him, Beware thou that thou bring not my son thither again." Genesis 24:5,6. The servant took "10 camels of the camels of his master, and departed ... and went to Mesopotamia, unto the city of Nahor." Genesis 24:10. He went to the specific area of the city where the women would gather. In that society, the women - married and unmarried - drew the water for the household from a common well. Genesis 24:11. This servant had his own list of qualifications for the one to be the wife of Isaac. She must be personable, kind, and industrious. "And he said, O Lord God of my master Abraham, I pray thee, send me good speed this day, and shew kindness unto my master Abraham. Behold, I stand here by the well of water; and the daughters of the men of the city come out to draw water: And let it come to pass, that the damsel to whom I shall say, Let down thy pitcher, I pray thee, that I may drink; and she shall say, drink, and I will give thy camels drink also: let the same be she that thou has appointed for thy servant Isaac; and thereby shall I know that thou hast shewed kindness unto my master." Genesis 24:13,14. There are no "coincidences" in the life of those who depend upon the spirit of God to lead them. This servant of old knew nothing of the "workings of the spirit of God," but there was a "faith" that he exercised that can put to shame many of those who claim to be followers of Jesus Christ. He understood the principles that were written centuries later. 1 Samuel 2:9a; Psalm 37:23;71:3;91:11; Isaiah 65:24; Romans 8:28. The record is clear. "And it came to pass, before he had done speaking, that, behold, Rebekah came out, who was born to Bethuel, son of Milcah, the wife of Nahor, Abraham's brother, with her pitcher upon her shoulder." Genesis 24:15. A description is given. "And the damsel was very fair to look upon, a virgin, neither had any man known her: and she went down to the well, and filled her pitcher, and came up." Genesis 24:16. Now was "time for action" on the part of the servant. He approached the young girl with his request. Genesis 24:17. Her response conformed to his request. Genesis 24:18-20. The servant "wondering at her held his peace, to wit whether the Lord had made his journey prosperous or not." Genesis 24:21. After the young woman had finished her selfassigned task, the servant gave her the first of many gifts. Genesis 24:22. He, then, inquired concerning her identity, and the possibility of lodging. Genesis 24:23. She named her father, and told the stranger that provision could be found in her household. Genesis 24:24,25. The response of the servant was one that showed his faith in God, and his appreciation for the divine provision that had been made. "And he said, Blessed be the Lord God of my master Abraham, who hath not left destitute my master of his mercy and his truth: I being in the way, the Lord led me to the house of my master's brethren." Genesis 24:27. The record tells us that "the damsel ran, and told them of her mother's house these things." Genesis 24:28. The brother of Rebekah, Laban, met the servant at the well. Genesis 24:29. The brother had already seen the gifts that had been given to Rebekah. The traveler was invited into the home of the young girl. Genesis 24:31. The animals were tended. Genesis 24:32. Common courtesy called for the preparation of a meal. However, the servant was urgent on his mission. "And there was set meat before him to eat: but he said, I will not eat, until I have told mine errand." Genesis 24:33a,b. This servant identified his master, and told of his wealth. Then, he gave the reason for this journey - ...but thou shalt go unto my father's house, and to my kindred and take a wife unto my son." Genesis 24:38. The father and the family agreed for Rebekah to go with this servant. Genesis 24:54. Yes, Rebekah was asked concerning this situation, and she was in agreement. Genesis 24:58b.
"And Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah's tent, he took Rebekah, and she became his wife..." Genesis 24:67. Thus, the plan of God continued to unfold.
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