While He Was Yet Speaking
Abraham knew that he was getting older, and realized he didn’t have a lot of time left. So, he sent his servant to get a wife for Isaac his son. Back then, they didn’t have computerized dating or social media apps. Instead, you went to your “kinfolk.” (This doesn’t sound right to our modern ears, but that was the custom.)
The servant set out on his journey, leading a huge caravan. Genesis 24:10 describes it: “Then the servant took ten of his master’s camels and departed, for all his master’s goods were in his hand. And he arose and went to Mesopotamia, to the city of Nahor.”
Genesis 24:10
Abraham didn’t send just any servant. This was his oldest and most trusted servant.
When he gets there, he is probably exhausted, but he remembers to pray. This is key! Before we attempt any task, we should pray, and ask for God’s guidance and help.
“Then he said, “O LORD God of my master Abraham, please give me success this day, and show kindness to my master Abraham. Behold, here I stand by the well of water, and the daughters of the men of the city are coming out to draw water. Now let it be that the young woman to whom I say, ‘Please let down your pitcher that I may drink,’ and she says, ‘Drink, and I will also give your camels a drink’— let her be the one You have appointed for Your servant Isaac. And by this I will know that You have shown kindness to my master.”
Genesis 24:12-14
Looking at the servant’s prayer, we see that he was specific, and he asks God to answer in a specific way.
The Bible says that God answered before he was done praying!
“And it happened, before he had finished speaking, that behold, Rebekah, who was born to Bethuel, son of Milcah, the wife of Nahor, Abraham’s brother, came out with her pitcher on her shoulder.”
Genesis 24:15
Rebekah then proceeds to do just as the servant had asked for. This was no easy task! The waterpots were heavy, and she drew water for 10 camels!
A note of caution:
We know that God answers prayers in His time and His own way. Be careful not to confuse circumstances with answered prayer.
The servant doesn’t assume anything. He waits in silence.
“And the man, wondering at her, remained silent so as to know whether the LORD had made his journey prosperous or not.”
Genesis 24:21
Then, he gives Rebekah the jewelry he brought and asked who she was related to. Finding out that she’s “kin” to Abraham, the servant rejoiced.
“Then the man bowed down his head and worshiped the LORD. And he said, “Blessed be the LORD God of my master Abraham, who has not forsaken His mercy and His truth toward my master. As for me, being on the way, the LORD led me to the house of my master’s brethren.”
Genesis 24:26-27
What can we learn from Abraham’s servant?
- Pray before you start.
- Believe that God will answer.
- Look for answered prayer.
- Remember to worship God and thank Him for answered prayer!
