Note: Devotional taken from last Sunday's sermon on Genesis 24.
“And
the man bowed his head, and worshipped the LORD” (Genesis 24:26).
“The
thing proceedeth from the LORD” (Genesis 24:50).
Genesis
24 is a rather long chapter (67 verses). The old AV translators divided it into
seven sections (vv. 1-6, 7-9, 10-14, 15-28, 29-31, 32-60, 61-67). In the
fashion of Hebrew narrative, there is a good bit of repetition in it.
The
focus of the chapter is an inspired account of Abraham, in his old age and
after the death of Sarah, sending out the godly “eldest servant of his house”
back to the country he had left to seek “a wife unto my son Isaac” (vv. 1, 4).
There
are various spiritual lessons within this chapter. It has lessons on prayer and
worship. This summer the youth of our church looked at a chapter from Peter
Masters’ book Steps for Guidance in the Journey of Life which draws lessons
from Genesis 24 on courtship and marriage. The overarching lesson of this
chapter, however, is upon the providence of the LORD.
The
Bible teaches us that there is a sovereign LORD, and he is directing the course
of history on both the macro-level (Cf. Romans 13, no civil authority is in
place but by his will) and the micro-level (Cf. Proverbs 16:33 “The lot is cast
into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord.”
And: Proverbs 16:9 “A man's heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth
his steps.”).
The
God of the Bible is Jehovah-Jireh (the LORD provides) (Genesis 22:14). In
Genesis 24 the LORD, in his good providence, brings about the union of Isaac
and Rebekah, and the keeping of his covenant with Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3).
This theme is perhaps best stated in v. 50 when Laban and Bethuel (not exactly
theologians!) declare, “The thing proceedeth from the LORD.” It is God’s will.
It
is also noteworthy, that the godly servant of Abraham constantly prays to and
worships the LORD as he seeks the fulfillment God’s providential plans. Before
he sets off on his journey he prays (24:12: “O LORD God of my master Abraham, I
pray thee…send me good speed”). In the midst of seeking a bride for Isaac, he worships
(24:26: “And the man bowed down his head, and worshipped the LORD”). Having
secured the agreement with Rebekah and her family, he worshipped (24:52: “when
Abraham’s servant heard their words, he worshipped the LORD, bowing himself to
the earth”). He worshipped before (v. 12), during (v. 26), and after (v. 52) the
providential works of the LORD.
Let
us be like that godly servant. Let us trust that the LORD is working all things
for his glory and for the good of them that love him. And let us pray to and
worship him, before, during, and after his accomplishment of all things.
Grace
and peace, Pastor Jeff Riddle
