Whatever it Takes

A series on the story of redemption – Part II
The story of Abraham’s servant
(Click on the link below to read the verses.)
Genesis 24:1-27 

[Everybody has a story. Even God has one. His is a story about love and redemption and faithfulness. In this series we are going to take a closer look at God’s story through the lives of the people that He touched. How their story became His story of redemption. And how your story is also a part of it.]

  

During spring break of my sophomore year in college, my girlfriend unceremoniously dumped me for another guy. After three years of dating, we had been very serious and planned to get married. But it wasn’t meant to be.

 

Before returning to school, I decided to take a few days off, even though it meant that I had to hitch hike the 445 miles back to school. If you were driving, that would be at least an eight hour drive. Also, it was still winter time in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula with plenty of snow on the ground. But, I had to get back to school.

 

When something is really important, you’re willing to do whatever it takes. Such was the case for Abraham as he considered making arrangements for a wife for his son Isaac.

 

The Lord had made a covenant with Abraham that included his descendants, so it was critical that both Isaac and his wife believed in the same God. There would be no Canaanite wife for Isaac.

 

However, a trip to Abraham’s native land would mean traveling almost 500 miles by camel. Because Abraham was a very old man, he sent his most trusted servant to find a wife for Isaac. The servant was up to the task and swore an oath to do it.

 

On the evening that he arrived, he went to the well outside of town where all the young women would soon be coming to draw water. He had a plan for how he would determine which one the Lord had chosen for Isaac, and asked the Lord for help.

 

¹² “O Lord, God of my master, Abraham,” he prayed. ¹⁴ This is my request. I will ask one of them, ‘Please give me a drink from your jug.’ If she says, ‘Yes, have a drink, and I will water your camels, too!’—let her be the one you have selected as Isaac’s wife. This is how I will know that you have shown unfailing love to my master.”         NLT

 

Even before he had finished praying, Rebekah approached the well. The servant then asked her for water which she willingly gave to him. She then offered to draw water for his ten camels. Seeing that the Lord had given him success in his mission, he prayed again.

 

²⁶ The man bowed low and worshiped the Lord. ²⁷ “Praise the Lord, the God of my master, Abraham,” he said. “The Lord has shown unfailing love and faithfulness to my master, for he has led me straight to my master’s relatives.”        NLT

 

The servant believed in the Living God who was personal, not some celestial being that didn’t care. He believed that the Lord had chosen someone for Isaac and that He would bring her to him. He believed that the Lord was faithful and loving.

 

Even though the servant wasn’t mentioned by name, because of his faith, he was willing to do whatever it took. Because of his faith, he played a critical role in God’s plan of redemption. Because of his faith, the Lord’s covenant was continued.

 

He was a common man doing uncommon acts of faith. Anyone can do that right? Whatever it takes!

 

Copyright 2024 Joseph B Williams

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