By Dr. Ben Stubblefield
Visiting assistant professor of Christian Studies, University of Mobile
GUIDANCE NEEDED
Genesis 24:12–20, 24–27
Our focus passage for this week’s lesson describes the discovery of Isaac’s wife by Abraham’s servant.
It is a pivotal moment in the narrative of the Old Testament because, in order to continue the lineage of blessing promised to Abraham, his son must find a suitable wife who is as committed to the Lord as he is.
If the bride is unfit, then the marriage could threaten the plan of redemption. It is appropriate, therefore, that throughout this account, we’ll see the servant’s prayerful dependence upon the Lord. He understands the magnitude of the task.
A request (12–14)
Abraham commissioned his oldest servant to find a suitable mate for Isaac who was not a Canaanite and who would not require Isaac to live with her in her land.
Abraham knew the customs of the Canaanites would corrupt the worship of the true God. He also wanted to make sure that his family would not abandon the promise of land, for which God called him from Ur of the Chaldees.
The servant understands, obeys and prays for God’s help. What’s amazing is that this old servant does not ask for God to suspend the laws of nature, nor does he “put out a fleece,” so to speak. Rather, he asks God to answer him in the normal affairs of everyday life. It was a humble request given by a humble man.
It’s tempting to think that God only intervenes in our lives in big ways. But the truth is far different.
He answers the big and the little prayers, He intervenes, and He involves Himself in our daily affairs to providentially guide our steps.
One of G. Campbell Morgan’s listeners once said to him, “I only take the big things to God. I don’t take the little things to Him,” to which Morgan replied, “Lady, anything you take to God is little.”
The Lord’s people should never be shy about our needs before the Lord.
The answer (15–20)
It seems astonishing that as the servant finishes praying, a woman comes along who offers to do for him exactly what he prayed for.
Most certainly, he wondered, “Is this the woman I’ve prayed for?” She was beautiful, unmarried and kind. It must have been exhilarating and affirming to hear her tell him she was the granddaughter of Abraham’s brother.
Nothing at this point could stop the servant from pursuing God’s will for Isaac.
Isn’t that true for us also? When we see God answer our prayers, we have our faith, our obedience and our convictions affirmed. Answered prayers are not only something to be thankful for, but they are a faith-building moment that we can draw strength from.
Praise offered (24–27)
The passage begins in petition but ends in praise. I think this kind of passage is a pattern we find all through the Bible, and it’s a pattern that we ought to imitate in our everyday lives.
When faithful followers face a problem, they take it to the Lord, the Lord answers and they rejoice in His power.
In fact, it’s the pattern of Jesus of Nazareth who faithfully followed the Father to the cross, who committed Himself to the Father in suffering (Luke 23:46), who was raised in resurrection and who returned to the joy set before Him (Heb. 12:2).
I wonder what peace we often forfeit and what needless pain we bear all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.
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