Gen.24:36

Vs.36- “And Sarah my master’s wife”- Bethuel, Laban, and Rebekah would know who Sarah was.  Sarah was a family member in one of two ways.  1.)  She was the daughter of Terah (Abraham’s father), but had a different mother than Abraham (Gen.20:12).  This seems to be the most likely possibility to me.  2.)  Many believe the woman described as Iscah (Gen.11:29), the daughter of Haran, is in fact Sarah, Abraham’s wife.  Haran had three children mentioned in Gen.11, Lot, Milcah, and Iscah.  If Sarah is the daughter of Haran, then she would be Abraham’s niece and Terah’s granddaughter.  Grandparents were referred to as fathers and mothers in Biblical times.  Therefore, in Gen.20, when Abraham says that she is the daughter of his father, he could be speaking of her descending from her father as a grandchild.  I personally believe the first theory to be true.  She is directly called the daughter of Terah in the same sense that Abraham is the son of Terah and the name Sarai is mentioned in Gen.11.  Why would she be mentioned under two different names in the same passage? It would seem clear that Sarai and Iscah are two different people.  Either way, however, the family being addressed would have some sort of relation to Sarah and know who she is.

“bare a son to my master when she was old,”- The servant quickly tells the story of the supernatural birth of Isaac and of God’s special and miraculous favor shown to Abraham and Sarah.

“and unto him hath he given all that he hath.”- The financial blessings bestowed upon Abraham have already been revealed.  The servant will soon tell his errand and desire concerning Rebekah being Isaac’s wife.  Isaac is heir of two things.  1.)  Possessions. All of the flocks, herds, silver, gold, and servants mentioned in the previous verse are to be inherited by Isaac.  This is important for Rebekah and her family to know.  Why?  Because if she is going to move 400 or more miles away then they want to make sure that she is provided for.  Isn’t this what parents want to know before they give a young man permission to marry their daughter?  They want to know that he will work and provide for her needs.  They want to know that he will provide a roof over her head, have money to buy groceries, and means to take care of health needs and emergencies.  2.)  Promises.  Isaac is not just an heir of material possessions, but he is the heir of the promises given to Abraham from God (Gen.12:1-3).  Abraham was promised… A.)  That he would become a great nation.  The promise passed on to Isaac and then to Jacob.  The nation of Israel, God’s national people, did not come through Ishmael and it did not come later through Esau.  Isaac was an heir of the promise of becoming a patriarch of the nation of Israel.  B.)  That he would be a blessing to the whole world.  The blessing to the whole world was a promise that the Lord Jesus Christ, the Messiah, would come from the posterity and lineage of Abraham.  The genealogy of Christ is traced throughout Scripture.  Isaac was promised that through his line the Messiah would come.  Jesus did not come through the line of Ishmael or Esau.  Jesus came from the line of Isaac and Jacob. 

 

One-Line Explanation- The servant tells Rebekah and her family about his master’s wife and son.

 

Lesson:  “Unto him hath he given all that he hath.”  1.)  Practical Lesson.  The servant told Rebekah’s family about Abraham’s riches that were all given to Isaac.  This was done to put them at ease concerning her provision before he asked about Rebekah becoming Isaac’s wife.  A man is not ready to marry until he is ready to provide for his wife.  The man is responsible for making sure that her needs are met. 1 Tim.5:8- But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.  This verse is speaking about taking care of widows in your family, but the principle applies that the leader of a household should take care of the needs of his family.  I have counseled young couples who want to get married.  I will ask, “Do you have a job?  Do you have a home?”  I am amazed when they tell me that they don’t have a job, they don’t have a home, and they don’t have transportation but they will ‘live on love.”  Such a statement sounds good, but it greatly lacks wisdom.  I always say the following to a man who makes such a statement to me, “If you love her then why don’t you prove it by proving that you will provide for her needs.”  The Bible states that a man should not get married until he is ready to provide for his spouse.  Pro.24:27- Prepare thy work without, and make it fit for thyself in the field; and afterwards build thine house.  Prepare yourself for marriage before you enter into it.  Prepare yourself with a job and an education and a home and transportation (prepare your work in the field) before you try to begin building your house.  A young man should be ready to leave his father’s house, including his father and mothers provision, before he gets married.  Gen.2:24- Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and cleave unto his wife; and they shall be one flesh.  A man is supposed to leave his father and mother when he gets married.  If you can’t provide for your wife without having assistance from your parents; then you are not ready to get married.   I am not referring to your parents helping you a little bit to get into your first house.  I am talking about living in your parent’s basement and needing your parent’s constant help to make it.  2.)  Pictorial Lesson.  Isaac is a type or a picture of the Lord Jesus Christ.  Abraham, a picture of our heavenly Father, has given to Isaac, a picture of the Miraculous Son, all that he has! John 3:35- The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand.  Jesus has been given everything from the Father.  A.)  Creation.  He owns all of creation.  Jesus is the creator of all things.  Col.1:16-17- For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers; all things were created by him, and for him.  (17) And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.  Jesus is the creator and sustainer of all things.  The universe exists because Jesus spoke it into existence and the universe continues to exist because Jesus is the glue that holds everything together.  The Universe was not only created by Jesus, but it was created for Jesus.  He owns everything.  Nothing we have is our own.  We are simply stewards of the things we possess.  We are living on borrowed time. Psa.24:1- The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.  Everything is God’s and God has placed everything in the hands of His Son.  Jesus has complete ownership and control over this universe.  The angels of heaven's glory are at the beck and call of the Messiah.  Even the fallen angels and Lucifer must obey God’s voice and get permission for their actions.  The heavens and the earth are the work of his hands and He has complete right and control over them.  B.)  Salvation.  The Father has committed all things concerning the salvation of mankind into the hands of the Son.  Whether a person goes to heaven or hell depends on their relationship to the Son of God.  The Gospel is the power of God unto salvation and the Gospel is the good news of the death, burial, and resurrection of the Son of God.  All spiritual things are given in his hands to dispose to those who trust Him.  He gives the gifts of the Spirit; He gives grace, mercy, justification, sanctification, adoption, perseverance, etc.  He has been given all power in heaven and earth (Mat.28:18).  C.)  Administration.  To administer means to act as minister or chief agent, in managing public affairs, under laws or a constitution of government, as a king, president, or other supreme officer.  Jesus manages the affairs of… i.)  The Church.  He is the head of the church (Col.1:18).  The way a women is to be subject to her husband is illustrated by the fact that the church, the bride of Christ, is subject unto Christ (Eph.5:24).  Some believe that the church is under the authority of the Pope or a Bishop or a Denomination; but, none of these are true!  Jesus is the head of the church.  He is the leader and owner of the church.  It is HIS church.  Ii.)  The World.  John 5:22- For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son.  Jesus is the one who will judge the earth one of these days.  It is Jesus that the lost will stand before at the Great White Throne judgment.  It is Jesus that will return at the battle of Armaggedon, set up His 1,000 year reign on earth, and judge the nations.  Jesus has been given the power and authority to judge the earth by the Father.  All things have been committed into his hand; unto him hath he given all that he hath!

Gen.24:34-35

Vs.34- “And he said, I am Abraham’s servant.”- Eliezer, Abraham’s eldest servant, has not revealed his identity up to this point.  Laban, Bethuel, Rebekah, and Rebekah’s mother knew Abraham’s name and probably knew him in person.  They now understand that their relative has a request of them.

 

One-Line Explanation- The servant reveals himself to Rebekah’s family.

 

Vs.35- “And the Lord hath blessed my master greatly;” -The servant tells Abraham’s extended family of God’s blessings on his master.  This further explains the statement made in Vs.1- “And the Lord had blessed Abraham in all things.”  God has blessed Abraham with spiritual blessings, but here the servant is primarily speaking of temporal blessings which are described in following. 

“and he is become great:”- He has become highly esteemed and honored among men. 

“ and he hath given him flocks, and herds, and silver, and gold, and menservants, and maidservants, and camels, and asses.”- The temporal blessings of God toward Abraham are here expressed.  These riches have come from three sources.  1.)  Abraham’s own diligence and hard work.  2.)  A gift from Pharaoh in Egypt.  (Gen.12:16).  3.)  A gift from Abimelech in Gerar.  (Gen.20:14).  There are also two types of temporal blessings recorded.  1.)  Possessions.  A.)  He had possessions of Cattle.  The flocks probably speak of Sheep and goats.  The herds probably speak of cattle.  He also had camels and donkeys in abundance.  B.)  Coins.  Abraham had an abundance of money.  He had silver and gold and was made wealthy by God’s grace.  2.)  People.   Abraham was given menservants and maidservants.  These were bondslaves, which were common in Bible times.  Abraham had 318 servants born in his household.  (Gen.14:14).

 

One-Line Explanation- The servant describes God’s blessings toward his master, Abraham.

 

Lesson:  1.)  “I am Abraham’s servant.”  The title of servant would seem to many to be a title that is degrading, disdained, and abhorred; but, Jesus said the greatest in the kingdom is the one who is a servant.  We would like titles such as Doctor, Pastor, Professor, etc.  While there is nothing wrong with such titles, the greatest title is that of servant.  All of the great men in the Bible were referred to as servants of God.  When describing ourselves we should be like Paul who said in Romans 1:1- Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God.”  Paul said that he was a servant first and then an Apostle second.  To Paul, the greatest title was that of servant.  We should say to others, “I am God’s servant.”  2.)  “He is become great.”  The way to become great in God’s economy is explained in the first lesson.  Jesus said in Mat.23:11- But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. The book of Proverbs also tells us the way to greatness and honor.  Pro.21:21- He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.  The way to become great is simply to be humble, be a servant, live right, and be merciful to others.  If we will serve God and others, love God and others, and seek to do right; then God will lift us up and we will be considered great.  3.)  “Menservants and maidservants.”  These individuals were also bondservants of Abraham.  They were serving Abraham, but they were under the authority and leadership of the head servant, Eliezer.  Eliezer is a type of the Holy Spirit.  We are all servants of God and we are serving the Father, part of the ministry of calling out a bride for the Son in evangelism, and we are under the direction of the Spirit.  We are to be filled or controlled by the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit is our guide to help us be effective and usual servants for the Master.  We, as Christians, are all servants of God who are following the leadership of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

Genesis 24:32-33

Vs.32- “And the man came into the house:  The servant, at the insistence of Laban, comes into the house. 

“and he ungirded his camels, and gave straw and provender for the camels, and water to wash his feet, and the men’s feet that were with him.”- Laban takes the load off of the camel’s backs, feeds the camels, and gives water to the men to wash their feet.  It was a custom in these hot countries to wash the feet of travelers.  They traveled great distances in the heat with sandals on.  Their feet would be hot, dirty, and sore.  It was common hospitality to provide water for such travelers to wash their weary feet. 

 

One-Line Explanation- Laban takes care of the needs of the servant and his men.

 

Vs.33- “And there was set meat before him to eat:  but he said, I will not eat, until I have told mine errand.”- The servant is given a meal to eat, but will not partake of the food until he has told them the reason for his journey. 

“And he said, Speak on.”- Laban says this to signify that they are ready to listen to what he had to say

 

One-Line Explanation- The servant will not eat until he has delivered his message.

 

Lesson:  1.) “I will not eat, until I have told mine errand.”- The servant did not travel 400 miles to eat a meal with Abraham’s family.  He is a man on a mission and he is focused on fulfilling his purpose.  He tells the family that he will not eat until he has told them the reasons he has travelled so far.  The servant was not about to get sidetracked.  We, as the church, have a purpose.  We have been sent by the father to call out a bride for the Son of God.  We have been given the Great Commission.  We are to go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature.  Yet, it seems that we are easily distracted by little things.  Like this servant of Abraham’s, we need to be focused on the task at hand.  Jesus had this mindset.  His disciples went to get some food.  Jesus stayed behind at a well and spoke to a Samaritan.  The woman at the well was converted and ran into town to tell the others that she had met the Christ.  The disciples came back and offered Jesus some food.  Jesus’ response in John 4:32- But he said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not of.”  Jesus was saying that the conversion of the Samaritans was more important than food at the moment.  The servant in this passage is saying something similar.  He says, “Food can wait, I have an important message from my Master!”  How focused are we at getting the Gospel message out?  I know some Christians that are every day soul-winners and they will not go to sleep until they have witnessed to somebody.  They are saying in effect, “I will not sleep, until I have told mine errand.”  Let us be dedicated to getting the message of the Gospel to a lost and dying world.  2.)  “Speak on.”- This statement signified that the family was ready to give their full attention to the message from the servant.  This is the attitude we need to have when God’s Word is involved.  When we do our personal devotions, we need to say “Speak on” Lord for you have my undivided attention.  Many times, unfortunately, we are thinking about other things and going through the motions of reading the Bible and could not repeat what we just read.  We need to give God our undivided attention when we read His Word.  It would be better to read one Bible verse and write out all of the ways God spoke to you through that verse than to read 10 chapters and retain nothing.  It is important that we give God our full attention if we expect for Him to speak to us.  We need to give God our full attention when the Word of God is being preached.  Many people are at church physically, but their mind is a million miles away.  God told Moses to come up to Mt. Sinai and then he says, “And be there.”  Exo.24:12a- And the Lord said unto Moses, Come up to me into the mount, and be there…  God want you to be in church physically, but he also wants you to be there mentally.  God wants your attendance, but He also wants your attention.  Does God have your attention?  Are you listening to what God is trying to say to you?  We need to say, “Speak on Lord.”   

Genesis 24:29-31

Vs.29- “And Rebekah had a brother, and his name was Laban:” We are introduced to Rebekah’s brother, Laban.  We will become well acquainted with this man as we study through the book of Genesis.  As far as we know, he is the only brother of Rebekah.  It is evident at this time that Laban is the spokesman for the family instead of his elderly father. 

“and Laban ran out unto the man, unto the well.”- The servant did not follow Rebekah to her home.  He waited for her to run home and get permission from her family.  He expected that if the family was willing to allow him to lodge with them then they would return and fetch him.  It was a custom at this time and in this area to be hospitable to travelers.  After hearing Rebekah’s report, Laban runs to meet the man at the well.  Unfortunately, it is rather clear that his motivation in meeting the man was not hospitality or generosity, but rather covetousness and greed as is abundantly clear in the following verse and all other scripture describing this man.

Vs.30- “And it came to pass, when he saw the earring and bracelets upon his sister’s hands,”- This is the motivation behind Laban running to meet the servant.  Rebekah had beautiful and expensive gifts given to her and Laban ran to meet the servant hoping that by showing generosity he too would receive some form of reward. 

“and when he heard the words of Rebekah his sister, saying, Thus spake the man unto me;”-The servant has asked Rebekah concerning her family and lodging.  Rebekah rehearsed the words of the servant into the ears of her mother.  Laban overheard all that was said.  Laban’s thoughts probably went something like this, “A rich man’s servant is seeking out our family and needs a place to stay.  He is also giving out expensive gifts!  What an opportunity to get something for myself.  I’m going to run down there and be the first one to greet him as the family’s spokesperson and extend an invitation to stay with us.  Surely he will reward me just like he did my sister.”

“that he came unto the man; and, behold, he stood by the camels at the well.”- He ran to meet the servant by the well because of the gifts he saw and the opportunity he heard presented by his sister, Rebekah.

Vs.31- “And he said, Come in, thou blessed of the Lord; wherefore standest thou without? For I have prepared the house, and room for the camels.”- Laban comes to the well and praises the servant by calling him blessed.  He then asks him why he has not followed his sister Rebekah to the house.  I don’t believe this is a rebuke by Laban, but rather an invitation to no longer delay in coming to the house.  He then makes it clear that he is extending an invitation by telling the servant that he has a place for him and the camels.  Laban was saying something like this, “Hello servant, you are such a wonderful man.  God has obviously blessed you and your Master.  What are you doing standing around here for?  Let’s go to the house.  I’ve got a room set up for you and a separate room set up just for your camels.”  Can you see how Laban is laying it on thick?  He is motivated by money!

 

One-Line Explanation- Laban runs to meet the servant at the well when he sees the gifts and hears the report of his sister.

 

Meaning of Names and Terms:

1.      Laban- White, shining.

 

Lesson:  Laban, the brother of Rebekah, ran to the servant and showed hospitality, generosity, and kindness.  He did this, however, not out of the goodness of his heart, but rather in expectation of monetary gain.  Motivation is a big deal.  It is not only important what you do, but why you do it.  Here are a few wrong reasons to do something.  1.)  Praise.  Jesus rebuked the hypocritical religious leaders of his day because they did the right thing, but they did it to be seen of men.  Mat.6:5-6- And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are:  for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men.  Verily I say unto you, Thy have their reward.  (Vs.6) But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.  Be careful that your motivation is serving Christ is not to be praised by others.  2.) Payback.  Laban was only being hospitable to the servant in hopes of getting something in return.    Luke 14:12-14- Then said he also to him that bade him, When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbors; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompense be made thee.  (Vs.13) But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind:  (Vs.14) And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee:  for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.  These verses do not teach that you can’t have your friends and family over for dinner.  These verses are speaking about motivation.  Don’t do good things for someone just so you can be recompensed or rewarded.  Jesus taught us to do good for those who can’t reward us for our deeds.  Jesus promised that if we did such things then God himself would reward us in eternity.  Many preachers and Christians are doing the good work of the Lord, but their motivation is to make money.  We see this all of the time in the health, wealth, and prosperity preaching churches.  We need to make sure that our motivation is not monetary gain, but rather God’s glory.   3.)  Power/Prestige/Position.  Some people will do good things for certain people in power so that they can make it up the ladder of success.  This follows the same principle given in Luke 14:12-14.  The Bible says that God is no respecter of persons and is equally fair and good to all.  We are supposed to be like our heavenly Father.  We should do good unto all men no matter what they can do for us in return.  We should never expect anything in return.  We should do good for others because we want to please our heavenly Father and have the character of a true born again Christian.  We understand that God will reward us for our deeds.  We should not determine who we will be kind, generous, and helpful to on the basis of what we can gain from them.    

Genesis 24:28

Vs.28- “And the damsel ran,”- Rebekah told the servant that he could stay at her home.  She then runs home to tell her family about the events of the day.  1.)  The damsel ran.  Why did she run?  1.)  Inform.  She has invited this servant with his ten camels and probably ten men.  She ran to her family to let them know of the situation and to inform them that the men would be staying with them.  2.)  Excitement.  I’m sure she was thrilled at what had taken place.  Rebekah does not yet know why the servant has come on his long journey.  This man is obviously wealthy, he has given her an earring and two bracelets, and it would seem that he has come to them with some important business.  I can imagine her showing off her earring and bracelets to her mother in the tent.  3.)  Courtesy.   She ran so that all of the accommodations required for their guests could be taken care of immediately.  The servant and his caravan are waiting patiently out in the hot sun.  She was making sure everything was taken care of as quickly as possible so as to show courtesy and consideration to these men that had travelled so far and were tired and weary. 

“and told them of her mother’s house these things.”-  It is interesting to note that she ran to her mother’s house.  Some have speculated that her father, Bethuel is dead.  This conclusion is reached because of two reasons given in the passage.  1.)  Rebekah ran and told her mother’s house.  If her father was alive, then why didn’t she tell her father’s house?  The answer:  Women in those times and places would have their own separate tent, house, or apartment; see vs.67.  The young women would be freer to converse with their mothers than they would be with their fathers.  2.)  Some feel that her father may have been dead because her brother, Laban, takes control of the family business.  The answer:  A.)  Bethuel is mentioned in vs.50.  This fact alone clears up this misconception to me.  Some commentators have concluded that the Bethuel mentioned in Vs.50 is a brother that bears the name of his father.  This is a ridiculous notion.  There is nothing in the context to indicate such a notion.  B.)  The father, now very old, probably gave the reigns to family business over to his son.  Bethuel is Abraham’s nephew.  Abraham is now 140 years of age, therefore it is very conceivable to believe that Bethuel is over 100 years of age himself.   C.)  Laban, as we will see the more we study, is a deceptive and controlling man.  It is Laban’s nature to take control of the situation.  I have seen family gatherings where the patriarch of the family is about to die and calls the family together to discuss things with them and the eldest son ends up taking control of the situation.  It is very easy to believe that Laban, with his controlling and domineering personality, would take the lead in the home over his aging father.

 

One-Line Explanation- Rebekah runs to tell her mother the news.

 

Lesson:  The servant coming to Rebekah is a picture of the Holy Spirit calling out the Bride (the Church).  The Holy Spirit came to us and brought us to salvation.  What did Rebekah do after coming into contact with the servant?  She ran and told.  When the woman at the well met Jesus in John Ch.4, she immediately left her water pot and went to the city and told them about Christ.  The first thing a person should do after getting saved is go tell their family about what happened to them.  This should be a pattern for the rest of our life as a Christian.  We should run and tell people about the day we met the Lord.

Genesis 24:27

Vs.27- “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:”- Abraham’s servant praises the Lord out loud and thanks God for providing mercy and truth.  By mercy he speaks of God’s favor and kindness towards Abraham.  God showed mercy in prospering the way of the servant in this endeavor and kindness in providing a suitable wife for Isaac.  The provision of truth is speaking in particular of God’s promise to make a nation of people out of the seed of Isaac.  If Isaac is to be the line through which this nation is born then he must have a wife.  God has promised a blessed nation and a Saviour through the lineage of Abraham and Isaac.  God’s word is true and he will provide a way for truth.

“I being in the way, the Lord led me to the house of my master’s brethren.”-  The servant also praises God for directing him and leading him to Isaac’s family in Mesopotamia.  ‘I being in the way’ speaks of following God’s direction and seeking God’s direction.  He was sent by his master to the land of Mesopotamia and while he was pursuing a wife for his master’s son, God directed his steps.

 

One-Line Explanation:  The servant praises God for mercy, truth, and direction.

 

Meaning of Names and Terms:

1.      Destitute- Not having or possessing; wanting; as destitute of virtue, or of peity; destitute of food and clothing. It differs from deprived, as it does not necessarily imply previous possession.

 

Lesson:  1.) “Blessed be the Lord God of my master Abraham.”  When he says, “Blessed be the Lord God,” the sense is that of extolling, praising, or magnifying.  Because of God’s favor and provision for him he praised, extolled, and magnified the Lord in front of the others.  A.)  His Declaration.  The servant was declaring to all those present that the God he served was a wonderful God worthy of praise, worship, honor, majesty, and glory.  We should be declaring the goodness of God.  Some may say, “Well, I just worship God in my heart.”  That sound spiritual, but the Bible says in Heb.13:15- By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.  God expects us to praise Him with our lips.  We should magnify and praise the Lord to our children, to our co-workers, to our friends, to our neighbors, and to all we are in contact with.  B.)  His Designation.  The servant makes it clear which God he is speaking of.  In vs.12 I mentioned how Jehovah God is called the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob throughout scripture.  This is a term of designation.  We live in a day where we are told to pray and speak in general terms so as to not offend anyone.  Preachers are asked to pray at political gatherings and are instructed not to pray in the name of Jesus, but to just use the generic term “God.”  This is done so that when the generic title is used a Muslim will not be offended because the individual praying could be speaking to Allah, or some other religionist would feel that their deity is the one being addressed.  I believe, however, in terms and titles of distinction because the Bible is clear on the subject.  We are to worship Jesus, pray to Jesus, and praise the name of Jesus.  The Scripture is clear on the fact that God’s name is precious and to be honored.  The servant said, “Blessed be the Lord (Jehovah) God (Elohim) of my master Abraham.”  Jehovah, translated ‘Lord’, is the national name of God in Israel.  Elohim, translated ‘God’, is the generic term usually used for the one true God, but sometimes used for false gods.  The servant distinguishes who he is speaking of in two ways.  i.)  By using the national proper name of God.  He blesses Jehovah God.  ii.)  By clarifying that the God he blesses is the God of Abraham.  This would be like a modern day Christian saying, “Praise the Lord Jesus Christ of the Bible.”  There would be no doubt who we were speaking of.  2.)  “Who hath not left destitute my master of his mercy and his truth.”  Abraham was not lacking in mercy or in truth.  When we think of the word destitute, we think of lacking food, clothing, or other physical necessities of life, but we rarely think of being spiritually destitute.  The riches of this world are temporal, but the true riches in Christ are eternal.  We thank God for giving us monetary blessings, and we should, but we rarely give thanks for the spiritual blessings of God.  The servant praised God for three things.  A.)  Mercy.  Mercy is that benevolence, mildness or tenderness of heart which disposes a person to overlook injuries, or to treat an offender better than he deserves; the disposition that tempers justice, and induces an injured person to forgive trespasses and injuries, and to forbear punishment, or inflict less than law or justice will warrant. In this sense, there is perhaps no word in our language precisely synonymous with mercy. That which comes nearest to it is grace. It implies benevolence, tenderness, mildness, pity or compassion, and clemency, but exercised only towards offenders. Mercy is a distinguishing attribute of the Supreme Being.  As wicked, depraved sinners that have violated the law of God, we deserve nothing but hell and judgment; but God, through His sacrifice on the cross, has given us mercy.  By trusting Christ as our Saviour we receive mercy instead of what we rightly deserve.  I deserve nothing from God; therefore, anytime God shows me kindness and blessing, He is extending mercy.  We should constantly praise God for His mercy on us.  B.)  Truth.   What is truth?  God’s Word is truth.  John 17:17- Sanctify them through thy truth:  thy word is truth.  Psa.119:160- Thy word is true from the beginning:  and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.  What is truth?  Jesus is truth incarnate.    John 14:6- Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life:  no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.  What is truth?  Truth is absolute.  Many believe today that truth is relative.  Relative truth is defined as truth that is true at only one time and at one place.  It’s true to some people and not to others.  It’s true now but it may not have been true in the past and it may not be again in the future, it’s always subject to change.  It is also subject to perspective of people.  Absolute truth is defined as follows; whatever is true at one time and at one place is true at all times and at all places.  What is true for one person is true for all persons.  Truth is true whether we believe it or not.  Truth is discovered or it is revealed, it is not invented by a culture or by religious men.  The Bible is absolute truth and we should thank God every day that we have truth.  C.)  Direction.  The servant praised the Lord for directing his steps and leading him.  We are simple sheep following the Good Shepherd.  We should praise the Lord for directing us and leading us in the right way.  3.)  “I being in the way.”  This is a great statement!  It was God that blessed the servant and prospered his way, but the servant put himself in position to be blessed.  The truth is simply this:  You do what you can do and trust God to do what you can’t do.  You have to make the first step.  God won’t do for you what you can do for yourself.  James 4:8- Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you…  There are hundreds of verses similar to this one in Scripture.  These are cause and effect verses.  If we draw nigh to God then he will draw nigh to us.  If you delight yourself in God then he will give us the desires of our hearts (Psa.37:4).  If we seek first God’s kingdom, then all of these things will be added unto us (Matt.6:33).  If you want God’s blessings and leading then you must position yourself to be blessed by God.  God won’t bless you if you are living in sin or if you are lazy and not following Biblical principles.  The servant needed God’s help in finding a wife for Isaac, but he had to do his part.  He had to load the camels, travel 400 miles to Mesopotamia, pray, etc.  You say, “I need God to give me a good job to take care of my family.”  Alright, then I suggest that you send out your resume, fill out applications, get on-line and find a job, and pray.  Do everything you can do and trust God to do the rest.  If you want God to use you in the area of evangelism, then you need to get your fishing pole in the water.  You need to be in the way.  You need to have tracts in your pocket, you need to pray for divine appointments, you need to be looking for opportunities to witness, you need to go with your church on their designated soul-winning day.  We can’t make anybody get saved, but we won’t see anybody saved if we aren’t ‘in the way.’  Elisha would not leave Elijah’s side.  On three different occasions Elijah told Elisha to tarry or wait while he went somewhere.  Elisha responded by saying he would not leave Elijah’s side.  2 Kings 2:9-10- And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me.

(Vs.10) And he said, Thou hast asked a hard thing: nevertheless, if thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee; but if not, it shall not be so.  Elisha would not leave Elijah’s side and he was eventually blessed because of it.  Elisha was positioning himself for blessing.  He was making sure that he was ‘in the way.’  I thought of a few ways to be ‘in the way.’  A.)  Be at church.  The church is God’s idea and it is commanded that you attend.  You cannot have God’s blessings on your life if you are not ‘in the way’ at church.  Position yourself for blessing and be at church this Sunday.  B.)  Be ‘in the way’ at your church’s soul-winning program.  Our church has a set time to go into our community and give out the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.  God has promised to bless those that give out the Gospel.  C.)  Be ‘in the way’ in the area of relationships.  Pro.13:20- He that walketh with wise men shall be wise:  but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.  If you want to position yourself for God’s blessings on your life then make sure you hang around the right crowd that won’t cause you to forfeit God’s best for your life.  D.)  Be ‘in the way’ when it comes to God’s will.  If God calls you to be a missionary to Nicaragua then the best thing you can do is follow God’s will.  Jonah was called to go preach to Nineveh, but instead he ran from God’s will and fled to Tarshish.  God prepared a great fish to swallow Jonah and readjust his attitude.  God had a plan for Jonah, but he did not want to be ‘in the way.’  Wherever God leads he will provide.  We worry about how we are going to make it financially, or how we will cope in a different culture, or how we will make it in a different climate, or how we will survive in a third world country, etc.  Wherever God calls you to go, just obey and go.  It is our job to simply ‘be in the way’ and God will lead us and guide us as he did this servant. 

Genesis 24:26

Vs.26- “And the man bowed down his head, and worshipped the Lord.”- Abraham’s servant has promised his master that he would seek a wife for his son, he has travelled hundreds of miles on camelback to seek this wife, he has prayed and God has answered his prayer and led Rebekah to him.  The servant questions Rebekah to see if she qualifies and she has all of the necessary qualifications.  The servant is overwhelmed by God’s provision and direction; he bows his head and he worships the Lord.

 

One-Line Explanation:  Abraham’s servant worships God.

 

Lesson:  We learn much about worship in this short verse.  1.)  The Purpose of worship.  Why was the servant worshipping God?  A.)  He worshipped God for Providential Direction.  The Lord led him to Rebekah.  We too should worship God for his directing, leading, and guiding in our lives.  I praise the Lord today for how He led me to the right Bible College, He led me to my wife, and He led me to pastor Berean Baptist Church.  The Lord has never steered me wrong and I worship Him today for His divine providence and leading in my life!  B.)  He worshipped God for Prayers Answered.  The servant prayed a specific prayer concerning finding a wife for Isaac and God answered his prayer.  I worship the Lord today for prayers He has so graciously answered in my life.  I could spend hours testifying of the many prayers God has answered in my life.  What a wonderful reason to worship God!  C.)  Provision.  God has seemingly directed his steps and provided a wife for his master’s son.  I worship God for His provision in my life.  He has taken care of my every need and supplied my wants and desires as well.  We have struggled many times financially in the process of starting a church, but every time we have needed something, God has provided.  We worship and thank God for providing our daily bread, for giving us raiment (Clothes) to wear, for giving us a roof over our head, a vehicle to drive, and temporal money to use for His glory.   D.)  Prosperity.  God had seemingly prospered his way.  He found success in the task he was given.  I worship and thank God for the growth of Berean Baptist Church.  I praise Him for every soul saved, believer baptized, and family that joins.  God has prospered and grown this ministry and we worship God for the prosperity He gives us in the task.  2.)  The Posture of worship.  The word worship means “ to depress, that is, prostrate (especially reflexively in homage to royalty or God): - bow (self) down, crouch, fall down (flat), humbly beseech, do (make) obeisance, do reverence, make to stoop, worship.”  You do not have to bow to worship God, but it is an appropriate posture for worship.  Bowing illustrates a few things.  A.)  Humility.  God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.  The Bible speaks over and over again about God’s hatred for pride.  We are told to worship God in humility.  By bowing in worship, we symbolically state before God that we are not coming to Him with a heart full of pride, but rather with an awareness of our unworthiness.  B.)  Reverence.  Reverence is said to be fear mingled with respect and esteem.  Reverence is an act of respect and obeisance.  When we bow before God as King of Kings and Lord of Lords, we are signifying that we understand that He is to be feared as the judge of all the earth, respected as the King of the universe, and honored for His character of perfection and holiness.  C.)  Submission.  The lesser always submits to the greater.  By bowing our heads to God, we are signifying that we understand that He is the Creator and we are the created, He is God and we are man, He is holy and we are sinful, He is King and we are servants.  This is why we bow our heads and pray.  We are humbling ourselves before God, reverencing God, and displaying our submission to God.   3.)  The Presence of Worship.  The servant was not in the tabernacle, the temple, a synagogue, or at church.  You don’t have to be in corporate worship to worship God.  The act of worship should be a daily occurrence in the life of a believer.  God is always with us and we can worship Him at all times.  God’s presence is there and therefore we can worship God wherever we are.  Our children should see us worship God in the vehicle, at the house, in church, at the workplace, etc.  Worshipping God is something that we should be doing constantly.