Pastor’s Bible Reading Schedule: Genesis 23-24; Luke 9
Devotional Thought:
Title: “Praying and Planning.”
As we age, we often become more focused on our children and grandchildren; however, Abraham was a late bloomer in these matters. Abraham was well up in years when he decided to search for a wife for his son. Though not named in this chapter, Abraham’s chief servant could be none other than Eliezer whom in mentioned in Genesis 15:2. Abraham committed him to an oath, binding him to find Isaac’s wife back in Mesopotamia. Isolated among the daughters of the Canaanites, Abraham felt he had no other choice. Better no wife at all than to marry a Canaanite.
Eliezer showed great loyalty and grace in serving the heir who had trusted him. One commentary calls Eliezer “one of the most attractive minor characters in the Bible, with his quiet good sense, his piety and faith, his devotion to his employer and his firmness in seeing the matter through.” Eliezer loaded up with all kinds of goods and gifts headed to the town of Nahor. He went to a well that served as the water source for people of that area. However, Eliezer wasn’t just looking over the local female population. He had his spiritual eyes open. He asked for divine help in a prayer for God to point out the appropriate woman beyond any doubt. And typical of the way God had dealt with Abraham from the beginning, before he had finished praying, Rebekah came out with her jar on her shoulder. The prayer now became a plan as the servant hurried to meet her. He spoke, she spoke, and the sign was fulfilled. Eliezer could have just asked for someone who was willing to give him a drink, but the prayer had specified the phrase I’ll water your camels too. Not only that but this beautiful girl quickly emptied her jar into the trough, ran back to the well to draw more water. Another commentator points out a specific spiritual lesson in this tender narrative: “Notice his perfect courtesy. (vs 17) Manners counts for a great deal in all Christian work. We may spoil a good cause by our lack of consideration and courtesy. We observe, too, his patience. (vs. 21) He will not force matters, for there must be no hurry. Abraham’s servant is filled with a holy watchfulness for every indication of the will of God.” What a great lesson for all of us regarding the will of God. We pray specifically and as God answers those prayers we exercise faith in the plan of God as it is unfolded in answer to our prayers. As we serve the Lord, we should exercise courtesy and good manners. In our self-centered world, too many Christians have adopted the world’s philosophy of treating people rather than demonstrating the character of Christ in our service. May we pray for God to answer our prayers, to give us a plan, and to grant us patience to be courteous and gracious as we deal with the people we strive to serve.
Prayer Requests:
Personal:
- Lord, please help me to pray for your clear leading in my life to accomplish your will for me.
- Lord, please help me to trust your plan as you lead and guide according to the precepts, principles, and promises of your word.
- Lord, please help me to be courteous and gracious in serving the people you have called me to meet, reach, and teach.