God’s will above all else

Posted on May 21, 2013 by Christopher Harper

Genesis 24:14 "And let it come to pass, that the damsel to whom I shall say, Let down thy pitcher, I pray thee, that I may drink; and she shall say, Drink, and I will give thy camels drink also: let the same be she that thou hast appointed for thy servant Isaac; and thereby shall I know that thou hast shewed kindness unto my master."

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This is not an uncommon Biblical practice.

I do not feel the servant was presumptuous of God in any way with this request. I believe he was simply attempting to find exactly the person God wanted for Isaac.

He made a wise choice in selecting a woman that would act in such a way, because a person that did so would be displaying Godly character. This offering would show thoughtfulness, kindness, a servant's heart, and a commitment to others above self. Each of these attitudes is an indication of the maturity and integrity God would have required in the wife of a chosen servant.

We should be careful in making statements in prayer like this one, remembering that we must put God's will above all else in any decision. This was a well thought out test in a difficult situation, and it is clear God used it to confirm Rebekah's worthiness to the servant.

Genesis 24:14 "And let it come to pass, that the damsel to whom I shall say, Let down thy pitcher, I pray thee, that I may drink; and she shall say, Drink, and I will give thy camels drink also: let the same be she that thou hast appointed for thy servant Isaac; and thereby shall I know that thou hast shewed kindness unto my master."

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All benefit from doing the Father’s will

Posted on May 20, 2013 by Christopher Harper

Genesis 24:12 "And he said, O LORD God of my master Abraham, I pray thee, send me good speed this day, and shew kindness unto my master Abraham."

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I find it fascinating that Abraham's servant would pray for speed, but only for the benefit of his master. He asks for success, but it is not for his own sake. The master's request is chief in his mind, and it is therefore necessary that God grant his request.

This is somewhat parallel to the prayers Jesus often prayed. Glorifying His father was always the main concern, and whether that meant happiness or difficulty for Him was not much considered. He understood that if the Father's will was done, all would benefit, because God's desire is to bless His children.

Putting Abraham first meant greater blessing for this servant, and putting our Master first will mean greater benefit for us. Let us have the mind of this servant, by choosing to do or say that which brings glory to our God.

Genesis 24:12 "And he said, O LORD God of my master Abraham, I pray thee, send me good speed this day, and shew kindness unto my master Abraham."

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An unworthy servant?

Posted on May 10, 2013 by Christopher Harper

Genesis 24:10 "And the servant took ten camels of the camels of his master, and departed; for all the goods of his master were in his hand: and he arose, and went to Mesopotamia, unto the city of Nahor."

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This is a wonderful story. God is using Abraham's servant to bring together two of our favorite Bible heroes, and set an important foundation for Israel's history.

In the midst of all the wonderful detail, I couldn't get past the second phrase in this verse. All of Abraham's goods were in the hand of this servant.

How is it that a rich and powerful man such as Abraham could trust everything to a lowly servant?

This man was not likely experienced in handling such wealth; perhaps he wasn't worthy?

Yes, it is likely he wasn't, just as much as it is true we are not. Still, God gives us the inheritance of His son, and entrusts us with His gospel.

I wonder if the granting of this responsibility points more to faithfulness of the Master than the servant?

Genesis 24:10 "And the servant took ten camels of the camels of his master, and departed; for all the goods of his master were in his hand: and he arose, and went to Mesopotamia, unto the city of Nahor."

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A life of blessing

Posted on May 9, 2013 by Christopher Harper

Genesis 24:1 "And Abraham was old, and well stricken in age: and the LORD had blessed Abraham in all things."

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It would be easy to pass by a verse such as this one with no real thought as to its significance.

What a wonderful testimony to God's faithfulness in the life of a man that simply obeyed. It should also be a reminder to us of our goal for old age. Would in not be a wonderful thing to reach the end knowing that God had blessed us?

As Abraham we will certainly have had our moments of chastisement and consequence for sin, yet the blessings should far outnumber them.

A life of obedience to Him, is always a life of blessing from Him. We must choose day by day to do His will, understanding that His favor will follow.

While blessing is not to be the motivation for service, it will likely be the result.

Let's remember that an earthly life's rewards are only the beginning of what God has in store.

Genesis 24:1 "And Abraham was old, and well stricken in age: and the LORD had blessed Abraham in all things."

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God has no difficulties

Posted on May 8, 2013 by Christopher Harper

Genesis 22:13 "And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son."

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Abraham had no idea that there would be a ram caught in this thicket. God had not revealed any special knowledge to him on the matter. He was left only with trusting a God he knew was absolutely faithful in all things.

We are left with this same knowledge in many things today. God does not allow us to know what He will use to keep His promises, yet He commands we trust, leaving the rest to Him.

A simple ram in a thicket was nothing to God. He was the one that created the ram, the thicket, and the mountain they were on. Much of what we trust God for is just as insignificant, yet we worry over it as though it may cause Him difficulty.

He has no difficulties, and will perform all He chooses in His own perfect timing.

What a wonderful sight this ram, and what a terrific reminder that the God who provided it has also made provision for us in His son!

Genesis 22:13 "And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son."

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Witnesses of unwavering faith

Posted on May 7, 2013 by Christopher Harper

Genesis 22:5 "And Abraham said unto his young men, Abide ye here with the ass; and I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you."

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This is perhaps the first indication of how strong Abraham's faith was in the sparing of Isaac. Here he makes a very clear statement that both will return.

Doubters will lack faith in his willingness to carry out the act which God had asked of him. God differs with that view later in the chapter.

The one who knows the hearts of all men knew that Abraham was set on doing what He asked. Therefore we know that Abraham's belief in God was consistent.

This is a trait we see in all faithful people. Their belief does not come and go according to circumstance, and the people that are close to them observe it.

These servants may not have known the whole story, but they were first-hand witnesses to the unwavering faith of their master.

I wonder if those we know understand the same of us?

Genesis 22:5 "And Abraham said unto his young men, Abide ye here with the ass; and I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you."

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Not any ordinary command

Posted on May 6, 2013 by Christopher Harper

Genesis 22:1-2 "And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am. And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of."

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This was not any ordinary command. A man of lesser faith would have ignored it for its difficulty.

These type of requests from the Lord don't come often. I dare say another has never been made like it.

Though we know the rest of the story, Abraham did not. He simply trusted that the Lord would work it together for his good.

It's this type of story that causes us to forget that Bible characters were real people. Obedience in these circumstances seems nearly impossible to believe. Think of all that would go through a man's head at a time like this.

Consider the painful seriousness of Abraham's command, then contrast it with your own lack of faith in small things. This type of identification with great Bible heroes can often do much to strengthen us.

Genesis 22:1-2 "And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am. And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of."

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He seemed as one that mocked

Posted on May 2, 2013 by Christopher Harper

Genesis 19:14 "And Lot went out, and spake unto his sons in law, which married his daughters, and said, Up, get you out of this place; for the LORD will destroy this city. But he seemed as one that mocked unto his sons in law."

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This is the classic text about losing your influence. Lot had made so many compromises to gain and maintain his position in this wicked city, that his family members no longer respected him.

He could likely "talk a good game" about his devotion to the Lord, but everyone knew the truth by his actions.

We often think we can live a life that is less than obedient and still have a testimony in the lives of those we love. I'm afraid family members are not as easily fooled as friends or acquaintances. They see us in private moments; times when we are unable to put on our public, Christian face.

Let's remember that others often see us for who we really are, and we can't expect them to be embrace the message of a phony.

Lot's compromise could have cost his son in laws their lives. Remember that being a truly obedient disciple always has eternal significance.

Genesis 19:14 "And Lot went out, and spake unto his sons in law, which married his daughters, and said, Up, get you out of this place; for the LORD will destroy this city. But he seemed as one that mocked unto his sons in law."

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Power to defeat evil forces

Posted on May 1, 2013 by Christopher Harper

Genesis 19:4-5 "But before they lay down, the men of the city, even the men of Sodom, compassed the house round, both old and young, all the people from every quarter: And they called unto Lot, and said unto him, Where are the men which came in to thee this night? bring them out unto us, that we may know them."

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A strange thought came to mind as I read this passage. It is a thought that had never crossed my mind before in this context: Lot didn't seem to realize the power that lay within the grasp of the angels that lodged with him.

The very power of Almighty God, the God who would destroy the city on the morrow was at their disposal if they would but call. We can affirm this in the next few verses, as the angels afflict the men with blindness.

Isn't this often like us? God's power lay within our own homes, not in angels, but His word, yet when the enemy surrounds we instead resort to sin.

Lot makes this terrible choice just three verses later. It is not so unlike the choices we may make if we forget God.

Consider this application and hopefully you will be blessed as I was.

Genesis 19:4-5 "But before they lay down, the men of the city, even the men of Sodom, compassed the house round, both old and young, all the people from every quarter: And they called unto Lot, and said unto him, Where are the men which came in to thee this night? bring them out unto us, that we may know them."

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Believe God for big things?

Posted on April 30, 2013 by Christopher Harper

Genesis 18:14 "Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son."

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The question that begins this verse comes with both a certain answer and a strict caution.

There is no thing of any kind that is too hard for the Lord. At the same time, we must know that it is God that prompts us to believe, or do the thing that is seemingly too hard. What I mean is that many today believe God for big things that He has no intention of doing, because they are not in His will.

Let us rejoice in the knowledge that even the most impossible desires are fulfilled in God, but be certain it is God's desire we are seeking after.

In this situation the voice of the Lord was unmistakable, but it is not always that way.

I have heard this verse used to rally congregations behind extravagant church building programs that were questionable at best. Is it impossible for God to pay off a large debt? No, but was it God's will to become indebted?

Embrace the truth of this question, but don't abuse it.

Genesis 18:14 "Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son."

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