DIGGING DEEP NO. 868 – FEBRUARY 2, 2021 GODS PROVISION

“Then he prayed, ‘Lord, God of my master Abraham, make me successful today and show kindness to my master Abraham.’ – Genesis 24:12
How can you know what God wants you to do next? How do you discern God’s will about where to live or work or who to marry? Is the God of heaven really involved in life on earth, specifically your life? Do you make the most logical choice and then ask God to bless it? What if you get it wrong … are you on the wrong path the rest of your life? What if someone else’s choices limit your options? A lot of mystery and hard questions surround knowing “God’s will.” Scripture offers many guiding life principles but often does not give all the details we desire. Setting your life’s priority on knowing and following God impacts your daily decisions. God delights in your desire to know and follow Him. Abraham sent his faithful servant on a mission to find a wife for Isaac. He went to a foreign land where he knew no one. He had to locate the right family and bring back the right girl. How did he do it? He received Abraham’s instruction and depended on God’s guidance. He prayed for specific confirmation, and God answered clearly. God is not distant or removed from the details of our lives. Though exalted above us in every way, He intentionally listens, cares, and acts on our behalf. He wants to help us when we cry out for the wisdom we lack. God’s sovereign plan for your life incorporates your prayers.

■ Abraham’s Mandate – Genesis 24:1-9
. The Faithful Father’s Responsibility – Abraham was growing old had buried his wife, Sarah, and knew his son, Isaac, needed a wife to fulfill God’s promises. The prayerful and careful process by which God met this need provides a great example for us today. The Lord had blessed Abraham. He had seen God’s promises confirmed in the miraculous birth of his son and through God’s faithful provision of a substitute sacrifice when his faith had been tested. Abraham’s driving force behind his planning was a desire to honor God. As spiritual head of his family, Abraham took the initiative to please God in this important matter.

■ The Servant’s Mission – Genesis 24:10-61
The Faithful Servant’s Oath – 24:2-9 Abraham summoned his senior and most trusted servant, called Eliezer. Abraham commissioned him for the task of finding Isaac a wife, under oath to the Lord. This servant’s faith in God and faithfulness to Abraham offers an example for all believers. Abraham gave his servant clear instructions. Abraham desired a wife for Isaac from his own family.

As the servant pondered his task, he sought clarity about what to do if the woman was unwilling to return to Canaan. Abraham encouraged his servant as he boldly proclaimed confidence in God’s provision. Abraham knew the God who called him out of his father’s household and native land. God had spoken unwavering promises. This same faithful God would “send His angel” before the servant.
The Faithful Servant’s Duty – 24:10-11 The servant departed, taking 10 camels loaded with gifts. These gifts offered tangible proof of Isaac’s ability to support a wife and a guarantee of the proposed marriage. Abraham’s servant arrived and sat at a well outside town to water the camels. By God’s design, he arrived at the time of day when women would come to draw water.
The Faithful Servant’s Prayer – 24:12-14 The servant sat at the right place at the right time. Which woman was to be Isaac’s bride? He prayed for wisdom about what to do, where to go and what to say. Only God could send him.

God’s Provision – 24:15-16 God began to answer the servant’s prayer before he even finished praying. Rebekah walked up to the well with her water jar on her head. The specific description of Rebekah inserted here reinforces God’s foreknowledge and purpose as she appeared at the well – in immediate answer to the servant’s pray.
The Faithful Servant’s Actions – 24:17-27 Request and response – 24:17-21 The servant demonstrated his faith by action. He hurried to meet her. Rebekah offered him a drink and to water his camels, just as he had prayed. She committed to water them “until they have had enough to drink.”” emptied her jar and “ran back” for more water. The servant quietly watched her as she worked. What was he thinking and praying as he observed the quality of Rebekah’s character, not just her beauty? God gave the confirming sign needed to recognize His guidance.
Confirmation and worship – 24:22-27 The servant took another step to affirm God’s direction. He offered Rebekah gifts, asked whose daughter she was and asked for lodging in her father’s house. This offer and request reveal his personal faith in God’s confirmation. When Rebekah identified herself as Nahor’s granddaughter, the servant bowed in humble, grateful worship. His words of praise celebrated God’s faithfulness and guidance. The Family’s Faithful Response – 24:28-52 Rebekah shared the servant’s joy and “ran” home to declare that Abraham’s servant had arrived.

■ Isaac’s Marriage – Genesis 24:62-67
Isaac’s Response – 24:62-67 Isaac’s faith also required risk. Isaac could have married a woman from the Canaanites, but instead he waited on God’s timing and provision. Isaac trusted God with his personal happiness and future. Isaac expressed his expectant faith by waiting at Beer Lahai Roi to meet his bride. This is where Hagar had named God “the One who sees me.
While meditating in a field one evening, he looked up to see approaching camels, an answer to his prayers. Rebekah saw him and verified that the man was Isaac. As Rebekah covered herself with a veil in preparation to meet Isaac, she followed a custom many today recognize when a veiled bride walks down the aisle. This faithful bride accepted Isaac as a gift from God. The servant further confirmed the union by his account of all God had done for Abraham’s.