Genesis chapter 24 verses 12-15 (NIV)
Then he prayed, “LORD, God of my master Abraham, make me successful today, and show kindness to my master Abraham. See, I am standing beside this spring, and the daughters of the townspeople are coming out to draw water. May it be that when I say to a young woman, ‘Please let down your jar that I may have a drink,’ and she says, ‘Drink, and I’ll water your camels too’ —let her be the one you have chosen for your servant Isaac. By this I will know that you have shown kindness to my master.” Before he had finished praying, Rebekah came out with her jar on her shoulder. She was the daughter of Bethuel son of Milkah, who was the wife of Abraham’s brother Nahor.
I was struck by several things as I read this familiar account today. The first thing was the fact that the servant addressed God as “The God of my master Abraham.” That made me think that this servant had watched Abraham and had seen God moving in Abraham’s life. I wonder if he had yet made that decision to make God his own God?
He certainly had the faith to pray to the Lord for success in his mission. Abraham’s life before God must have made an impact on the servant. What impact does my life and faith have on others – is it enough to make them seek God for themselves? It should be.
It’s also interesting that Rebekah came out before the man had finished praying. God’s plan was indeed that Rebekah was to be Isaac’s wife, but the fact that the man prayed and that Rebekah did all that he had prayed for, then became part of his testimony. It had such an impact on him that he shared the story with Rebekah’s family, as we read later in the chapter. It was that testimony that made Rebekah’s family realise that this was God’s plan. So that prayer also had a snowball effect that impacted many. And it all stems back to Abraham’s faith. How much of a snowball effect could our faith have if we would only trust God.
Dear Lord,
Thank You for the impact that Abraham’s life had on his servant. Help me to be a good ambassador for You and live my life in a way that will make others want to find You for themselves. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.