Origins: The Promise (Genesis 12–25)Sample

By Pastor Dan Hickling

“Then the servant took ten of his master’s camels and departed, for all his master’s goods were in his hand. And he arose and went to Mesopotamia, to the city of Nahor.” Genesis 24:10 (NKJV)

Abraham’s pursuit to find a bride for his son continues as his trusted servant, Eliezer, departs with ten camels carrying a myriad of valuables. This was a risky venture in this time and place as robbers were free to pounce on vulnerable travelers. A lot of faith went into this excursion, especially since he was journeying to a place over five hundred miles away!

But the Lord went before Eliezer and saw him safely to his destination, the city of Nahor (also known as Haran). If we refer back to Genesis 11:22-26, we see that Nahor was Abraham’s grandfather; making this the ideal place for Eliezer to find a related bride for Abraham’s son. Watch what he does when he arrives at the city. “He made his camels kneel down outside the city by a well of water at evening time, the time when women go out to draw water. Then he said . . . ‘Now let it be that the young woman to whom I say, “Please let down your pitcher that I may drink,” and she says, “Drink, and I will also give your camels a drink”—let her be the one You have appointed for Your servant Isaac. And by this I will know that You have shown kindness to my master’” (Genesis 24:11-14 NKJV).

The ten camels are thirsty after their long voyage and need to be watered. But instead of giving them a drink himself, Eliezer allows God to work. Remember, he had no idea which woman he was meant to bring back to Isaac. It was beyond his understanding, only the Lord knew. So he proposes a scenario that only God could fulfill. If there was a woman who willingly offered to water his ten thirsty camels, then she must be the one God meant for Isaac!

Now, we need to be careful here because God doesn’t want us to haphazardly present Him with scenarios to fulfill. “God, if You’ll just . . . ” That’s actually an underhanded way of trying to control God. However, there are also moments in our faith journey when we have no answers of our own and we rely on the Lord to do what only He can do. That’s not controlling God, that’s leaning on Him with the full weight of our faith. That’s the type of trust Eliezer exhibits and the type of trust that God wants to define our lives, as well!     

DIG: What motivated Eliezer’s proposed scenario?

DISCOVER: When have you relied on the Lord to do only what He could do?

DO: Examine your heart and ask the Lord to reveal if you’re trying to control Him or if you’re truly relying on Him.