Origins: The Promise (Genesis 12–25)Sample

By Pastor Dan Hickling

“So the young woman ran and told her mother’s household these things.” Genesis 24:28 (NKJV)

A beautiful portrayal of God’s providence is unfolding for us here in Genesis 24. We’ve seen Abraham’s servant set out to a far-away land to secure a bride for his son. We’ve seen that servant present a specific prayer in order to identify who this woman should be. And we’ve seen the perfect answer in the person of Rebekah as she fulfills everything this servant could hope for. 

A literal match made in heaven is starting to come into focus! But while we know these things, Rebekah doesn’t. And as she now introduces her family to this mysterious traveler in need of their hospitality, it’s time for him to reveal the true nature of his visit. “So he said, ‘I am Abraham’s servant . . . Now my master made me swear, saying, “You shall not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites, in whose land I dwell; but you shall go to my father’s house and to my family, and take a wife for my son . . . ”’” (Genesis 24:34-38 NKJV).

I’ll stop it right there because what follows is a retelling of what we have already seen up until now. The servant describes in detail how Rebekah was clearly the one whom the Lord had revealed as His chosen bride for Abraham’s son. He recounts everything, and then notice how he lands it; “Now if you will deal kindly and truly with my master, tell me. And if not, tell me, that I may turn to the right hand or to the left” (Genesis 24:49 NKJV).

It’s interesting that the servant, after telling Rebekah’s family all that God had done, leaves the decision up to them to either accept or reject his testimony. He doesn’t force them into anything or resort to any tactics to get a certain response from them. He simply tells them the truth about what God did and allows them to make a choice.

There’s a lesson in this for every Christian, because we’ve been called to a similar task. As believers in Christ, we’re to share the truth of what He’s done on the cross for the world, with the world (Matthew 28:19). 

Most of us already understand this. But we can quickly forget that we’re not called to force people into making their decision concerning Christ. God doesn’t want us to manipulate or coerce people for the gospel’s sake. Like Eliezer, we’re responsible to truthfully testify to what the Lord has done, and then allow those we share with to make their own choice to accept or reject it; because the choice must be theirs. 

DIG: How does the plot thicken in this passage?

DISCOVER: What principle do we see in this interaction with Rebekah’s family?

DO: Remember this example when it comes to being a witness for Christ. Know the limitations of your responsibility in sharing the gospel.