Genesis 24:1—25:11: God's Guidance and Care

Warming Up to God

God wants to give you the desires of your heart. What are you yearning for today?

• To create. Oh how I love to create. Everything from messy muddy pottery, to beautiful soothing music! I want to dance. 
• I want to influence and minister to the people around me...but I don't want to put in the work and emotional energy that goes with that. I fear that God will give that desire of my heart of hearts to me ad make my life a mess!
• I want to be at peace.

Discovering the Word

What main concerns are evident in Abraham's commands to his servant (24:1-9)?

• He wanted to make sure that Isaac did not take a woman from the land he was in and that Isaac did not travel to Abraham's homeland. Perhaps he thought that Isaac would perhaps not return.

As the servant arrives at Nahor he offers the first prayer for personal guidance recorded in the Bible. What does he specifically ask of God (24:12-14)?

• The servant asks to grant favor to his master.
• He asks for evidence of the woman he is looking for through her kindness and generosity.

How does the servant's account in 24:33-49 reveal his excitement and awe at the Lord's guidance?

• The servant was amazed at the Lord's providence; the way that he orchestrated all the events to make certain that they worked out the way they were supposed to.

How does Rebekah's family react to these sudden, unexpected events (24:50-53)?

• They believe that the events were also orchestrated by God. They whole heartedly support Rebekah's sudden betrothal.
• After the betrothal, the servant gave Rebekah and her family expensive gifts.

In what way is Rebekah involved in the decision to go with the servant (24:54-60)?

• She decides to go with the servant the next day. I do not believe that I could do that. It would mean leaving my family forever with less than a day's notice.

What do we learn about Abraham's final years (25:1-11)?

• He took another wife, Keturah, and had more children,
• He left everything he had to Isaac.
• He sent his sons from Keturah away to the "east country"
• He died at 175 as a happy man who lived a full life.

Applying the Word

The servant had not asked for a vision or miraculous event but for guidance through clear signs in natural circumstances. When has God guided you in this way?

• Nothing comes to mind.

What is the most important lesson you have learned from studying the life of Abraham?

• He messed up, a lot. But he was still regarded as very faithful. He didn't get everything right all the time, but he kept coming back to God and trusting him when it mattered most.
• I am not sure how I score here. I'd like to hope that I am faithful. But I am continually frustrated with my children, and with the fact that I have so little time to call my own. It makes me want to be bitter. God, help me to trust you through this (wonderful) season of my life.