I am slowly studying words like "way" and "walk" in the Bible. The other day, I came across the first example of a man who was so careful in the way he went. Being familiar with the story, it was so neat how the Lord showed me the specific steps this man took.
Servant of Abraham
(Genesis 24)
It is very interesting that the first mention of one
faithfully seeking and following the way of God is about marriage.
He was Commissioned
Abraham commissioned his servant to go in his stead, to find
a wife for Isaac.
He Continued with
Prayer
When the servant got to the place he knew he needed to be,
he stopped and prayed. He prayed specifics:
1) That God would give him good speed (Genesis 24:12)
2) That the damsel of whom he'd ask water would also draw
for the camels (Genesis 24:14)
3) That that damsel would be the one for Isaac (Genesis
24:14)
He took Action
After he prayed, the servant took the next step and talked
to the damsel (Genesis 24:17).
He Watched
In patience, the servant watched and waited to see if this
was indeed an answer to prayer (Genesis 24:21).
He Gave Gifts
In essence, he took another step forward and, according to
the custom, gave gifts to Rebekah, and followed her to her house.
He Stopped to Worship
After realizing that God has thus far prospered his journey
and answered his prayer, the servant "bowed down his head, and worshipped
the Lord." (Genesis 24:26)
He acknowledged that God had led his way and had led him
(Genesis 24:27).
He Spoke with those in
Authority
Before taking the final action, the servant communicated
with those in authority, openly sharing how he had previously sought the Lord
and was thus far answered (Genesis 24:33-48).
He Yielded to those in
Authority
After sharing how he believed the Lord had led him, the
servant asked permission of those in authority before he took the next step. He
would not have taken action had they said no (Genesis 24:49-51)
Given Permission, he
again Worshipped
"And it came to pass, that, when Abraham's servant
heard their words, he worshipped the Lord, bowing himself to the earth."
(Genesis 24:52)
He Took the Final Steps Forward
After seeking the Lord and going to his authority, the
servant did not delay to complete his duty. "Hinder me not, seeing the
Lord hath prospered my way;" (Genesis 24:56)
~*~*~
What had God led you to study recently?
