Date | Version | Reading Plan |
---|---|---|
January 24, 2025 | ESV (2016) | OT/NT Plan 2025 – 2027 |
Genesis 24
The chapter recounts the acquisition of Isaac’s wife. Abraham sent his servant, a man of faith himself, and other men to the land of his kindred. The servant is instructed to find a wife from there rather than from the daughters of Canaan. He is also told that the woman is not to be taken to the land from which Abraham came. The servant complied and set out toward Mesopotamia, to the city of Nahor, to find a wife for Isaac.
Kneeling down by a well outside the city, the servant prayed that the Lord would grant him success, that one of the daughters of the city drawing water would come to him and offer water for both he and his camels. Before he had finished speaking, Rebekah came out with a water jar and the servant approached her for some water. Rebekah offered water to both the servant and the camels. When the camels had finished drinking, the servant placed a gold ring in her ear, bracelets on her arms and asked her whose daughter she was. She told him that she was the daughter of Bethuel, son of Milcah. The servant bowed to the LORD in worship, blessing Him for the steadfast faithfulness He had shown toward Abraham. Rebekah then ran and told her mother’s house about these things.
Laban, Rebekah’s brother, ran out toward the servant, saw the rings on his sister and heard her words regarding the servant. Laban invited the servant to come to the house and the servant came with his camels. Food was set before the servant but he insisted that he first speak of why he was there. He proceeded to tell the story of Abraham’s requisition to obtain a wife for Isaac and his meeting Rebekah at the well.
The servant asked that he leave with Rebekah right away, but Rebekah’s brother and mother said that she should remain with them ten days. The servant insisted that there would be no delay and they called to Rebekah to see would go with the man. She said, “I will go.” and they blessed Rebekah before her departure.
The servant and Rebekah came back to Isaac and the servant told him all the things that had taken place. Isaac took Rebekah into his mother’s tent and she became his wife. Isaac loved her and was comforted by her after his mother’s death.
Key Takeaways and Application
The precision with which these events took place seem particularly striking. Abraham was specific in his request of the servant to get a wife from the land of his kindred and that she not be brought to the land from which he came. Moreover, the servant’s prayer was exact in asking for a woman who would draw water for both he and his camels. God was faithful to answer these with matching exactness, ultimately providing a wife for Isaac. We can draw from this that our Lord absolutely answers prayers and that we can come to the Him not only with generalized entreaties but also prayers of particularity and specificity.
Matthew 24
Much of the chapter is dedicated to the return of Christ, the signs and circumstances of His second coming. It will be a time of great tumult, when false christs and false prophets will arise, attempting to lead astray even the elect. However, His real arrival will be unmistakable, prompting us to be on guard against lies and deceit. Concerning the day or hour, no one knows except the Father.
Key Takeaways and Application
Jesus’ words to believers is a crucial reminder of His assured return. There is certain to be a Day of judgment in which all things will be made right. It should be for the elect a Day of joyous anticipation, being ushered into His presence at the marriage supper of the Lamb. However, for the rebellious and self-seeking, the Day will be marked with immeasurable terror and sorrow. May we properly balance our understanding of this Day, abiding in His Word to share the gospel with all who will listen and to rejoice in our sealed, everlasting dwelling with the Lord.