Bible Pathways 01/08/2002
January 08
Read Genesis 22 -- 24
In Today's Reading:
Miraculous, divine intervention is seen throughout today's reading, all because of obedience to God. How fantastic to see the hand of God in action as Abraham willingly begins to sacrifice Isaac,as well as when Sarah dies. God's choice is revealed of the wife who is exactly right for Isaac. God does have a plan for everyone who leaves the choice to Him.
Verses for Today:
And he said, O Lord God of my master Abraham, I pray You, send me good speed this day, and show kindness to my master Abraham. . . . And let it come to pass, that the damsel to whom I shall say, Let down your pitcher, I pray you, that I may drink; and she shall say, Drink, and I will give your camels drink also: let the same be she that You have appointed for Your servant Isaac (Genesis 24:12).
Highlights:
Abraham's willingness to offer Isaac; God's Covenant renewed; Sarah's death; providential arrangement of Rebekah's marriage to Isaac.
Because of his love for God, Abraham was determined that his son Isaac would not marry a woman from the unbelieving, idol-worshiping families of Canaan. So he sent his most trusted servant (presumably Eliezer) on a journey of more than 500 miles to choose a wife for Isaac in the land of Abraham's origin.
Eliezer undertook his mission, desiring to satisfy his master, as well as Almighty God. In reverent humility, Eliezer interceded in prayer on behalf of Isaac and Abraham, asking God to lead him to the woman He wanted Isaac to marry. When the young woman Rebekah came to the well, she did not know that God had led her to be the answer to Eliezer's prayer. Little do we realize how God is working out the answers to our prayers, even through the ordinary activities of our lives, when our desire is to please Him.
Eliezer of Damascus qualified as an intercessor because he had nothing to gain for himself. His only desire was to fulfill the perfect will of God. When our desire is to please Him, God answers the prayer of faith. We are more than conquerors through Him that loved us (Romans 8:37).
A Thought from Proverbs: Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths (3:5-6).
Christ Revealed:
Through Isaac's willingness to be offered (Genesis 22:7-10; compare John 10:11-18). Jesus willingly offered His life.
Word Studies:
22:1 tempt = test, try; 22:3 clave = split; 22:12 fearest = reverence, unconditionally surrender to; 22:14 Jehovah-jireh = the Lord will provide; 23:15 betwixt = between; 23:17 were made sure = were deeded to; 24:1 well stricken = far advanced; 24:5 needs bring = take; 24:12 send me good speed = grant me success; 24:21 wit = see; 24:32 ungirded = unloaded; 24:53 raiment = clothing; 24:57 enquire at her mouth = ask her personally; 24:60 seed possess the gate = descendants overcome and be victorious; 24:64 lighted off = dismounted from.
Prayer Needs:
Government Officials: Rep. Charles Bass (NH), Sen. Slade Gorton (WA), Rep. Richard Pombo (CA), and Gov. Bob Taft (OH) · Pray for one more person to read through the Bible · Country: Namibia (2 million) in southwest Africa · Major languages: Afrikaans and German · Religious freedom · 68% Protestant; 16% Roman Catholic; 5% African traditional religions · Prayer Suggestion: Sing praises to the Lord; tell others what He has done (Psalms 9:11).
Optional Reading: Matthew 8
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 5:3
