Alright, I’m about to show my age. Those of you reading this will relate; for those who cannot, please bear with me as I share my thoughts and memories.
I’ve never really thought of myself as someone who dives deep into complex topics. Honestly, I’m not much of a reader either—except for a few notable exceptions, like the Bible. But, there were definitely some fun moments! As a kid, I loved flipping through “Highlights” magazine while waiting at the dentist’s or doctor’s office. “Goofus and Gallant” was my favorite! I always related more to Gallant than Goofus. Those stories helped take my mind off the nerve-wracking anticipation of whatever was about to happen in those treatment rooms. And speaking of my doctor, his name was Rocco—how’s that for a name, right? (Can I get a ‘yikes’ from the saints?) While I waited, I often found myself imagining what Rocco and his nurse talked about.
Nurse, where’s the hammer to test this young boy’s reflexes?”
“The ball-pein? It’s in the toolbox next to the wooden splints and rusty nails.”
“No. I need the sledgehammer”
The ten pound?”
“Yes. Is the blood washed from it?”
“Yes doctor.”
“So where is it?”
“Oh, that’s in the corner hanging in the skeleton cage.”
As I transitioned from a young boy to a teenager, my reading choices became more sophisticated, and I enjoyed “Mad Magazine.” What, me worry? I loved the section called “Snappy Answers to Stupid Questions.” Many of those answers were pretty elaborate and funny. Around this time, my sense of sarcastic, dry humor began to develop!
Entering my early adulthood, I started reading more interesting material—like “TV Guide!” People often say that watching television is a waste of time, and honestly, they have a point. I can’t even count the hours I spent immersed in the vast world of TV shows. But hey, that’s one of those questions I won’t be bringing up when I finally meet God!
One of my favorite TV shows from the 1970s is WKRP in Cincinnati, especially the episode “God Talks to Johnny,” which has stayed with me over the years.
Dr. Johnny Fever, played by the late Howard Hessman, is one of the leading disc jockeys. While he’s called a doctor, he’s more of a rock-and-roll type, complete with a wild lifestyle involving drugs and alcohol (think Keith Richards). The writers did a great job portraying him without glorifying that lifestyle too much. Johnny Fever’s charisma makes him such a memorable character!
In this episode, Dr. Johnny Fever awakens in his modest apartment, where he hears a voice that he believes is from God. This voice conveys a powerful message of love and urges him to seek knowledge. However, Fever grapples with uncertainty as the remainder of the divine message comes through as “muffled,” leaving him to ponder the depth of what he has experienced.
Feeling confused and troubled, Fever turns to his station manager, Mr. Carlson, a Christian, in search of guidance. As Johnny recounts his experience of feeling that God spoke to him, Mr. Carlson listens attentively and empathetically, considering the depth of Johnny’s feelings. After hearing him out, Mr. Carlson gently poses the obvious question:
“What did God say to you?’
“God loved me and that he wanted me to seek knowledge, and he wanted me to…it got muffled and it wasn’t clear what he said”.
“Those are good things.”
“So, you think God really talked to me?”
“It’s possible…but I doubt it”
“Why?”
“You said, uh, ‘things got muffled?’”
“Yeah”
“Listen Buster, if God had something to say, you would hear it.”
For a sitcom character, Mr. Carlson expressed a profound truth. When we align ourselves with God, primarily through the Holy Spirit, we can trust that when He has a message for us, we will hear it, see it, sense it, and embrace it wholeheartedly.
The Bible features numerous individuals who confidently heard, saw, sensed and acted on God’s guidance. Notable figures include Hannah, Elijah, Matthew, Noah, Moses, Abram, and his unnamed servant, who encountered a woman drawing water at the well. When that servant saw her, it was evident that God’s presence was unmistakably there.
This reflection will focus on the significance of a crucial intercessory prayer found in the Old Testament and God’s response to that prayer. As you read this, please consider the following three points:
1. When God leads, we must surrender and follow.
2. When God reveals, we must open our hearts to understand.
3. When God teaches, we must be willing to learn.
| Heavenly Father, I pray my message resonates with those who read it. May it stay faithful to Your Holy Word and reflect the truth of the Great Commission. May it inspire transformation through the power of prayer. You deserve all the credit, praise, and glory. In the name of Your Son, Jesus the Messiah. Amen. |
The Bible is filled with powerful prayer requests. Some are long, as in King Soloman’s 1,079-word prayer in 1 Kings 8:23-53; some are short, such as Peter’s three-word prayer found in Matthew 13:30
“Lord, save me.”
and some are even silent, like Nehemiah’s prayer in Nehemiah 2:4.
“Then the king (Artaxerxes) said to me, “What are you requesting?”So, I prayed to the God of heaven. And I said to the king…”
Notice that Nehemiah did not reply to the king,
“Hang on a sec, Art. Lemme finish my prayer to God Almighty.”
<prayer pause>
“Ok, thanks king, now what was your question?”
The Bible does not mention what he thoughtfully and silently prayed, but it was very short…maybe five simple words,
“God, soften the king’s heart”.
God decisively fulfilled Nehemiah’s request through King Artaxerxes’ affirmative response.
Yet, there is a powerful prayer in the Old Testament that is frequently overlooked. This prayer holds immense significance and was known only to God then. It is clear that without this prayer, the essential chain leading to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, would not have been completed. Let me emphasize this: without this prayer, the vital link to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, would never have come to fruition. This prayer is relevant and essential, so significant to God that He answered it before the servant even finished speaking. Though we don’t know his name, this unknown servant in Mesopotamia, tasked by Abraham, serves as a skilled matchmaker. Let’s explore his story further.
I am exploring Genesis 24:2-9 and verses 14-27. This lengthy passage is rich with wisdom. With God’s guidance, I will break it down into smaller sections, allowing for more profound clarity and a greater appreciation of the intercessory prayer from the unknown servant.
1Now Abraham was old, well advanced in years. And the Lord had blessed Abraham in all things.
This passage highlights that Abram was quite advanced in age! While Scripture doesn’t specify his exact age in Genesis 24:1, let’s say he was around 170 during that time. What’s fascinating is that Genesis 25:7-8 reveals Abraham lived to the remarkable age of 175. Understanding his age at death adds valuable context to his life. Isn’t it inspiring to think about the wisdom and experiences he must have gained?
2And Abraham said to his servant, the oldest of his household, who had charge of all that he had, “Put your hand under my thigh, 3that I may make you swear by the Lord, the God of heaven and God of the earth, that you will not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell, 4but will go to my country and to my kindred, and take a wife for my son Isaac.” (Bold added)
Let’s take a quick break to talk about Abraham’s right-hand man. In Eugene Peterson’s “The Message,” he’s called the senior servant, which I think fits perfectly, so I’ll stick with that term, too.
5And Abram took the people they had acquired in Haran.
To clarify the age numbers, let’s engage in some quick calculations. The central figure in this discussion is Abraham’s senior servant, and it’s important for us to determine how many years this servant was with him. We have a helpful clue: the fact that Abraham referred to him as his senior servant suggests that he acquired the servant, most likely from Haran. With this in mind, let’s take a moment to review the earlier chapters to gather more context.
Abraham was 170 years old at his death (Genesis 24:1) and 75 when he acquired the servant in Haran (Genesis 24:4). This means the servant was with Abraham for 95 years, making him the senior servant in which they shared a strong bond for nearly a lifetime.
It’s essential to recognize the lessons shared between these two remarkable individuals. Their relationship shows great resilience. The servant admires Abraham for his wealth, which complements Abraham’s trust in his servant to protect his possessions. This mutual respect highlights the importance of trust and admiration in building meaningful relationships.
Over 95 remarkable years, their bond deepened, reflecting invaluable lessons and rich values exchanged. This relationship went beyond material gifts, as the servant likely embraced the wisdom about God shared by his master, showcasing a beautiful journey of growth and understanding.
As Abram welcomed the servant, the atmosphere filled with purpose. The servant asked, “Where are we going?” Their conversation likely focused on the great unknown that awaited them, setting the stage for the meaningful God-centered journey ahead.
“Servant, while I may not know our exact destination, I have unwavering faith that God will guide us— you included— to a land flowing with milk and honey.”
“How do you know these things, lord?”
“God has assured me.”
“Lord?”
“God told me…”
“God spoke to you?”
“Yes, using these words, ‘I will bless you and make my name great so you can be a blessing, and I will also bless those who bless you.’ You are destined for blessings.”
“So, servant… are you in?”
This also applies to us. So, dear reader, are you in?
Let’s dive back into the Scripture! We see that Abraham asked his servant to make a promise to find a wife for Isaac. It’s almost like he’s asking his servant to play matchmaker! It’s such an interesting part of the story.
5The servant said to him, “Perhaps the woman may not be willing to follow me to this land. Must I then take your son back to the land from which you came?” 6Abraham said to him, “See to it that you do not take my son back there.
7The Lord, the God of heaven, who took me from my father’s house and from the land of my kindred, and who spoke to me and swore to me, ‘To your offspring I will give this land,’ he will send his angel before you, and you shall take a wife for my son from there.
8But if the woman is not willing to follow you, then you will be free from this oath of mine; only you must not take my son back there.” 9So the servant put his hand under the thigh of Abraham his master and swore to him concerning this matter.
Abraham revealed an intriguing thought to his servant, and it’s clear that the servant raised an eyebrow in thoughtful consideration upon hearing his God-fearing master say:
“He will send his angel before you, and you shall take a wife for my son from there”. Listen closely and ruminate on these words:
“[God] will send his angel before you, and you shall take a wife for my son from there.”
God will guide you and I if we surrender and follow Him faithfully. The Almighty is sending His angel ahead of us. Does that resonate with you? This is the promise God offers us in Psalm 91:11
For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.
What a marvelous promise God makes to us! His heavenly protection and excellent guidance are a testament to His love. The same God who created the heavens with His spoken Word commands His angels to guard us. As seen in Abraham’s servant’s journey, God sends an angel to accompany him as he seeks a wife for Isaac. It’s truly awe-inspiring to know that the Heavenly host sends angels ahead of us for protection and guidance.
After listening to Abraham, the servant may have realized that his mission was more than just a promise to his master; it could even deepen his faith in the God of Abraham. Imagine what was going through his mind the night before he was about to start his matchmaking adventure! He probably felt this was a win-win situation, making it even more meaningful. I can only imagine what his thoughts might have been, “Lord, I will honor my oath to my master, with whom I have built a 95-year relationship. Our God is sending His angel ahead of me as I seek the right woman. My bond with my master will remain intact, and my faith in You, my God, will deepen. This is truly a win-win scenario.”
Have you ever found yourself pondering these thoughts or offering up a prayer? Imagine the peace that comes from knowing God is in control, even when we can’t see the outcome. Whatever circumstances we face now or in the future, choose to embrace that peace. God guides us through His angels, ensuring we are never alone. Trust that He desires what is best for us, aligned with His perfect will. Pressing on…
10Then the servant took ten of his master’s camels and departed, taking all sorts of choice gifts from his master; and he arose and went to Mesopotamia to the city of Nahor. 11And he made the camels kneel down outside the city by the well of water at the time of evening, the time when women go out to draw water.
Notice the plurality of women, suggesting there is a selection of women at the well drawing water. Although Scripture does not specify how many women are present, the idea of choice remains.
This is one of those subtle details that can easily be overlooked, especially regarding vowels (woman / women). Just like yesterday, today is filled with endless possibilities and choices. Which path will I choose, God? Will I select the red car or the blue one? Should I take a chance and approach that attractive guy, even though my preference leans toward someone more average? I appreciate the location of this church, though the other church offers a better pastor. Embrace the journey of choices, for each decision shapes our unique path.
I remember when my wife, Pearl, and I started looking for our first condo. There were so many choices! We knew our budget, style preferences, and the neighborhoods we liked. After touring several high-rise condos, the moment we saw the next one, we knew it was the right fit. We eagerly told our agent,
“This is it. We can feel it. Let’s put a bid in.”
We were certain that this was where God intended us to live. The feeling was unexplainable, yet the message was unmistakably clear, even without being audible.
Months later, we moved in, and as I write this, Pearl and I are happily settled in the condo that God directed us to and continues to provide for us. God willing, this will be our retirement home because we are renovating it, always mindful to be good stewards of the finances He blessed us with.
Similarly, the senior servant had several women to choose from, but he confidently identified Rebekah as the one. In other words, God revealed the exact woman to Abraham’s servant without hesitation. What’s more, the servant recognized it immediately!
“This is it. I can feel it. I will talk with her.”
The next step brought forth by the servant was the powerful act of intercessory prayer (part one).
12And he said, “O Lord, God of my master Abraham, please grant me success today and show steadfast love to my master Abraham. 13Behold, I am standing by the spring of water, and the daughters of the men of the city are coming out to draw water.
The servant expressed his readiness to the Sovereign One, anticipating divine action. With strengthening faith, he believed that God would reveal His miracle. As Jesus said to Martha just before raising Lazarus in John 11: 40. “Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?”. How wonderful that is. Unfortunately, many have reversed it. “Show me the miracle first, God, then I will believe.” The servant was praying not for himself but for his master, Abraham. However, his prayer was not complete. Read how his intercessory prayer continues, becoming more detailed and specific this time.
14Let the young woman to whom I shall say, ‘Please let down your jar that I may drink,’ and who shall say, ‘Drink, and I will water your camels’—let her be the one whom you have appointed for your servant Isaac. By this I shall know that you have shown steadfast love to my master.” (bold added).
That part of the prayer is undoubtedly bold and filled with faith. Upon reflection, this passage parallels with John 2: 6-9 (The Wedding at Cana)
| Now there were six stone water jars there for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. And he said to them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the feast.” So, they took it. When the master of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew) (bold added) |
At the watering well, God unveiled a woman to the servant, chosen for a purpose. With an open heart, the servant was ready to witness divine intervention. Do you want to experience God’s wondrous work? Just wait; a woman ordained by God approached the servant at the perfect moment. God knew precisely when the servant would arrive at the well. He skillfully coordinated the timing of the women going there. He even orchestrated Rebekah’s attire to ensure she would be noticed. It’s remarkable how God operates in the background, weaving together intricate details that often escape our notice. To God be the glory!
Genesis 24:15-16 resumes…
15Before he had finished speaking, behold, Rebekah, who was born to Bethuel the son of Milcah, the wife of Nahor, Abraham’s brother, came out with her water jar on her shoulder. 16aThe young woman was very attractive in appearance, a maiden whom no man had known.
Again, going back to Eugene Peterson. He wrote a more contemporary version.
It so happened that the words were barely out of his mouth when Rebekah…came out with a water jug. The girl was stunningly beautiful…
This is so fascinating! The servant had just finished his prayer when he spotted Rebekah, who was stunning. It makes you wonder why Moses decided to describe her looks, right? When an attractive person like her crosses our path, it’s hard not to notice! I have a soft spot for the fabulous silver screen actress from the 1930s and ’40s, Myrna Loy. Although I’ll never get to meet this enchanting woman—unless I make a trip to her gravesite in Helena, Montana—she always catches my eye whenever I see her. I’ve watched most of her movies to reflect her beauty and grace. Isn’t it amazing how some people can leave such a lasting impression? Remember: Let us embrace a mindset that appreciates physical beauty with admiration, ensuring we rise above the temptation of lust.
16b[Rebekah] went down to the spring and filled her jar and came up. 17Then the servant ran to meet her and said, “Please give me a little water to drink from your jar. 18She said, “Drink, my lord.” And she quickly let down her jar upon her hand and gave him a drink. 19When she had finished giving him a drink, she said, “I will draw water for your camels also, until they have finished drinking.” 20So she quickly emptied her jar into the trough and ran again to the well to draw water, and she drew for all his camels. 21The man gazed at her in silence to learn whether the Lord had prospered his journey or not. (bold added)
The servant looked at her in silence. Gazed. Stared. Scrutinized. Pondered. Wondered. Why? Was he captivated by her physical beauty? Did he desire her body? Certainly not. The servant had faith in God. He was observing her to discern whether the Lord had blessed his journey. The servant was seeking understanding, embracing the guidance of faith. When God reveals something to us, it is a precious opportunity for growth. We must embrace the lesson, not just to learn, but to retain the knowledge within our hearts. Keeping our eyes open and focusing sharp is essential, for God has so much to teach us. Graciously, He understands our unique attention spans and limitations, reminding us to seek wisdom even in a world of distractions.
When the servant saw Rebekah, he instantly recognized that God had answered his prayers. Though he couldn’t define it, his deepening faith guided him to observe her quietly, seeking to understand God’s message. This echoes moments in Scripture showing how others encountered the divine when they were open and attentive:
Moses and the burning bush.
And the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush. He looked, and behold, the bush was burning, yet it was not consumed. And Moses said, “I will turn aside to see this great sight, why the bush is not burned.” Exodus 3:2-3
Hannah heard God through Eli,
Then Eli answered (Hannah), “Go in peace, and the God of Israel [will] grant your petition that you have made to him.” And she said, “Let your servant find favor in your eyes.” Then the woman went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad. 1 Samuel 1:17
Jesus calling Matthew,
As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him. Matthew 9:9
Elijah obeying God,
“Depart from here and turn eastward and hide yourself by the brook Cherith, which is east of the Jordan. You shall drink from the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there.” So he went and did according to the word of the Lord. 1 Kings 17:2-5
And Rebekah witnessing the servant,
The man gazed at her in silence. Genesis 24: 21
God’s lesson unfolds in the silence. The servant recognized God’s answer but sought reassurance that He truly ordained the woman to be at the well at that moment in time. Once again, my imagination wonders what the servant was thinking or softly speaking.
“Was this journey a success?”
“Did my faith measure up?”
“What did you just show me, God?”
Fortunately, even a mustard seed of faith can move mountains. This invites us to reflect: Can we courageously seek God’s confirmation on His answers? Gideon did. Gideon sought divine assurance, yearning for undeniable proof that God had chosen him to lead a courageous force against Midian.
And he said to him, “If now I have found favor in your eyes, then show me a sign that it is you who speak with me. Judges 6:17
36Then Gideon said to God, “If you will save Israel by my hand, as you have said, 37behold, I am laying a fleece of wool on the threshing floor. If there is dew on the fleece alone, and it is dry on all the ground, then I shall know that you will save Israel by my hand, as you have said.” 38And it was so. When he rose early the next morning and squeezed the fleece, he wrung enough dew from the fleece to fill a bowl with water. 39Then Gideon said to God, “Let not your anger burn against me; let me speak just once more. Please let me test just once more with the fleece. Please let it be dry on the fleece only, and on all the ground let there be dew.” 40And God did so that night; and it was dry on the fleece only, and on all the ground there was dew. Judges 6:36-40
God confirmed to Gideon, leading him to defeat the Midianites. It’s acceptable to ask God to confirm His answers, especially when they come quickly.
Moving forward…Read closely the following statement and question the servant asked Rebekah.
23“Please tell me whose daughter you are. Is there room in your father’s house for us to spend the night?”
The servant addressed Rebekah in this way to establish—without a doubt—that her arrival was part of God’s divine, ordained, and sovereign plan. Therefore, it stands to reason: did she disclose her lineage to the servant?
24She said, “I’m the daughter of Bethuel the son of Milcah and Nahor.
That’s confirmation from God. Rebekah also affirmatively and willingly answered his second inquiry. In fact, she took it a step further.
25“She added, we have plenty of both straw and fodder, and room to spend the night.”
What an incredible acknowledgment from God! This passage reveals Rebekah’s vibrant and lively personality. Consider how she quickly let down her jar (24:18), promptly emptied it (24:20), and ran to the well (24:20). This wasn’t a reaction of panic; rather, it reflects her joyful spirit. As I visualize this moment, I can almost hear Rebekah’s infectious laughter as she empties the jug and rushes off. It’s clear she was playfully giggling and likely spilled some water in her excitement. What a joyous sight that must have been for the servant, too. Reading on…
26The man bowed his head and worshiped the Lord 27and said, “Blessed be the Lord, the God of my master Abraham, who has not forsaken his steadfast love and his faithfulness toward my master. As for me, the Lord has led me in the way to the house of my master’s kinsmen.”
Seeing how the servant praised God was truly inspiring, and Rebekah’s response was equally heartfelt! If someone bowed down to pray today, it might raise a few eyebrows, but what if we embraced that courage? Imagine how uplifting it would be for believers to openly celebrate God’s incredible answers to our prayers. Let’s be bold in sharing our faith and joy together!
Little did the servant know that God’s yes answer would lead to a remarkable lineage—42 generations and 18 centuries culminating in Jesus Christ. Abraham’s servant’s prayer was truly significant. After reading, praying, and contemplating these passages, I realized everything hinges on a powerful line in verse 8.‘To your offspring I will give this land,’
This is the promise God made to Abraham. Because of this profound and holy promise, the servant needed to find a wife for Isaac. This led to Rebekah coming to the servant, making his intercessory prayer essential and vital. In our fast-paced, decision-driven lives, where impatience often takes over, I would like to challenge all of us with three questions:
1. Are we aware of the Holy Spirit’s voice, or are our minds filled with everyday thoughts?
2. Can we notice what God shows us around us, or are we too busy looking at our devices while waiting for the traffic light to change?
3. Can we appreciate the Creator’s beauty in nature, or are we distracted by things we don’t truly need?
As Mr. Carlson told Dr. Johnny Fever at the end of the episode,
“God talks to people every day, all of us. Look…all we have to do is see them.”
Let us open our eyes once more and passionately seek His wisdom.
Heavenly Father, I’ve written what you wanted me to write. Your beautiful works will always be a wondrously bright, recognizable beacon that guides and protects us. Make us sensitive in distinguishing Your Sovereignty when You show yourself to us, be it through unheard sound or a known sight. Help us deepen our faith and strengthen our trust in You. In Jesus’ name…Amen, Amen.