Thursday, January 12, 2017

JEWELS FOR THE JOURNEY

In Genesis 24:52-53, we read: “And it came to pass, when Abraham’s servant heard their words, that he worshiped the Lord, bowing himself to the earth. Then the servant brought out jewelry of silver, jewelry of gold, and clothing, and gave them to Rebekah. He also gave precious things to her brother and to her mother.”

“Abraham sent jewels to someone he didn’t know?” Timmy tilted his head. “Did you give Grandmother jewels?”

Grandfather chuckled. “An engagement ring. But back to Abraham’s servant, Eliezer.  His mission--to get a wife for Isaac, Abraham's son. So he travelled to Mesopotamia, to the city of Nahor.”

“But how if she chose not to come?”

“Abraham told him the Lord would take care of that and if she refused, he wouldn’t be held accountable.

“When Eliezer arrived, he waited outside the city by a well. He knew the women would come in the evening to draw water. He prayed, ‘Lord, let the young woman to whom I say, Please let down your pitcher that I may drink,’ and she says, ‘Drink and I’ll give your camels a drink’--let her be the one.’

“The lord answered his prayer. Rebecca came with her pitcher, gave a drink to him and the camels. Invited to her family's home, he explained his master had sent him to choose a wife for his son. When Rebecca agreed to go, Eliezer bowed, worshiped the Lord, then gave her more jewelry.”

“Wait, Grandfather. Why all the jewels?”

“Jewels are God’s gift-promises. Grandmother’s engagement ring, a token of my love, promised a wedding and life together. The Lord gives us jewels to hold, to remember His promises when we doubt or are afraid. We look at the jewels and know He will do as He says.”

Kingdom Thinking. The promises of the Lord are true. He promises He will never leave nor forsake us and He loves us with an everlasting love. He offers His jewels to you--hope, compassion, a new life. Won’t you accept them?