thing which we do not immediately understand, but later fully realize that it was for our own good. It may be easy to acknowledge His lordship when everything is going nicely, but when God allows adversity to enter our ex perience, the glibness or trite expres sion is an empty vacuum. In the third place, there seems to be a two-fold burden to the servant’s prayer. He prays that the Lord might show kindness to his master Abraham first of all. Here is perhaps one of the earliest recorded intercessory prayers. Paul’s instructions to Timothy in the HE GIVETH MORE GRACE He giveth more grace when the bur dens grow greater. He sendeth more strength when the labors increase; To added affliction he addeth his mercy, To multiplied trials. His multiplied peace. When we have exhausted our store of endurance, When our strength has failed e'er the day is half done, When we reach the end of our hoard ed resources, Our Father's full giving is only begun. His love has no limit, His grace has no measure. His power no boundary known unto men; For out of His infinite riches in Jesus He giveth and giveth and giveth again. — Annie Johnson Flint administration of the local church was that “intercessions” be made for all men. There were some who apparently had been called to a ministry of inter cessory prayer such as Epaphras whom Paul commends in Col. 4:12. Prayer on behalf of the needs of others is to be a part of every believer’s spiritual life. (That is why we continually request our Biola radio listeners to remember the broadcasts and the entire ministry of the school in prayer. And, that is why we are delighted to share with you as you send us your requests and petitions for prayer.)
Then the servant prays for himself. There is nothing selfish about it for he is asking for God’s blessings on the continuation of his mission. Note also that he is very specific about his re quests in verses 13 and 14; asking def inite direction from the Lord. In the fourth place, notice that the servant’s prayer is answered directly and immediately by God. “And it came to pass before he had done speaking, that, behold, Rebekah came out.” Paul reminds us that God is able “to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think” (Eph. 3:20). Often, though not always, God has answered our prayer before we even utter it. The servant’s gratitude is noted in verse 27. His testimony to the family was, “I being in the way, the Lord led me.” It’s much easier to lead some one who is in step with you and mov ing at the same pace than someone who is slower and needs to be constantly pulled. Of course, it is impossible to lead someone who is going in a differ ent direction. The more “in step” we are with the Lord, the more sensitive and responsive we are to His leading. Many people have great difficulty in determining the will of God for their life, simply because they are not mov ing with Him; they are not timed to the same spiritual frequency. Then finally, notice the servant’s concluding testimony to Rebekah’s fam ily. He tells them the wonderful way in which the Lord had answered his prayer and had confirmed at every step the Lord’s choice as Isaac’s wife. Verses 48 through 59 show the won derful fellowship that resulted. It is important to share our spiritual blessings with others. How encourage ment is brought to our hearts as we hear how the Lord deals in the life of a friend. What a thrill to hear from our “Biola Hour” listeners about the remarkable answers to prayer in the experiences of others. This brings en couragement to all of us as we share experiences together. Yes, the prayer of Abraham’s servant is beautiful to study and then to apply to our own hearts. 19
Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker