THE K I N G ’ S BUS I NESS Though the lesson committee directs us to print only the above portion of scripture, it will he absolutely neces sary to study the whole chapter in Abraham liad buried Sarah in the cave of Machpelah. Perhaps this had something to do with LESSON his wishing to make EXPOSITION provision f o r t h e future of his son. It was Abraham, the father, not Isaac, the son, who sent out to search for a bride. The agent in securing the bride is Abraham’s servant, probably Eliezer, of Damascus. A solemn oath is admin istered that the bride for the son will not be taken from the surrounding unbelievers, but that she shall he one of Abraham’s own kin. See II Cor. 6:14. Notice well the father’s care in the choice of the bride. The caution of the servant is shown in .asking specific directions as to what he shall do in case he cannot find one of Abraham’s kin who shall be willing to leave her own family, and her own land, to come unto the land of Canaan. This very wise question elicits the warning and also the prom ise from the father. He i« assured that the bride will he willing, for God, Him self, will see to that. Is the same not true in the spiritual realm today? When God sends you or me definitely and prayerfully to seek the salvation of some sinner, can we not rest assured that He is not sending us on a fool’s errand, but that His Holy Spirit, who is impelling us to go, has been preparing the person for our coming? Recall the experiences of Philip (Acts 8) and Peter (Acts 10). Is Abraham’s ser vant not a very real illustration of God’s Holy Spirit? n . The Bride Secured. The servant obeyed his orders. Trust ing his master’s word, he took his mas ter’s goods with him, not his own. order to get thé lesson. I. The Bride Sought.
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Arriving at the city of Nahor after many days journey, he made his camels kneel down by the well side in the quiet evening time. Then he prayed. We may rest assured that this was only what he had been doing all along the journey. His prayer was very definite. He wanted to be guided to just the right person. If all we soul winners were as careful to pray about those whom we should approach as was this servant, the results would he larger and more satisfactory. It was all right for Abraham’s ser vant to ask for a definite sign. You will recall that the Master, Himself gave His disciples a sign by which they would recognize the good man in whose house He should celebrate the passover. Every experienced personal worker could tell from his own experience lit tle instances that might seem trifling to some one else, hut that prove to be very real signs to them. There was something in the sign too. Ordinary Eastern courtesy would have led any young woman to offer the stranger a drink, but it would be extra ordinary courtesy, a kindlier and more thoughtful heart than usual, that would offer to provide drink for the camels as well. Not a moment did the Lord keep the servant waiting. “ Before he had done speaking, Rebekah came.” Not only was she. beautiful to look upon but she had the 'kindliness of heart that the servant had asked for. While she was watering the camels the servant was still praying, that assurance might be doubly sure. Then, feeling confident that he knew the Lord s mind, he gave her a generous present of rings and bracelets, just a little token of the worth of the home, from which he had come. On inquir ing who she was, and as to whether there would be room for him in the house, he received another illustration of Rebekah’s kindliness of heart when she assured him that there was room
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