Genesis 24:1 – 25:18

December 11, 2009

God planted the seed for what was going to happen in these chapters in Genesis 22:20–24. 

Abraham was faithful and true to God's revealed plan. He did not compromise. Contrast his actions to Lot who chose to live near (and then in) Sodom; daughters engaged to marry men of Sodom; and then Lot delaying in leaving Sodom. Abraham stood firm in his belief and made sure that neither he nor his house (Isaac) compromised on what God had told him. He was diligent in making sure Isaac remained in the land God promised and did not marry outside of their people.

Even though you have God's promises you still need to pray for His guidance and follow His ways.  

Verse 12 - LORD, allow me to find... (LORD. Jehovah Jireh—the name attributed to the LORD who provided the lamb when Isaac was upon the altar. Jehovah Jireh—"our provider.")
Verse 15 - "Before he finished praying ... ." When we do our part God answers.
Verse 21 - The servant wanted to make sure the LORD had made the trip successful.
Verse 27 - The servant praised the LORD...
Verse 34 - "The LORD has greatly blessed..."
Verse 40 - "I serve the LORD...."
Verse 44 - "The LORD has chosen..."
Verse 48 - "The LORD...led me on the right road..."
Verse 50 - "This is clearly from the LORD..."

God rewards obedience. The answer to all the "what-ifs" in our lives—I serve the LORD. Jehovah Jireh. HE is our Provider.

To know God's will you must know what His Word (the Bible) says.

The key roles in reading the Bible are prayer and the leading of the Holy Spirit. 

Addendum:  9/3/13 ~ From Life Lesson Observation: In God's will we find successful living. God's way may be harder than the world's way but He rewards obedience.

"If you want God's will, give Him your total self—a living sacrifice—and that means your body and your thoughts, your mind, which He can renew from within, if you let Him...

The guidance of God's Word is primary, basic. It's interesting to note that many of us say we are interested in God's will, but we balk at checking our plans and habits against the plain teaching of the Bible. How can you say you are seeking God's will, if you don't know what the Bible says? This is like going to someone for advice but not letting him talk. You actually want him to agree with everything you say...

The witness of the Holy Spirit comes as you walk in the Spirit. Prayer is vital here. It's unfortunate that we have made "I'll have to pray about it" something of a cliché. Maybe we should change the phrase to "I will talk to God about it." With God, not at God. Some prayer lists sound like Christmas lists. Others sound like assignments that God should carry out because we are "so spiritual, so deserving"...

Take a look at outward circumstances LAST...

But suppose you feel you have the Word and the Spirit lined up fairly well. How do you evaluate or act upon circumstances? This can be intriguing, exciting. For one thing you have to act in faith on what you already know. Is it evident that there are certain actions that would be worth taking? Some people call this "trying different doors." Sometimes God will slam shut every door but the one He wants you to walk through. You may have to try several doors to learn which is the right one.

No, God's will doesn't drop out of the blue in a special delivery letter. But He has written to you—in His Word. He will talk to you, with the inner witness of His Spirit. And He will guide you as you weigh outward circumstances.

You can be "very religious" about these three checkpoints...or you can use them like a Christian, in faith, trust, and commitment. Then you will see from your own experience how God's ways will really satisfy you." ~ From How to Be a Christian Without Being Religious by Fritz Ridenour 

Next Entry: Genesis 25:19–34