Scripture Daily

Context No. 3189 of 4322 · Genesis

Context · Reflection

Genesis 24:26-31: in context

26The man bowed his head, and worshiped the LORD. 27He said, “Blessed be the LORD, the God of my master Abraham, who has not forsaken his loving kindness and his truth toward my master. As for me, the LORD has led me on the way to the house of my master’s relatives.” 28The young lady ran, and told her mother’s house about these words. 29Rebekah had a brother, and his name was Laban. Laban ran out to the man, to the spring. 30When he saw the ring, and the bracelets on his sister’s hands, and when he heard the words of Rebekah his sister, saying, “This is what the man said to me,” he came to the man. Behold, he was standing by the camels at the spring. 31He said, “Come in, you blessed of the LORD. Why do you stand outside? For I have prepared the house, and room for the camels.”

Abraham's servant, having found Rebekah at the well exactly as he had prayed, does not congratulate himself. He bows his head and worships the LORD: blessed be the God of my master Abraham, who has not forsaken his steadfast love and faithfulness; as for me, the LORD has led me on the way to the house of my master's kin. Rebekah runs home, and her brother Laban runs out to welcome the man.

The servant's first response to answered prayer is worship. Before anything else, he bows and blesses the God who has not forsaken his steadfast love, and who led him straight to the right family. He does not pat himself on the back for his method or hurry ahead; he stops and gives God the glory the very moment the answer comes. There is a lesson in the immediacy of his thanksgiving: when God answers, worship first. And notice how clearly he sees God's hand, the LORD has led me on the way. He had been watching for God's guidance, and he was quick to acknowledge it.

When God answers my prayer, is my first instinct to stop and worship him, recognizing his hand, before I move on to the next thing?

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