Chayei Sarah (Life of Sarah) Genesis 23:1-25:18
God's grace is sufficient. His word is enough. How much He desires our humble, trusting hearts.
This theme stands out from the Torah portion this week, which brings us to the conclusion of both Sarah and Abraham's lives.
The story of Abraham is full of God's initiatives and Abraham's responses in the simplicity of faith - usually. It is complicated only when bright ideas are introduced. Having waited 10 years from the time of God's promise to Abraham to make him into a great nation, Sarah says, "…perhaps I can build…" (Genesis 16:2). The result is the angel's promise (Genesis 16:12) "He will be a wild donkey of a man; his hand will be against everyone and everyone's hand will be against him and he will live in hostility towards all his brothers". After 24 years, Abraham moves their tent to live among the Philistines. He tells his 89 year old, still beautiful wife to identify herself as his sister (which was true but not the whole truth) with the result that God's plan to bless them with their promised heir, Isaac, is almost aborted! Sarah is taken by King Abimelech but God mercifully interrupts with a dream, warning him, "You are as good as dead because of the woman you have taken….." (Genesis 20:3). The very next year, Isaac is born.
Living in a society where the cultural norms are not one's own can never be easy, but tribute is given to Abraham when he seeks a plot of land among the Hittites in which to bury his dear wife. "Sir, listen to us. You are a mighty prince among us. Bury your dead in the choicest of our tombs." (Genesis 23:5). Abraham must have lived credibly among them in a way that they understood and yet he was without compromise, maintaining his distinctiveness.
God had chosen him (Genesis 18:19), "….so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just, so that the Lord will bring about for Abraham what he has promised him." Such is the value our Father God places on fatherhood and the raising of godly offspring who will walk with Him.
It is commonly recognised that Eliezer of Damascus, mentioned in 15:2, was Abraham's chief servant. Taking this to be so, he would have come to know his master very well over the decades and so when asked to return to Abraham's relatives to find a wife for Isaac, his mode of approach would surely have been that which would please his master. Here was a faithful, steady, patient, trustworthy, single minded man who was content to act on Abraham's initiative and set about his mission with clarity and determination.
Having considered his strategy, no doubt, over the 500 or so hot, dusty miles to Paddan Aram, he simply prays for God to bring to him the lady of His choice whom he would identify by her response when asked for a drink. Two other instances spring to mind in which the Sovereign Lord chooses the simple request for a drink as a vehicle for His working. In 1 Kings 17:10, Elijah asks a widow for a drink, which then led to a supply of God's provision throughout the famine and the resurrection of her son. In John 4:7, Jesus' request for a drink at the well of Abraham's grandson, Jacob, led to many in the town of Sychar believing in Him and receiving eternal life because of the woman's subsequent testimony.
In this instance in Paddan Aram, the servant waits at the well in silent, eager anticipation to see God's answer, in His timing. There is not a sniff of social engineering going on here. He sees a considerate, helpful, servant hearted, willing, hospitable, friendly, beautiful Rebekah unhesitatingly offer to draw water for his fleet of 10 thirsty camels - each one can drink 200 litres in 3 minutes - quite a time consuming, physical feat!
Her family were likewise generous in their response and, on hearing the servant's commission and his account of God's leading, they too know that this is a divine encounter and call. The next morning, there is no way that the return journey should be delayed, such is the impetus to return to Abraham and Isaac. In characteristic simplicity and truth, they are back in the saddle before there can be any dilution of the miracle of God's provision for them all. "This is from the Lord; we can say nothing to you one way or the other." (Genesis 24:50)
The Father seeks such to worship Him.
Author: Sally Bolton
