Gen 24:14 “And let it come to pass that the damsel to whom I shall say let down thy pitcher I pray thee, that I may drink and she shall say Drink and I will give thy camels also…”
I was particularly touched by the clause Eleazar, Abraham’s servant used here. In the earlier verses of this chapter we learnt that Abraham had been blessed tremendously by God in all things. I want to be emphatic about the “in all things” factor there. Abaham was wealthy in money, flocks, lands, houses and even in good health. I’m provoked when I hear Christians say they do not have to prosper in wealth in this world. It’s so sad that Jesus said in St Matt. 22:29 ‘Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God’
It’s quite apparent that Abraham’s love for God was immerse. He had what is referred to as godly reverence for his maker. How much do you fear or reverence God? Do you seek to do His will? Abraham was willing to obey God’s injunctions to the letter. He would even enforce his children to do same. Little wonder when God said in Gen 18:19 ‘For I know him that he will command his children and his household after him and they shall keep the way of the Lord’ could the same report be given by God about you? If no, then there is work for you to do. I pray that God Almighty will be able to trust and depend on us (Amen).
Abraham had his servant swear to him that the wife to be chosen for Isaac, his son will not be among the heathen nations in annan land i.e the ungodly people, but rather amongst the children of God, Abraham’s kindred. What is your resolution for the kind of partner you want to settle down with. Will she be among the heathen or the children of God? Eleazar took 10 camels and set out for the journey.
Do you see how the lifestyle of a Christian influences? Abraham’s godly attributes were so compelling that it had great impact upon his household and servants. As Christians, we must match our words with our deeds, for only then can men be convinced to serve our God. Eleazar, first of all, knew the power of the God of his master. Secondly, he was ready to support his master in obeying God’s will. Thirdly, he didn’t want to make any errors too, so he was attentive to even the slightest details.
I pause here by helping us create an illustration of what transpired next. I believe that evening when Rev. Eleazar got to the city, there were a lot of young women who came out to draw water from the well, (I believe that was the custom then). They may be virgins or not, Christians or not. We may assume also that in such a godly city there would be so many young Christian ladies who must have come to draw water that evening. Probably, Eleazar had approached one and she turns him down responding “Excuse me young man, I can see how you lack manners and shame, should you not as a man offer to even fetch the water for me?”
Another might have deliberately spilled water on him or rain abuses on him. I believed some might have ignored him like they never heard anyone speak. I understand also, that ladies are gregarious, they might have come out in twos and threes. I can hear one from a pair say “ I think you are daft and your hands are so heavy right?” and others burst into series of laughters, mocking him. “When you get tired of sitting down there, finding no one to help you, you’d find a way to help yourself” ‘Maybe he wants me to borrow him my bucket, take now, nonsense then hisses.’ These may be typical responses from those whom must have met him the third or fourth time that evening.
A deep sigh! Oh generation of young Christian ladies of the 21st century. It’s quite appalling that the majority of you belong to the aforementioned categories. This is a period where godly virtues, courtesies are very scarce to find. Who can find a virtuous woman? Her worth is more than rubies. I want you ladies take a recourse, change your attitude and approach. Well, we might assume again that some ladies might be considerate and then offer him to dink alone. Notice I said him alone. A kind innocent lady might even offer him a drink too. Her conscience might have pricked her to offer the animals but she just must have said in her heart it’s late already, I need to be going home and besides he never asked so why should I bother?
Why should I bother? Let that question sink deep in your heart as we proceed. Be conscious of the Holy Spirit’s promptings/voice. A beautiful godly (in deeds and in truth) woman, Rebekkah by name came into the scene. First, she offered to help, she could have ignored to. My mentor will say you’d know who can succeed when you see them, they are unique, they think differently. Secondly, she gave him water. Third, gave his animals to drink. That’s it! The complete formula for success. You can’t do 1 and 2 and win. No, even 1 or 2 only can’t do it. You must add the third step, that ‘extra’ that differentiates the successful from the failure. Again I ask, who can find a virtuous woman? They are wanting in our generation. I believe today you will choose to be a Rebekkah. You will render kindness, go the extra mile in your chosen career. Choose to be better than what you used to be. Develop godly traits. God will bring you into honor and wealth. My brother and father are at home waiting for me, I can’t help could have proceeded out of Rebekkah’s mouth.
Imagine this: Rebekkah’s family were groping in poverty at that time. Just imagine what a bit of love and kindness brought her and her family. She became heirs of Abraham’s (that godly man) wealth. She became the grandmother to the chosen nation of God. She birthed that young man Jacob (later called Israel) that resulted in a nation known today as Israel. Israel, one of the most powerful countries around the world. Enjoy these facts about Israel, a country birthed by Rebekkah only for that “extra mile”.
With an estimated 7.4 billion people on earth, Jews comprise a mere 0.2 percent of that amount at about 14.2 million. Between 1901 and 2015, 194 Nobel prizes have been awarded to Jews, accounting for 22 percent of all Nobels awarded. In fact, Jews have won more Nobel prizes than any other ethnicity. A home to Albert Einstein father of modern physics (from quantum theory to nuclear power and the atom bomb), Karl Marx, father of modern socialism economic history and sociology. Dr. Sigmund Freud, founder of psychoanalysis and father of psychiatry.
Speak of achievements, Israel’s Dr. Jonas Salk created the first polio vaccine. Dr. Abraham Waksman coined the term antibiotics. Casmir Funk, a Polish Jew, pioneered a new field of medical research and coined the word “vitamins.” Dr. Simon Baruch performed the first successful operation for appendicitis. Dr. Paul “Magic Bullet” Ehrlich won the Nobel Prize in 1908 for curing syphilis. Dr. Abraham Jacobi is considered America’s father of pediatrics. Dr. Albert Sabin developed the first oral polio vaccine.
In business, Haym Solomon and Isaac Moses are responsible for creating the first modern banking institutions. Jews created the first department stores. Julius Rosenwald revolutionized the way Americans purchased goods by improving Sears Roebuck’s mail order merchandising. Hart, Schaffner, Marx, Kuppenheimer, and Levi Strauss became household names in men’s’ clothing. Isadore & Nathan Straus (“Abraham & Straus”) eventually became sole owners of Macy’s, the world’s largest department store, in 1896.The fortunes of English-Jewish financiers such as Isaac Goldsmid, Nathan Rothschild, David Salomons, and Moses Montefiore helped England become an empire. Armand Hammer (Arm & Hammer) was a physician and businessman who originated the largest trade between the U.S. and Russia. Louis Santanel was the financier who provided the funds for Columbus’ voyage to America.
Levi Strauss invented durable pants first used by 49ers during the Gold Rush. These “wonderful pants of Levi’s” were made of a heavy blue denim material called “genes” in France. The pants he created, called levis or jeans, have become an emblem of the American West and an emissary of the Western lifestyle — egalitarian, utilitarian, independent — around the world. Samuel L. Goldwyn & Louis B. Mayer (MGM) produced the first full-length sound picture, The Jazz Singer.
European Jews are the founding fathers of all the Hollywood Studios. Adolph Zukor built the first theater used solely to show motion pictures. Irving Berlin and George and Ira Gershwin are three of the most prolific composers of the 20th century. Harry Houdini (born Ehrich Weisz) is considered the father of magic. Discover grammar tips, writing help, and fun English language facts. Sherry Lansing of Paramount Pictures became the first woman president of a major Hollywood studio. Flo Zigfield of “Zigfield Follies” is the creator of American burlesque. Steven Spielberg is arguably the most successful filmmaker since the advent of film. Many of the most famous actors, actresses, directors, producers, and musicians (Billy Joel, Neil Diamond, Paul Simon, Leonard Cohen) of the 20th and 21st century are Jewish.
In inventions, Theodor Judah was chief architect and engineer for the American Transcontinental railroad. In 1918, Detroit, Max Goldberg opened the “first” commercial parking lot. In 1910, Louis Blaustein and his son opened the “first” gas station, eventually founding AMOCO OIL. In 1909, four Jews were among the 60 multi-cultural signers of the call to the National Action, which resulted in the creation of the NAACP. Emile Berliner developed the modern-day phonograph. The machine he patented was called the gramophone. Berliner made possible the modern record industry. His company was eventually absorbed by the Victor Talking Machine Company, now known as RCA. Louis B. Mayer (MGM) created the idea for the Oscar.
In arts and literature, Arc Chagall (born Segal, Russia) is one of the greatest painters of the 20th century. The famous poem of Jewish Poet Emma Lazarus — “give me your tired … your poor … your huddled masses … ” — appears as the inscription on the Statue of Liberty. Famed painter and muralist Diego Rivera played an important role in 20th-century art, especially as he was married to Frida Kahlo. Jews account for 53 percent of the recipients of the Pulitzer Prize.
All these and many more because a Rebekkah decided in her heart to learn godly virtues, exhibit them and go the extra miles. Some of you ladies and men are wallowing in poverty and might remain there truth be told and acknowledged if you don’t rise above that mediocrity level, show that kindness, go that extra mile. God bless you and have a good day
EGC 2017
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