Daily Devotions
Genesis
"Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us." Psalm 62:8
Text: Genesis 24 : 1 - 67
GREAT EXCITEMENT
Few things in life could have stirred up as much excitement as Rebekah must have felt that day. A total stranger had given her a nose ring and two beautiful bracelets – all made in gold! What was all that about? She merely did what she would have done to any other stranger!
To see an old man so obviously moved that he could not but offer worship to his God! That was some experience! But wait, did he not ask if he could find lodgings at her home? That would be a good business opportunity for the family. Rebekah must have felt that she had to hurry home to tell her family what she had just experienced. The rooms must be made ready. Feed must be obtained to feed the camels. There was much work afoot. She could not afford to dawdle.
“So the young woman ran and told her mother’s household
these things. Now Rebekah had a brother whose name was Laban,
and Laban ran out to the man by the well.”GENESIS 24:28-29
The enthusiasm with which Rebekah spoke about her encounter with Eliezer must have been infectious. Laban, Rebekah’s brother was intrigued. The reason for his curiosity was the evidence that his sister displayed on her hands!
“So it came to pass, when he saw the nose ring,
and the bracelets on his sister’s wrists, and when he heard
the words of his sister Rebekah, saying,
‘Thus the man spoke to me,’ that he went to the man.
And there he stood by the camels at the well.”GENESIS 24:30
An incident like that happened perhaps once in a lifetime! This was one opportunity not to be missed! Laban went forward to greet Eliezer.
“O BLESSED OF THE LORD”
Laban went forward to extend greetings to Eliezer with appropriate words. He was standing there by the well after he had completed his worship of God. He was probably waiting for someone to fetch him to Rebekah’s home.
“Come in, O blessed of the Lord! Why do you stand outside?
For I have prepared the house, and a place for the camels.”GENESIS 24:31
What a way to extend greetings! Was it true that all the members of Abraham’s family shared the same faith? Was this their typical way of greeting and welcoming strangers?
What great hospitality Eliezer had been shown. There was only one person who could not be matched when it came to showing hospitality – his master Abraham! If Rebekah’s family resembled Abraham in any way, then he was blessed by God indeed!