Bible Talks: Abraham, the Man of Faith

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ONE OF the interesting observations in the stirring story of Rebekah is the quiet and unexcitable character of all that transpired from the time Abraham sent the servant to Mesopotamia until Rebekah determined to return with him to his master’s land. This is ever God’s way in searching out the heart. “God is not the author of confusion [or disorder], but of peace.” 1 Cor. 14:3333For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. (1 Corinthians 14:33). Abram’s servant quietly but earnestly proceeded with his mission on behalf of his master, and he presented his story in the same manner. Rebekah, while assuredly thrilled as she listened to the glowing account, accepted in confidence all that was told her and quietly committed herself to the servant’s guidance. Salvation and the path of faith are characterized by temperance and assurance in God’s promises. Faith does not produce fleshly excitement nor doubts as to God’s word. “In quietness and in confidence shall be your strength.” Isa. 30:1515For thus saith the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not. (Isaiah 30:15).
Perhaps Laban questioned the wisdom of his sister forsaking all that had given her a measure of comfort and security. But Laban looked only on outward things. He accepted the gifts presented by the servant, but never gave his affections in return. He typified the “religious” man of the world, and his later history confirmed that he never rose above his own selfish interests. But Rebekah had accepted the word of the servant and in full confidence had put her trust in the one whom he spoke of. Thus she could count old things as no longer attractive and take her place alongside the one who would lead her to a better home. She knew the journey would be accompanied by hardships, yet she readily forsook her immediate comforts because of the prospect that her eye of faith could see. Her actions expressed the true behavior of a child of God today who can say, “We look not at the things which are seen... for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” 2 Cor. 4:1818While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:18).
“And they sent away Rebekah their sister, and her nurse, and Abram’s servant, and his men... And Rebekah arose, and her damsels, and they rode upon the camels, and followed the man: and the servant took Rebekah, and went his way.” vv. 59-61. The prospect before her was more than she could fully grasp—her entire future life being involved! Yet, how little preparation she required for it. Within a few hours she presented herself ready for the journey. No doubt she and the damsels who accompanied her took with them such things as might be personally required, but there is no record that she took with her any possessions she may formerly have cherished. Nor would we expect her to do so, for the rich inheritance soon to be hers prosed new and better things than she had ever before dreamed of. A believer may go through this wilderness world in the same confidence, refusing its riches and attractions, but assured of a better portion that is already his by inheritance. “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him.” 1 Cor. 2:99But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. (1 Corinthians 2:9).
ML-04/17/1966