Today’s scripture: Genesis 24:15-21, 60 (ESV-text and audio) (KJV) (The Message) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Cheryl Stonestreet):
Rebekah is one of the most famous and infamous women of the Bible. We first meet her at a well where Abraham’s servant was sent to find Isaac a bride. The servant decides that the woman he chooses for Isaac will bring him water, and will then water his ten camels. After a long desert trek, a camel can drink up to 20 gallons of water. If her vessel held 5 gallons of water (about 40 pounds), it would have taken 40 trips back and forth to the watering trough! This was an industrious woman.
Later in Genesis 24, we get another clue to Rebekah’s standing within her family when they ask her if she wants to return with the servant to marry Isaac. Rebekah had a say in her own destiny. We were also told that she was a very pretty woman, she adhered to social norms, and that Isaac fell deeply in love with her. She was a great comfort to him while he grieved his mother’s death.
As we’ll see tomorrow, Rebecca was a tricky sort. She was the mother who had her favorite son, Jacob, dress in skins so his blind father (Isaac) blessed Jacob rather than the older brother, Esau. (It would also be good to note that it was Rebekah’s brother, Laban, who deceived Jacob on his wedding night with Leah, rather than Rachel. Trickery seemed to run deep in their family.)
Most unusual, Rebekah is one of the few women in the Bible who received a blessing, and we see her blessing recorded.
“Our sister, may you become
thousands of ten thousands,
and may your offspring possess
the gate of those who hate him!”
Rebekah’s offspring began the Israelite lineage through Jacob, Joseph, Levi, Moses and beyond. Just like the other heroes Steve noted a couple days ago, she was a very human mix of sinner and saint. By being herself, she played a significant role in the story of God’s people.
The story of God’s people is still playing out, and we all have our own place in that story. Even though we may not be famous (or infamous) characters, we each have our own impact in how the story plays out. Our actions touch other lives and create reactions that can have a ripple effect beyond anything we can know.
Thought for the day: Do I see myself playing an important role in the story of God’s people? How do my actions impact the world around me?
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.