Nov. 16, 2008 - Make a Godly Impression
Our character does matter and will make an impression, even in our short day to day interactions.
I was at the supermarket yesterday, at the deli counter. After waiting there for longer than usual, a young man came to serve me, apologising for the delay, saying they were very busy today. I was impressed by the respect he showed me through his eye contact, mannerisms and willingness to serve.
When Abraham's servant went on commission to find a bride for Isaac, he went dependant on God. His prayer was:
"O Lord, God of my master Abraham, I pray You, cause me to meet with good success today, and show kindness to my master Abraham.
See, I stand here by the well of water, and the daughters of the men of the city are coming to draw water.
And let it so be that the girl to whom I say, I pray you, let down your jar that I may drink, and she replies, Drink, and I will give your camels drink also--let her be the one whom You have selected and appointed and indicated for Your servant Isaac [to be a wife to him]; and by it I shall know that You have shown kindness and faithfulness to my master." Gen. 24:12-14
He was looking for a young woman of good character, one who would show initiative and care for the stranger.
Rebekah made this good first impression.
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She was beautiful and attractive, chaste and modest (v 16a).
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She got on with her business, but responded immediately to a request for help (v 16b).
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She used a term of respect in her first words. "And she said, Drink, my lord; and she quickly let down her jar onto her hand and gave him a drink." (v 18)
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While the man was taking his drink, she quickly saw the opportunity to serve him in a greater way by watering his camels also (v 19).
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She did this quickly and with enthusiasm! "So she quickly emptied her jar into the trough and ran again to the well and drew water for all his camels." (v 20)
There is so much in Genesis chapter 24. I would recommend reading all of it. Its such a wonderful story!
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