Genesis 23—24, Matthew 7 • Key Verses: Genesis 24:26-27

With growing older comes change. In today’s reading, Abraham experienced the loss of his wife and the addition of a daughter-in-law. In these two events he trusted and obeyed God.
When Sarah died, Abraham demonstrated his faith in a remarkable way.

He buried her in the land God promised to him. Later, when Abraham died, all that he possessed of the Promised Land was that grave site—and he paid for it. God stayed faithful and kept His promise. The land was given to Abraham’s descendents.

Choosing a bride for Isaac was also an act of trust and obedience. Abraham sent his servant to find a wife for his son. He did this believing that God would “send his angel before” the servant and provide a wife for Isaac (24:7). At a well outside of Nahor, the servant met Rebekah, Isaac’s future wife.

Abraham had learned his lesson well. He did not take God’s plans into his own hands.
The temptation is great to carry out our plans, to do God’s will our way. But the hymn says it well: “Trust and obey, for there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus.”

Did you notice how God was praised and thanked by Abraham’s servant? List three things that you praise and thank God for today.

Woodrow Kroll & Tony Beckett
www.backtothebible.in