Genesis 23-24

Genesis 24:18-19

What would it look like to be in a world where people readily shared their homes, land, and possessions? What would you think if you were walking the streets in a new town and each home you passed had their doors wide open? How would you feel if everyone you met invited you over for a feast? Not just coffee and a bagel, but a full buffet of food made just because you came to spend time with total strangers. 

Although we have stories of some perverse and evil actions, there are plenty of stories of pristine hospitality.  Abraham welcomed the Lord and two angels into his home and prepared a fresh meal for them.  Lot invited the angels to stay in his home so they wouldn’t have to stay in the city square overnight. Fast-forwarding to the New Testament, Jesus didn’t have a home during his ministry and often lodged with strangers. So too did Paul.  

We see the same type of humble, hospitable culture in Genesis chapters 23-24. First, Abraham humbly asks to purchase a cave to bury Sarah. The people of the town are shocked that he would even ask. They offer anything in their possession to him. The owner of the field insists that Abraham takes the land for free. Abraham insists on paying for it. I picture it as a good ol game of “You go first, no you go first, no you go first, no you…” Each person is trying to out serve each other. When Paul instructs us to submit to one another out of reverence to Christ, this is the heart posture he is referring to. (Ephesians 5:21) Pastor Andy Stanley in a series entitled, “What Happy Couples Know” refers to happy married couples racing to the back of the line. They are fighting to outserve one another. One of the secrets to having a happy marriage is humble servitude out of reference to the Lord, not because your spouse deserves it. What a wonderful world it would be if we all were eager to serve each other. 

Speaking of serving, Rebekkah is another example of a humble servant. As tired as she may have been, she not only offers to give the servant water but the camels too. Not only does she give the camels water, but in chapter 24 verse 19 she says, “I’ll also draw water for your camels until they have had enough to drink.” That sounds somewhat kind until you realize that one camel can drink 32 gallons of water in one sitting. To really appreciate her kindness, we must remember that in verse 10 it states the servant took ten camels with them. That’s potentially 320 gallons of water! That’s not kindness, that’s insanity. But Rebekkah’s elaborate display of kindness landed her to be the bride of the century. She was clothed in riches. Yet, she didn’t do it for the money. She didn’t even know the servant had brought an abundance of jewels in preparation of finding a bride. It was her selfless character that led to a blessing. 

Per usual, let’s use these two accounts of selflessness to help us to reflect on our own lives. 

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