Infectious Faith

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Sunday - 9:15 AM Sunday School, 10:30 AM Worship Service

by: Denise Robinson

05/21/2021

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Our devotional series based on the book Climbing with Abraham by David Ramos continues. Last week, we looked at Abraham's last words, words spoken to provide for his son's future. The story of Abraham now begins to shift to his legacy, which begins with Isaac.  
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Week 27: Read Genesis 24:10-61 (Infectious Faith)


"The stage is set for Abraham's servant to fulfill his oath. He gathers what he needs and prays a very specific prayer. The servant wants the woman God has chosen for Isaac to offer to water his camels once he arrives: an odd request, but something which will make her stand out from the crowd.

The servant doesn't have to wait long once he arrives. Rebekah comes and fulfills the prayer with her offer to help. Everything is working out great; now the servant just needs her family to cooperate. Rebekah's brother dominates the next scene. He is the leading male in the household, and his motivations are solely based on greed. He sees an opportunity to benefit from his sister's marriage and throughout the scene makes that point clear. 

Next, the reader experiences a very long, detailed retelling of everything that has happened up to this point. Why is this necessary? We are seeing the servant persuade his hearers. He wants to make his goal very clear but also hint that everyone will be better off for making this deal. The extended speech works, and the marriage is blessed. 

One final roadblock lies before success. The family beckons the servant to let Rebekah stay for a while, but he will not have this. He wants to hurry and fulfill his promise before anything else can get in the way. Thankfully, Rebekah agrees to leave that very day to fulfill the promise and meet Isaac. 

This is one of the longest stories, and one can get lost within its details. But after spending weeks with Abraham, the aspect of legacy again comes to mind. Abraham's legacy of faith impacted everyone around him. The servant was at first overwhelmed at the request to find a bride for Isaac. But he made an oath and committed to it. He prayed to God for a clear sign, and when he saw it, he knew God had stepped in to help. Rebekah was greeted by a wealthy stranger at the well, and the next day she left with him to meet her future husband. That took extreme faith: believing that God had her best in mind. 

Because Abraham walked in faith, others had the courage to do so also. Abraham's faith encouraged the faith of his servant, whose faith in turn prompted Rebekah's. Your faith, or lack of it, will greatly impact those around you. Think about what kind of ripple effect your legacy will leave." 
___________________________
Takeaway from today's lesson: Our faith impacts the faith of others.

Prayer: God, help me to be a walking example of a person of faith, so that those I care about most will grow in their faith as well. Amen.
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Our devotional series based on the book Climbing with Abraham by David Ramos continues. Last week, we looked at Abraham's last words, words spoken to provide for his son's future. The story of Abraham now begins to shift to his legacy, which begins with Isaac.  
__________________________
Week 27: Read Genesis 24:10-61 (Infectious Faith)


"The stage is set for Abraham's servant to fulfill his oath. He gathers what he needs and prays a very specific prayer. The servant wants the woman God has chosen for Isaac to offer to water his camels once he arrives: an odd request, but something which will make her stand out from the crowd.

The servant doesn't have to wait long once he arrives. Rebekah comes and fulfills the prayer with her offer to help. Everything is working out great; now the servant just needs her family to cooperate. Rebekah's brother dominates the next scene. He is the leading male in the household, and his motivations are solely based on greed. He sees an opportunity to benefit from his sister's marriage and throughout the scene makes that point clear. 

Next, the reader experiences a very long, detailed retelling of everything that has happened up to this point. Why is this necessary? We are seeing the servant persuade his hearers. He wants to make his goal very clear but also hint that everyone will be better off for making this deal. The extended speech works, and the marriage is blessed. 

One final roadblock lies before success. The family beckons the servant to let Rebekah stay for a while, but he will not have this. He wants to hurry and fulfill his promise before anything else can get in the way. Thankfully, Rebekah agrees to leave that very day to fulfill the promise and meet Isaac. 

This is one of the longest stories, and one can get lost within its details. But after spending weeks with Abraham, the aspect of legacy again comes to mind. Abraham's legacy of faith impacted everyone around him. The servant was at first overwhelmed at the request to find a bride for Isaac. But he made an oath and committed to it. He prayed to God for a clear sign, and when he saw it, he knew God had stepped in to help. Rebekah was greeted by a wealthy stranger at the well, and the next day she left with him to meet her future husband. That took extreme faith: believing that God had her best in mind. 

Because Abraham walked in faith, others had the courage to do so also. Abraham's faith encouraged the faith of his servant, whose faith in turn prompted Rebekah's. Your faith, or lack of it, will greatly impact those around you. Think about what kind of ripple effect your legacy will leave." 
___________________________
Takeaway from today's lesson: Our faith impacts the faith of others.

Prayer: God, help me to be a walking example of a person of faith, so that those I care about most will grow in their faith as well. Amen.
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