Daydream Believer

The theme of overcoming continues in Oswald Chamber's devotional. Today the focus is on resisting the desire to "daydream" your opportunities away. "Daydreaming about something in order to do it properly is right, but daydreaming about it when we should be doing it is wrong.

Amazing evidence that God is for us and not against us--as well generous--is found in the continuation of Abraham and Isaac's story. These faithful men had demonstrated their devotion to God and in turn God lavished upon them blessing after blessing. In his old age, Abraham sends off his servant to find a wife for Isaac. The servant in sync with Abraham's relationship with God, mimics his approach to heaven's throne and..."Before he finished praying, Rebekah came out with her jar on her shoulder," (Genesis 24:15NIV).

A lack of idleness is apparent in this story. For Abraham sets a plan in motion, his servant sets out on a hunt, Rebekah responds with action to the call and Isaac receives his divine gift with appreciation. One does not see the "daydreaming" Oswald discourages in the primary characters. However, if we consider what could have happened--if any one of these principle's tarried due to "dreaming" about their situation--the importance of action in our lives becomes crystal clear.

Had Abraham merely considered the idea of Isaac taking a wife and not taken the initiative to obtain one for his son, Rebekah could have been lost to another. For the Word points out her purity as if it were unique; "the girl was very beautiful, a virgin, no man had ever lain with her," (Genesis 24:16). With God all things are possible. Still, a beautiful, young virgin--in any era--is likely to be a prize for any family.

The servant is inspiring with his eagerness to serve, honor and bless his master. There was no hesitation in his taking an oath with Abraham: he agreed to secure an appropriate wife for his son. Furthermore, the servant takes a straight path to the destination of Nahor. There was no stretching out the journey to gain a vacation, nor was there any contrary agenda. His mind was resolved to serve to the best of his ability. When Rebekah comes onto the scene, the servant responds immediately; "The servant hurried to meet her..." (Genesis 24:17NIV). He did not lose the opportunity due to questioning if she was really the right girl. Finally, the eagerness of the servant to return to Abraham is noteworthy. Rebekah's brother Laban requested, rather insistently, that they put off their leave for a week or so, however the faithful servant was determined to make a hasty return.

Rebekah's behavior is also noteworthy, because it demonstrates her readiness to respond to God. How quick she was to serve a stranger and quick to generously extend her service to his camels; "So she quickly emptied her jar into the trough, ran back to the well to draw more water..." (Genesis 24:20NIV). Everything about her response conveys Rebekah was eager to receive the plan of God. For while she was simply setting about her daily chore to fetch water from the well, the young lady was open to another plan of action. Her feet continued their quick response by running back to the house to share news of the visitor with the family.

The story however, is not without a conflicting spirit. For while Rebekah's brother, Laban first "hurried out to the man at the spring," he was not as inclined to keep a swift pace in letting his sister go,(Genesis 24:29NIV). For Laban had been quick to note the gold ring in his sister's nose and matching bracelets on her arm, (Genesis 24:30NIV). Furthermore, Laban's acceptance of Abraham's request came only after the servant had shared the great wealth of his master and how Isaac was the only beneficiary. Thus it is no surprise that come morning, Laban's eagerness to accept the will of God had been tainted...perhaps by greed.

"When they got up the next morning, he said, "Send me on my way to my master."
But her brother and her mother replied, "Let the girl remain with us ten days or so; then you may go."

On the surface, this request could be construed as a doting families buyer's remorse: prompted by the anxiety over losing their beloved sister and daughter. However, Laban appears on the scene years later: Jacob flees to his uncle Laban's home in order to escape the wrath of Esau. Laban's gross abuse of Jacob, in regards to taking his own daughter as a wife, suggests Laban to have a greedy and self-serving heart. Thereby, it is reasonable to believe in the night, Laban began to "consider" what he might gain through detaining Rebekah's leave. With "ten days or so..." Laban could gain more details of Abraham's wealth and perhaps devise a plan to tap into it(Genesis 24:55NIV). After all, Laban appears to have "saved" Rebekah for such a match as this.

The final call is deferred to Rebekah, who is most eager to comply. It is odd Laban gave his sister a choice in the time of her departure. Maybe he was hoping to give her cause to remember his "generosity" when she came into wealth. He obviously regretted it, fore he refused his daughter Rachael the same freedom years later. Thus, Jacob seems to have paid for his father Isaac's bride as well as his own.
Goodbyes are said and Rebekah submits herself to the Lord's will. The story could end here. A great lesson is found in the responses of all. However, our God is generous. He desires to bless us and therefore there is much more to consider in this story.

Abraham desired a proper wife for his son. Because he faithfully served God, the Lord provided a beautiful, young, virgin bride. One from his own family who had a heart eager to serve. The faithful servant, sought a blessing for his master and humbled himself before God in order to obtain it. In so doing, God, generously answered the mans prayer, "Before he had finished praying..." (Genesis 24:15NIV). And Rebekah, joyful in her service to others, walks away from everything in response to God's call. Her reward perhaps is the greatest. For, she is granted the inheritance of Abraham's treasure; "the Lord had blessed him in every way," (Genesis 24:1NIV). Considering the culture, she should have had very little or no say in her situation: she could be given to whomever her family chose. Wealth would of course provide a comfortable life, but love was rarely part of a marriage deal. Union was more about business and posterity than romance. However, in the goodness and kindness of God, Rebekah's submission to the Spirit of Love, grants her love in marriage. "So she became his wife, and he loved her," (Genesis 24:67NIV). How could we doubt we serve a God of love?

God is indeed generous to those who submit to his will. However, as this story illustrates, when we are quick to answer to His call, the rewards are great. For those--whose feet tarry while they "dream" about what they should do--it appears they risk blessings upon blessings.