QT 10/6/2025 Gen 24:32-41, We have free will, but if God is calling, we would be a fool to ignore

Genesis 24:32–41 (RSV) —

32 So the man came into the house; and Laban ungirded the camels, and gave him straw and provender for the camels, and water to wash his feet and the feet of the men who were with him. 33 Then food was set before him to eat; but he said, “I will not eat until I have told my errand.” He said, “Speak on.”

34 So he said, “I am Abraham’s servant. 35 The Lord has greatly blessed my master, and he has become great; he has given him flocks and herds, silver and gold, menservants and maidservants, camels and asses. 36 And Sarah my master’s wife bore a son to my master when she was old; and to him he has given all that he has. 37 My master made me swear, saying, ‘You shall not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites, in whose land I dwell; 38 but you shall go to my father’s house and to my kindred, and take a wife for my son.’ 39 I said to my master, ‘Perhaps the woman will not follow me.’ 40 But he said to me, ‘The Lord, before whom I walk, will send his angel with you and prosper your way; and you shall take a wife for my son from my kindred and from my father’s house; 41 then you will be free from my oath, when you come to my kindred; and if they will not give her to you, you will be free from my oath.’

 

NOTE: While Bethuel does appear in the narrative (verse 50), Laban seems to take the lead in the negotiations. Bethuel is certainly old, as is Abraham at this point. The servant retells the story, which seems unusual, considering the brevity of scripture, but this is important. Another person, a woman, is called to leave their family and travel to a far-away land, and live as a foreigner. The promise of the land is more than five centuries away, although they do not know it. The woman has free will. Repeated in the story is her choice and its impact on the oath that the servant made. She can choose to say no. Not repeated are Abraham's instructions to not allow Isaac to go back with him to the family's house. Additionally, given the fact that they have not seen Abraham in many years is the implication that their daughter will be gone, never to be seen again. These are not easy choices.

 

What does it mean for us? We know that choices, especially poor choices, have consequences, possibly irrevocable consequences. This is a good choice but also carries an irrevocable consequence of separation from her mother, father, brother, and any friends in the area. Having moved around quite a bit in the military, I can say that decisions like this lead to very lonely circumstances, at least for a while. They are not easy. It seems like the best choices often have, at least initially, tough consequences. But bad choices are much worse, causing great pain and missing out on the spiritual blessings of obedience.

 

PONDER:

1. What is God calling me to do?
2. What is hindering my obedience?

 

PRAYER: Father, at this point, I feel hedge in, that is, in a good way. I am doing what I need to do without having a lot of choice. Well, I could be selfish, and demand my own way, but that has never been a choice I've considered. I am content. These years are a little different than what I had planned, but I am part of a great blessing. I believe that. Give me strength to balance certain physical limitations with the job you have place before me.