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Read Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67. If the story of Hagar and Ishmael in Chapter 21 reads like a soap opera, this one about Isaac and Rebekah reads like a romance novel. The very wealthy Abraham sends a servant to find from among his kin, a bride for his son, Isaac. The servant takes this task very seriously, asking the Lord to send a sign so that he will know who to choose. Rebekah enters the scene, offering water to both the servant and his camels. Her father agrees to the terms, as does Rebekah. 

I find it interesting that they gave her the choice of waiting or going right away, a rare opportunity of self-agency for a girl in that culture. As they approach Isaac’s encampment, it’s love at first sight. Romantic, yes, but what does this story tell us about God and about the life of faith? 

In what ways did the servant, Rebekah, and her family act faithfully, trusting God’s ability to guide? In what ways did God show up for the servant, for Isaac, and for Rebekah? What tools did the characters in the story use to discern God’s will? How do you discern God’s will? Are there people in your life that you trust to help you know God’s will? 

Think of a situation that is calling you to make some type of decision and offer it to God in prayer, trusting that God will guide you into a beneficial outcome for everyone affected by your choice.

Read Psalm 145. In this psalm of praise, God is compared to the ideal earthly king: one who is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, good to all, and compassionate. In verse 4, we read, “One generation shall laud your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts.” 

How practiced are you at sharing with younger generations what God has done in your life? How often do you recognize goodness in the world as God’s doing? Who are the fallen ones that God has lifted and who are the ones, bending under the weight of this world, has God raised? In what ways has God provided for all of creation to thrive and grow? 

In the next day or two, share a reason for praise of God with someone who is younger than you.

Read Romans 7:15-25a. I would imagine any of us could have written verse 15: “I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.” This reminds me that, important as Paul was to the spread of the gospel and to the formation of the Christian doctrine of faith, he was still like us in many ways. He, too, struggled to do what was right. He, too, faced temptations and sometimes failed to stand strong. He understood, though, that there was no blaming anyone or anything but his own brokenness that led him to sin. He also understood that when he did the right thing, when he chose good over evil, that was the work of God. 

What are the things you do that you do not want to do? What practices help you to resist the temptation to do the wrong thing? To what or to whom do you attribute any good you have done or any right choices you have made? 

In prayer, ask God for forgiveness for those times when you have done wrong and for the strength to make the better choice.

Read Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30. I can’t help but wonder if Jesus was speaking tongue-in-cheek when he said, “I thank you…because you have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and have revealed them to infants.” Especially in Matthew, those who have the reputation or promote themselves as being wise and intelligent are the very ones with whom Jesus clashes most. 

What tends to happen in my life is that anytime I think I have God figured out, that’s usually when a lesson in humility is coming. The beautiful mystery of God is that we will never fully understand how God works or why things happen the way they do, but Jesus assures us that we don’t have to carry the load on our own. God comes alongside us and gives us rest. God sends the right people at the right time to remind us of God’s care. 

In prayer, thank God for the burdens from which you have been freed.