February 28, 2010
Scripture:
Romans 5:6, 8,10
The “ungodly”; what we needed was the power of God. We have it in Romans 1:16. As “sinners”, we needed the righteousness of God. We get that in Romans 3:22. And as “enemies” we needed the love of God. We have that in verse 5. As ungodly, we needed God’s power; as sinners we needed God’s righteousness; and as enemies we needed God’s love. Well may we sing “we owe it all to Thee”!
Hymn 327 - When Mothers of Salem
Prayer
Last time we were at a well outside the city and the servant was praying. The servant had come a long way. Abraham had come from the city of Ur; and if that’s where the servant went, it was about a 450 mile journey. A horse travels at about 30 miles a day, and if a camel does about the same, then this journey would take over two weeks.
If you remember, he’s here to get a bride for Isaac. Now, not just anyone would do, so the servant spends some time in prayer about it. Someday, you might be in the same situation; looking for a spouse. Not just anyone will do. We must pray and seek the Lord’s direction for such a decision.
Genesis 24:12 - 14. The servant prays and asks God that the young lady that offers to water his camels is to be bride for Isaac. Remember, they’re at a well and the young women of the city are coming to get water from it. Now, the servant had ten camels. I’ve had experience with cows, and they drink a lot of water. A camel would probably drink more than that. (editor’s note: sources say that a camel can drink about 30-50 gallons at one time; which would mean that this girl would have to offer to draw about 300-500 gallons of water.) Who would offer to water all those camels?
Vv. 15-19. She said she would water his camels! That’s quite a job; she must have been a very industrious young women. Vv.20-22. These golden things came from Abraham. Vv.23-28. Rebekah is impressed with the earrings and bracelets, and the servant is praising the Lord for helping him find a potential bride. Vv.29-31.
We’re going to have to stop there in this very interesting story, and find out what happens next time.
We are coming to the end of the prayer; the children of Israel have been very forthright in confessing what they have done. In v. 33, they admit that God is just. Read Luke 7:29; when people were baptised, they were saying that God is right and they were wrong. Notice in v. 30 that the Pharisees and lawyers did not listen. Read vv. 31 - 35. Wisdom is talking about Christ; the Lord is justified of His children; those who take the Lord as Saviour admit He is just. That’s what the gospel is about. That’s what the Jews did here; they admitted they were wrong and God was right. We need to take this position when God chastens us personally; “For true and righteous are his judgments” (Revelation 19:2).
It is interesting to note that these people probably didn’t commit any of the sins they have mentioned themselves. They, or their parents, were most likely born in Babylon. Yet, they clearly experienced the consequences of their forefathers iniquities. These sins were committed by all of Israel, v. 34. It was only God’s goodness, v. 3, that got them back to the land of Israel. Even now, they were only there because the Babylonians let them return; they were still servants (new translation, bond-men) to them. These Jews didn’t try to justify the sins of their fathers; they humbled themselves and took the responsibility.
V. 37: this verse reveals how Babylon stilled owned them; they had been conquered. Then, v. 38, they made a covenant with God. They wanted so much to be right again; How much do we want to be right with God?
Hymn 341 - Jesus bids us shine
Prayer