The rewards of kindness (1)

Thu, 29 Jul 2021

‘I will draw water for your camels also.’ Genesis 24:19

One day Abraham sent his servant Eliezer to find a wife for his son Isaac. Standing by a small town well, Eliezer basically prayed, ‘Let the woman who offers to water my camels be the one You have chosen.’ Suddenly Rebekah showed up and said, ‘I will draw water for your camels also.’ (Genesis 24:19 NKJV)

Rebekah had no idea that Eliezer would change her life. She didn’t know that her act of kindness would open the door to great blessing. In the Old Testament it was customary to offer water to a stranger. It was called the law of hospitality. The Hebrews believed the words: ‘Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.’ (Hebrews 13:2 NKJV)

But who on earth offers to water thirsty camels? One camel can drink 150 litres, and Eliezer had ten of them. That’s a half-day project! Rebekah was generous to a stranger, seeking nothing but the joy of serving. What she didn’t know was, these camels would transport her back to Isaac, make her his bride, shower her with great wealth and put her in the lineage of Christ.

So if you want to succeed, show up on time, stay focused, work hard, and be a problem-solver instead of a problem-causer. Live by Christ’s saying, ‘Go the extra mile’ (see Matthew 5:41). The key to success in life is in doing not only what is expected, but in doing a little more. Yes, camels are obnoxious and ugly but, out of that ugly situation, came the most beautiful thing that ever happened to Rebekah.