Chayei Sarah - November 14, 2020

Torah Portion:
Chayei Sarah - November 14, 2020
Torah: Genesis 23:1-25:18
Haftarah: 1 Kings 1:1-31

Portion Summary:
—Sarah dies and Abraham invests in land to bury her.
—A wife is sought by Abraham’s servant for Isaac from his relatives.
—Rebekah is singled out for her hospitality and hard work and is given a proposal.
—Rebekah consents to go immediately and becomes a comfort to Isaac.
—Abraham’s later years and descendants are recited.

Devotional by Janet Cothrell:

“’Adonai, the God of Abraham my master,’ he said, ‘please make something happen before me today, and show loyalty to Abraham my master. Look, I am standing by the spring of water and the daughters of the men of the city are going out to draw water. Now let it be that the young woman to whom I say, “Please tip your jar so that I may drink,” and she will say, “Drink—and I’ll also water your camels”—let her be the one You have appointed for Your servant Isaac. So by this I’ll know that You have shown graciousness to my master.’” Genesis 24:12-14 (TLV)

When Eliezer, Abraham’s servant, took on the daunting task of finding a wife for Isaac from among the people of Haran, he took it seriously enough to ask God for a sign that would show the extraordinary strength and kindness of the right girl.

The wells in these towns were usually below the “street level,” making women go down to the water, and then up with their heavy burdens. It would have been easy to bring up enough water for a man’s thirst, but the 10 camels Eliezer brought would be a major investment of time and energy. A camel normally drinks 5-7 gallons per day, and a very thirsty one (as one coming from a long trek in the desert) can drink as much as 32 gallons in 13 minutes! To give them the bare minimum, she would have had to draw about 2 tons of water! The Rabbis believe that a miracle occurred to help her along, but committing to the care of ten camels is still more than generous.

We do not know why Rebekah was so responsive to not just caring for Eliezer’s entourage but also for her willingness to become a bride for someone she had never met on such short notice.  Regardless of how it happened, Rebekah’s humble attitude and willing spirit are examples to all of us today. How would you respond to such a challenge? Could we leave the relative safety and comfort of our lives to follow God when He calls us to “turn on a dime” and walk in faith?

My LORD,
Thank You that we can trust Your leading. As we follow the prompting of Your Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit), remind us that we can be part of Your great and marvelous work in this world. I ask that You lead me, and prepare me to act with the response of a person whose faith rests only in You.
In Yeshua’s name, amen.