(Genesis) Genesis 24:30-31
Abraham's servant is welcomed by Laban, who recognizes the living God and shows hospitality to the servant and his companions.
In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Abraham's servant finding a bride for Isaac. The servant waits at the well, hoping someone will come to lead him to Rebekah's home. When Laban sees the servant's wealth, he welcomes him and recognizes the living God. Laban ensures the servant is well taken care of, providing for his camels and washing his feet. This story highlights the faithfulness of God in providing a suitable bride for Isaac.
Full Transcript
Notice what happens, verse 30. It came to pass, when he saw the earring and bracelets upon his sister's hands, and when he heard the words of Rebekah, his sister saying, Thus spake the man unto me, that he came unto the man, and behold, he stood by the camels at the well. And the servant just waited out there at the well to see if anyone would come out to lead him into the home of Rebekah, whether he really had a welcome or not.
Well, believe me, when old Laban saw those rings, he knew it was a very wealthy guest, and Uncle Laban is not missing a deal. And if you doubt that, you ask Jacob later on. Jacob found out Uncle Laban was a real traitor.
In fact, he was a better traitor than he was. And so he went out, and he wanted to welcome him. And notice how he welcomes him.
And he said, Come in, thou blessed of the Lord, wherefore standest thou without? For I have prepared the house and room for the camels. And even old Laban recognized the fact that there was the living God, the Creator, one God, very important, and he welcomed the man. And the man came into the house.
He ungirded his camels, gave straw and preventer for the camels, and water to wash his feet, and here we have this foot-washing ceremony again, to wash his feet and the man's feet that were with him. You see, he had quite a few that had come with him. Now, the man is entertained royally in this home.
Uncle Laban sees to that. Now, we have seen in chapter 24 here that Abraham sent his servant back to his own country, the land of Haran, where he'd come from in Mesopotamia, in order that he might get a bride for Isaac.
Sermon Outline
- Abraham's Servant Sent to Get a Bride for Isaac
- Laban's Initial Reaction to the Servant
- The Servant's Reception in Laban's Home
- The servant is entertained royally in Laban's home
- Laban shows hospitality to the servant and his companions
Key Quotes
“Come in, thou blessed of the Lord, wherefore standest thou without?” — J. Vernon McGee
“He was a better traitor than he was.” — J. Vernon McGee
“And even old Laban recognized the fact that there was the living God, the Creator, one God, very important,” — J. Vernon McGee
Application Points
- We should show hospitality to others, just as Laban did to the servant.
- Recognizing the living God is essential in our interactions with others.
- Hospitality is a sign of respect and value for others.