Guidance "in the Way"

Genesis 23:1-24:51 and Prov. 3:1-6

The Genesis passage is the story of how Isaac got a bride.  Her name was Rebekah and the entire story is a lesson in guidance.  Abraham commissions an unnamed servant (some think this was Eliezer, his favorite servant mentioned in Gen. 15:2) to go find a wife for his son Isaac.  The servant is to travel to the old home land of Mesopotamia and seek out the perfect wife.  Quite a task, especially considering the qualifications and restrictions Abraham puts on the process.  She has to be from original family stock and must be willing to immediately uproot and go to this husband (Isaac) she has never met.  Long story short, just as Abraham prophecies, God goes before the servant and miraculously he finds Rebekah.  It is an incredible story of guidance.  In Gen. 24:27, the servant summarizes how it happened, "As for me, being on the way, the Lord led me..."  Later in 24:48, he states further, "God...led me in the way of truth."  Quick observations:

1. God guides those who are willing to BEGIN MOVING.  He will lead us "in the way."  God rarely gives a detailed road map PRIOR to the trip.  He says, "Get moving. Trust me. I will meet you as you walk." 

2. This is a TRUTH WALK.  The servant said that God led him "in the way of truth."  I think this means a couple of things.  First, everything rises and flows out of Scripture.  It is biblical.  Any guidance that contradicts clear Bible commands is not from God.  Second, honesty and integrity are hallmarks of God's path.  Nothing takes the place of simply sincerity and clarity of heart in desiring God's best. 

3.  Guidance that leads to WORSHIP.  As this story unfolds, there is a step-by-step dawning of a wonderful truth -- God is watching over the process.  From time to time, He allows glimpses of His hand.  In the final analysis we see Romans 8:28 -- all things truly are working out for good to those who love and God and are called according to His purposes.  This is adventure.  This is worship.  This is life in the will of God.

Finally, one of my favorite passages accompanies this Genesis story in my readings for today.  Proverbs 3:1-6 says "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and HE WILL DIRECT YOUR PATHS.  We don't have to walk alone.  Link up with God and He will direct your steps.