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Mini-Worship
Sep 26- October 1, 2022
1. Take a deep breath and center yourself
2. Enter the presence of the Lord
(M) O God, you are my God, I seek you, my soul clings to you.
I look upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory.
(W) Have compassion on your children!
Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love,
(All) So that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.
3. Adoration prayer
Great God, I come to praise you. You have sustained me with abundance. I lack of nothing. You protected and delivered me time after time. You answered me when I cried out. You forgave me when I did not obey your commands. You instructed me with your word. You strengthened with your good Spirit. O, God, I thank you for your goodness. I praise you for your grace and mercy. May your glorious name be exalted above all blessings and praise. Amen.
4. Confession
All wise and all loving God, I come to you. Each day is gift from you. Help me to make use of my time wisely and balanced. I desire to spend some time with you, to be touched by you, to be instructed by you, and to pour out my heart and mind to you. There are many demands and responsibilities in my everyday life. May you be with me and order and guide me with your love and wisdom. In Jesus’ name, Amen
5. Scripture reading
Genesis 24:28-38, 49-51
28Then the girl ran and told her mother's household about these things. 29Rebekah had a brother whose name was Laban; and Laban ran out to the man, to the spring. 30As soon as he had seen the nose-ring, and the bracelets on his sister's arms, and when he heard the words of his sister Rebekah, "Thus the man spoke to me," he went to the man; and there he was, standing by the camels at the spring. 31He said, "Come in, O blessed of the LORD. Why do you stand outside when I have prepared the house and a place for the camels?" 32So the man came into the house; and Laban unloaded the camels, and gave him straw and fodder for the camels, and water to wash his feet and the feet of the men who were with him. 33Then food was set before him to eat; but he said, "I will not eat until I have told my errand." He said, "Speak on." 34So he said, "I am Abraham's servant. 35The LORD has greatly blessed my master, and he has become wealthy; he has given him flocks and herds, silver and gold, male and female slaves, camels and donkeys. 36And Sarah my master's wife bore a son to my master when she was old; and he has given him all that he has. 37My master made me swear, saying, 'You shall not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites, in whose land I live; 38but you shall go to my father's house, to my kindred, and get a wife for my son.'" 49"Now then, if you will deal loyally and truly with my master, tell me; and if not, tell me, so that I may turn either to the right hand or to the left." 50Then Laban and Bethuel answered, "The thing comes from the LORD; we cannot speak to you anything bad or good. 51Look, Rebekah is before you, take her and go, and let her be the wife of your master's son, as the LORD has spoken."
6. Thoughts to share
This is a story about how a rich father Abraham helped his son to find a wife. It does not sound very 21st century. Right?
Laban and Rebekah were siblings. Both were diligent in working and taking care of the household properties. Both were very friendly and kind. They had close relationships and had open communications. This was the day that Rebekah met Abraham’s servant. The servant asked for a room to stay. He gave nose ring and bracelets for stay fee. Rebakah ran back to ask brother and talked what happened on the day. Laban caught the words, “This man spoke to me” and saw the gifts. He understood that this traveler needed a place to stay overnight. So, Abraham’s servant was invited in. Then they started a very natural conversation and turned out to have an interesting discovery.
This conversation between Laban and Abraham's servant revealed a few interesting things that helped us to know why Laban and Rebekah could trust what the servant said and why this marriage decision could be made so quick.
First, Abraham lived in Canaan. He knew that people there worshiped Canaan gods and goddess. When they had festivals, they drank. They sexed. It was a well- known culture. Abraham could not trust the girls there. These girls potentially had many character and moral issues. He wanted to pick one from his home town and his family clan.
Second, Abraham’s servant showed a godly character. He was honest. He did not seemly want to take advantage of others. He sincerely wanted to find out the truth that would match the criteria he was told. He honestly revealed who Abraham was and what he wanted. He showed to respect Laban and gave him the freedom to choose and to decide. He was also humble. He interpreted Laban’s permission to be a symbol of kindness and faithfulness to his master.
Third, Both Laban and the servant spoke the same language such as the Lord, blessed. They had same faith. They felt comfortable to each other. They saw God’s hands on them.
Later, we knew that Rebekah trusted the observations of her brother and she accepted the decision to go with Abraham’ servant to marry to Abraham’s son. Her faith in God continued to guide her.
In our 21st century, do we still need a middle person to chose and decide your lifelong mate for you? Most people will not think so. However, there are some wisdom in this process. The middle person can help you to uphold the godly principles and they can help you to observe the things. They can give you good advice to follow. If you are going to make decision on you own for your marriage. There are things to learn also here. Do you have certain godly standards that guide your choice? What foundation will you build your marriage on? Can you discern cultural norms from God’s standards? Do you notice about his/her family background? Do you see some trustful characters on “that” person? Do you have realistic expectations to him/her? Do you have godly friends to confirm your choice? Do you believe that God can be the guide and leader for your marriage behind all this process?
7. Prayer suggestions
Examine what your thought you have about your future marriage. What is your criteria? Do you believe that God is concerned with your marriage and He was willing to prepare it for you? Pray for your own marriage.
Lord of love, you instituted marriage and knew that we all long for a true lover whom we can walk together for a lifetime. Who is my Rebekah? Who is my Isaac? I am waiting and I am searching. Please help me to process what kind of values I really cherish and what kind of person I will like. Help me to wait and prepare myself. In your time, please take me to that person whom you choose for me – by you or by a godly, honest and trustful middle person. God, I put my trust in you. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
7. Benedictions
May the Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace. May the LORD keep your going out and your coming in from this time on and forevermore.
Prayer Request
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