O Worship the LORD in the Beauty of Holiness

THE FAITHFUL SERVANT’S JOURNEY

(This week’s article is contributed by brother James Salai, who graduated from Emmanuel Reformed Bible College three weeks ago. This article was his last sharing at our church prayer meeting on 17th Nov 2023 and he has given me permission to use it for our weekly. When I first read the script for that night’s devotion, I found it very inspiring. Here was a man about to return to a country that is torn, under martial law, a church and people that is persecuted, and yet he was encouraging us to be obedient and true to GOD, even under difficult circumstances. Here is a man applying what he shared because without hesitation he has returned home to serve in his church with what he has learned in Emmanuel Reformed Bible College. I pray that you will benefit from his work as much as I did. – Joel Seah)

         Tonight, I am going to share from Genesis chapter 24:1-9. In this chapter, we can learn important things about believing in God’s promises, doing what we are told and getting help from Him. The story is about a servant who works for a man named Abraham. Abraham was getting old, and he asked his servant to find a wife for his son, Isaac. This story is not just a story; it teaches us valuable lessons about our relationship with God.

          Genesis 24 is like a timeless tale that still makes sense to God’s people today. It shows us how having faith and doing what we are supposed to do can lead us to God's guidance and blessings. This chapter is full of lessons about believing in God, the power of prayer, and the support we can get from Him. As we read through it, let's be open to the important teachings that can shape our lives and strengthen our relationship with God.

The Divine Calling of the Faithful Servant (Genesis 24:1–4) 

Abraham's Advanced Age and Worry for Isaac's Future 

          The story starts with Abraham, an old man, who received a promise from God that his family would be as many as the stars in the sky. This promise showed how much God loved Abraham and kept His word. As Abraham got older, he worried more about his son, Isaac, and making sure he continues to trust God's promise. He knew it was really important for Isaac to marry the right person so that their faith in God is presented.

The Servant’s Promise to Carry Out Abraham's Request 

          In verse 2, we learn about Abraham's oldest servant, who is thought to be Eliezer. His task was a big one: to find a wife for Isaac. But this mission was not just about finding any wife; it was about keeping the promise God had made. Abraham, who was getting older, really wanted to see his son Isaac marry someone who shared their belief in the one true God.

          The servant agreed without any doubt, and he even made a solemn promise to fulfil Abraham's wish. This promise showed how serious he was about this mission. It was clear that he believed in God's guidance. His readiness to go through with it, even if he had personal worries or questions, sets a great example for all of us. The servant understood how important this job was, so he made a serious promise to Abraham. He swore to do the task with all his heart and with hard work. This shows us how important it is to keep our promises and do our duties faithfully.

God's Providence and the Servant's Acceptance of Divine Direction 

          As the servant embarked on his journey to find a wife for Isaac, he sought divine guidance. He understood the significance of seeking God's help in his mission. God's providence was evident throughout the journey. The servant prayed for a sign, and God answered his prayer. Rebekah, a woman of great character and faith, appeared before him, confirming God's hand in the situation. The servant praised the Lord and acknowledged the significance of God's guidance in fulfilling his mission. This story reminds us that when we follow God's calling, He will guide us and provide for us.

          This story teaches us about commitment and trust in God's plan. It reminds us that sometimes we are called to do important things, even if we have doubts or concerns. Just like the servant in this story, our willingness to follow through with faith can lead to great outcomes.

The Obedience of the Faithful Servant (Genesis 24:5-8) 

The Servant's Promise to Carry Out Abraham's Directives 

          In verses 5-8, we see the servant's promise to carry out Abraham's directives, despite the unconventional nature of the task. These verses teach an important lesson about obedience, trust, and completing uncommon duties. In these words, the faithful servant agrees to fulfil Abraham's unusual request, even if it appears different. This promise reveals his profound commitment and loyalty to Abraham, a commitment that should inspire us in our own walk with God. The servant was not merely responsible for a minor task but a life-altering mission. He was to find a wife for Isaac, the child of promise. This was a task that carried great responsibility and importance, and his willingness to undertake it reflects his deep commitment to Abraham.

          Let us consider the servant's obedience and how it pertains to our own life. His example teaches us the importance of trusting God's plans, even when they appear strange or unfamiliar. It's a reminder that God's ways are often beyond our comprehension. As the servant demonstrates, obedience is not merely a verbal declaration but the outcome of faith, connecting our belief with our deeds. It is an embodiment of our trust in God's divine will. Similarly, in our lives, God often calls us to tasks that might seem daunting or beyond our understanding. Just as the servant committed himself to do his master's will, we too must commit ourselves to carrying out God's directives, even when they seem overwhelming or challenging.

Learning to Trust God's Plans Even When They Seem Strange 

          The servant's journey might have seemed strange and uncertain, but his trust in God's guidance never wavered. His trust in God's plan, even when it appeared unconventional, is a lesson for us all. Sometimes it might even seem strange or counterintuitive to understand God's designs since they are not always simple. But when we recall that His ways are higher than ours, this Bible truth compels us to put our reliance on His wisdom (Isaiah 55:8-9). In our own lives, God sometimes asks us to do things that seem hard or do not make much sense. Just like the servant is committed to doing what Abraham wants, we should commit to following God's guidance, even when it feels tough or confusing.

Obedience as the Outcome of Faith: Connecting Belief with Deed 

James 2:17 says “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.” It reminds us that faith without works is dead. Obedience is the bridge that connects our belief in God with the deeds we carry out in His name. Just as the servant's obedience was a demonstration of his trust in Abraham's God, our obedience demonstrates our trust in the same living God. As we go about our daily lives, may we remember that obedience is not a burdensome duty but a joyful response to God's love and grace.

The Trust of the Faithful Servant for God's Direction (Genesis 24:7-9)

Abraham's Confirmation that God will Guide Him through an Angel. 

           Verse 7 confirms for the servant that God will guide him through an angel. Abraham's servant then embarks on his journey with unwavering faith. He doesn't rely on his wisdom, but instead, he prays for divine guidance. He understands that success in this mission is not solely dependent on human efforts but requires God's intervention. The important lesson here is that when we trust in God's guidance, we are recognizing that He is in control and has a special plan for our lives. We can learn from Abraham's trust in God and believe that God's purpose will lead us in the right direction.

The Servant's Reliance on Divine Guidance as Opposed to His Intelligence 

         The servant didn't depend on his intelligence, skills, or whatever he knew. Instead, he put his trust in God's guidance. He made a promise to follow God's leading and not go his own way. This servant's strong belief in God's guidance reminds us that our wisdom and knowledge is always not enough. God is much wiser, and when we trust in Him, we can see amazing things happen in our lives. When we follow God's plan, He can do incredible things through us.

          As we travel through life, let us remember to seek and rely on God's direction. As the servant reaches the city of Nahor, he encounters Rebekah at the well, just as he had prayed. God's providence is evident in this meeting. Rebekah's generous and hospitable nature, as she offers water not only to the servant but also to his camels, is a divine confirmation of her suitability for Isaac. The servant's recounting of God's leading in Genesis 24:26-27 highlights the hand of God in his life and ours when we trust and seek Him. The servant's example is a reminder that human wisdom alone is insufficient, and we need to look to God for His divine guidance.

Putting the Lesson into Practice: Relying on God's Direction 

Just like Abraham and the loyal servant, we are also travelling through life. Our journey has lots of surprises and difficulties. Sometimes, we have to make choices, both big and small. When we face these moments, we should talk to God in our hearts, think about what the Bible says, and listen to the Holy Spirit. Trusting God's way doesn't mean life will be easy, but it means we can walk with confidence, knowing that God is with us at all times. When we follow His guidance, we discover peace, wisdom, and a clear sense of purpose in our journey.

Application and Conclusion 

          In our own lives, let us aim to be dedicated and trustworthy like the servant in Abraham's story. We should follow God's guidance, be obedient to His plan, and wait patiently for His timing because He is the one who plans everything in our lives. By learning from the lessons in Genesis 24:1-9, we can strengthen our faith, practice obedience, and put our trust in the all-powerful God. Amen.

Appointments for the Week

Tuesday, Dec 12

        8.00 pm     Prayer Meeting (Eld Peter Koy)

Wednesday, Dec 13

      10.00 am     SF Meeting (Rm 4-2)

Thursday, Dec 14

      10.00 am     Ladies’ Prayer Group

Saturday, Dec 16

      10.30 am     LF Meeting (Rm 1-6)

        3.00 pm     LTF / YLM

Sunday, Dec 17

  8.00 am     Showing Leadership in a time of Crisis Acts 27:1-44 (Eld Roger Lim, with Holy Communion)

  8.00 am     Choir Practice

  9.15 am Library (Sanctuary Balcony)

  9.40 am Sunday School / Catechism Class

10.15 am Coffee Corner

11.00 am Showing Leadership in a time of Crisis Acts 27:1-44 (Eld Roger Lim)

11.00 am Children’s Ministry

11.00 am Chinese Service (MPH)

11.00 am Filipina Service (Rm 1-6)

12.15 pm Library (Sanctuary Balcony)

  2.30 pm Thai Service (LMH)

  4.00 pm Indonesian Service (Rm 1-6)

Announcements

24 Dec (9am)
Combined Bilingual Christmas Svc: The Birth of Christ Foretold (Isaiah 9:6,7) by Rev Charles Seet

24 Dec (8pm)
Christmas Eve Svc: A Gracious Promise Fulfilled (Genesis 3:15) by Bro Mok Chee Cheong

31 Dec (10.45pm)
Watchnight Svc: Behold, I Make All Things New! (Revelation 21:1-5; 2 Corinthians 5:17) by Rev Charles Seet

* * * 

Catechism Class for Easter Baptism on 31 March 2024

will commence on 17 December 2023 at 9.30am. Please pre-register by emailing to Church Office. Those seeking baptism, reaffirmation of faith and transfer of membership must attend the catechism class. Closing date: 10 December 2023.

Life B-P Church Calendar 2024

Please obtain a copy at the front counter. Members who wish to have an additional calendar may request for 1 more copy from the deacons.

Traffic Wardens

Lifers are invited to serve our Lord as Traffic Wardens on Sunday. Kindly contact Dn Choong or Bro Kelvin if you are available.

Thanksgiving

“My family and I deeply appreciate your warm expression of sympathy and condolence gifts. Above all, your presence at the wake and burial service, despite your busy schedule, brought me personally much comfort. Thank you Pastors for bringing the Word of eternal life for the saving of souls at the vigil service.” (bro Mok )

Registration for 2024 Pre-Nursery Sunday School Class

is now open for children aged 18 months to 3 years old. Parents who wish to enrol their children, please email Ling Ling

ERBL Evening Lectures

Two evening lectures offered from January-May 2024:

1) Old Testament Prophetic Books by Rev Charles Seet (Monday @ 7.30pm)

2) Bible Geography by Ms Lilian Lee (Thursday @ 7.30pm)

It will be conducted on-site at No. 10 Gilstead Road. It is compulsory for all Credit Students to attend lectures on-site and Audit Students can either attend lectures via Zoom platform or on-site. Interested parties can register for the courses online at https://www.lifebpc.com/erbl/

Deadline for registration: 1st January 2024.

Condolences

Our condolences to:

(1) Sis Jodie and family on the passing away of her grandmother, Mdm Ong KT (91 years old), on 3 Dec 2023.

(2) Eld Lim & Elsie and family on the homegoing of Elsie’s mother, Mdm Lau AK (87 years old), on 7 Dec 2023.

Seminar: fAIth in AI?

Date: Saturday, 30 Dec 2023

Time: 10.00am to 12.30pm

Venue: Calvary B-P Church

Speakers: Rev Ho Chee Lai, Rev Isaac Ong

Registration closes on 25 Dec 2023.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfcr06nknRhFDhdRHJ8EnmPR8-EFULD0p1V34FTkW-ZBqQnWw/viewform?usp=sf_link

Young Lifers Ministry 2nd Anniversary

Date: 31 Dec 2023

Time: 7pm

Venue: Beulah MPH

Speaker: Eld Michael Ong

Sign up at: tinyurl.com/ylm2ndanni

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