This section begins with a story that shows us a picture of what God has planned. No one in the story understands it necessarily, but we have all the elements of what makes God's own sacrifice so great: 1)a father giving up his son, 2)a sacrifice in the place of another life (here it is a ram saving Isaac, not Jesus saving humanity), 3)the pain that comes with being asked to do something uncommon, 4)a realization that God is merciful. He is so good, and through Isaac's near sacrifice we see a prototype of what God will do. Imagine being in Isaac's shoes. How hard would that be?
In chapter 23, Sarah dies and is buried in the caves near Mamre, which is Hebron. God once again provides for Abraham and he acquires the land that will provide a burial site for his wife. He and Isaac mourn for her and Abraham will take another wife in chapter 25.
Chapter 24 is this neat story of how Isaac married Rebekah. However, what strikes me about this part of the story is how Abraham's servant talks about God. Notice that he continually says to Rebekah, the Lord, God of my master Abraham. He does not claim God to be his own. He mentions that the Lord has blessed him, but does not seem to use this as proof that God really exists. This is striking and makes me think of our families. Some of us belong to a family that thinks we are weird for following God – and they don't claim Him as their own. This looks different for everyone. Some just say that God is what we claim (like the servant). Others think us to be out of touch with reality. Still others feel judged by our faith and use this as a "reverse weapon" against us – meaning they feel threatened, so they pre-emptive strike us by saying things like, "he won't approve, but" or "I know I shouldn't be doing this, but." You know it to be true because you might experience it. Sorry, but it has been happening since Abraham's time. You need to accept the fact and be conscience of those around you and their beliefs. However, don't lose who you are because of others' opinions (Matt. 25:31-46).
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