Genesis 24 records the encounter of Abraham’s eldest servant with Rebekah, the future bride of Abraham’s son, Isaac. Herein, after adorning Rebekah with precious gold jewelry (a earring and bracelets), the servant confirmed that she was of his master’s household (which was a requirement of Abraham) and asked if there was room for him to stay in her father’s house. Rebekah’s response was that they had “both straw and provender (food for the animals) and room to lodge in.” Did you notice, the servant asked for a place to stay and rest, while Rebekah response offered not mere rest, but refreshment as well.
Points to ponder:
Jesus said, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28). Jesus also said, that he is the bread of life and whoever comes to him shall not hunger nor thirst anymore (John 6:35). In other words, in him alone is offered, both rest and refreshment. Now we the Church, i.e., the believers of the Lord Jesus Christ, as the bride of Christ, are we offering to those who seek, the refreshment of Jesus and the rest that is found solely in him? Not only is this a gesture of hospitality as the Bible commands us to (Hebrews 13:2; 1 Peter 4:9), but it is a matter of heaven or hell, to those who are not of the faith. Think about it … Are you and I offering refreshment and rest (in Christ Jesus)? (as did Rebekah)
Genesis 24:22-25 (KJV)
22 And it came to pass, as the camels had done drinking, that the man took a golden earring of half a shekel weight, and two bracelets for her hands of ten shekels weight of gold;
23 And said, Whose daughter art thou? tell me, I pray thee: is there room in thy father’s house for us to lodge in?
24 And she said unto him, I am the daughter of Bethuel the son of Milcah, which she bare unto Nahor.
25 She said moreover unto him, We have both straw and provender enough, and room to lodge in.
