How does Rebekah's response connect with other biblical examples of hospitality and obedience? Setting the scene: Genesis 24:28 “ ‘The girl ran and told her mother’s household about these things.’ ” Rebekah’s immediate reaction—running to share what God was doing—reveals a heart that is both hospitable and obedient. Scripture places her alongside a long line of men and women whose swift, generous responses opened doors for God’s purposes. Hospitality on display • Swift action: Rebekah “ran,” mirroring Abraham’s quick movements when entertaining the three visitors (Genesis 18:2,6–7). • Lavish generosity: She had already drawn water for ten camels—an extraordinary task—showing the same abundance later modeled by the Shunammite woman who built a room for Elisha (2 Kings 4:8–10). • Family inclusion: By informing her household, she brought her entire family into the blessing, much like Lydia who “urged us, saying, ‘If you consider me a believer in the Lord, come and stay at my house’ ” (Acts 16:15). Echoes of hospitality elsewhere in Scripture • Abraham and Sarah (Genesis 18:1–8) – quick service to strangers who proved to be messengers of God. • Lot (Genesis 19:1–3) – insisted the angels stay under his roof, even baking fresh bread. • The widow of Zarephath (1 Kings 17:8–16) – shared her last meal with Elijah and received miraculous provision. • Martha of Bethany (Luke 10:38) – welcomed Jesus into her home, providing a setting for teaching on devotion. • New Testament exhortations – “Practice hospitality” (Romans 12:13); “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers” (Hebrews 13:2). Obedience intertwined with hospitality Rebekah’s quick hospitality prepared her for a larger step of faith: • Genesis 24:58 – “They called Rebekah and asked her, ‘Will you go with this man?’ ‘I will go,’ she replied.” • Her ready “yes” echoes Abraham’s obedience in leaving Haran (Genesis 12:4), the disciples leaving nets to follow Jesus (Mark 1:18), and Mary’s “May it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). Key patterns linking Rebekah to other saints 1. Immediate response—no hesitation. 2. Generous provision that exceeds social expectation. 3. Recognition of God’s hand at work, even when the full picture is not yet clear. 4. Subsequent blessing flowing to households, communities, and future generations. Lessons for today • Hospitality often becomes the doorway to God’s greater plans. • Obedience is most powerful when it rides on the heels of a willing, servant-hearted welcome. • Like Rebekah, believers are invited to run—quickly, generously, and joyfully—whenever God’s opportunity for service appears. |
    |