Jehovah's Loving-Kindness And His Guidance
 
In Genesis chapter 24, we read about another expression of divine loving-kindness, or loyal love.  The account relates that Abraham commissioned his servant to travel to the country of Abraham's relatives to find a wife for his son Issac.  (Verses 2-4) The mission was difficult, but the servant was assured that Jehovah's angel would guide him. (Verse 7) Eventually the servant reached a well outside "the city of Nahor" (either Haran or a nearby place) just when the women were  approaching to draw water. (Verses 10, 11) When he saw the women coming closer, he knew that the crucial moment of his mission had arrived. But how could he ever single out the right woman?
 
Aware that he needed divine help, Abraham's servant prayed: "Jehovah the God of my master Abraham, cause it to happen, please, before me this day and perform loving-kindness with my master Abraham." (Verse 12) How would Jehovah express his loving-kindness?  The servant asked for a specific sign by which he could identify the young woman of God's choosing.  (Verses 13, 14) One woman did exactly what he had asked of Jehovah.  Why, it was as if she had overheard the prayer! (Verses 15-20) Astounded, the servant "was gazing at her in wonder." Still, some vital facts needed to be determined. Was this good-looking woman one of Abraham's relatives?  And was she still unmarried?  So the servant remained "silent to know whether Jehovah had made his trip successful or not." - Verses 16,21.
 
Shortly thereafter, the young woman identified herself as "the daughter of Bethuel the son of Milcah, whom she bore to [Abraham's brother] Nahor."  (Genesis 11:26; 24:24) at that moment the servant realized that Jehovah had answered his prayer.  Overwhelmed, he bowed down and said:  "Blessed be Jehovah the God of my master Abraham, who has not left his loving-kindness and his trustworthiness toward my master.  I being on the way, Jehovah has led me to the house of the brothers of my master."  (Verse 27) By providing guidance, God showed loving-kindness to the servant's master, Abraham.
 
Next time: God's Loving-Kindness Brings Relief And Protection