This post is the continuation and conclusion of The Rebekah Principle: Doing A Little Bit More [Part 1].
We pick up the narrative with the other women at the well who probably thought the gathering of water for their families to be simply mundane, ordinary work but, Rebekah speaks up and makes a difference. Keep these other ladies in mind as we go on.
Graphic courtesy of: www.springpondwoods.com
Rebekah’s example of selfless service (toward an absolute stranger no less) illustrates three crucial lessons we all must learn if we truly desire to make a positive difference in our circumstances.
1.) We can never walk the 2nd mile until we’ve walked the 1st!
Do you ever have the tendency to say something like the following?
- One day I’m going to serve the Lord…
- When I’m married, I’ll be able to do so much more…
- When the kids are gone, I’ll have way more time on my hands…
- When I finally graduate college, I’ll have what I need to get the job done.
I sometimes get like this, wanting to be at full missionary support, empowering the work of ministry to local churches across Canada, helping them achieve positive results in their children’s and youth programs. But I need to leave the future in His hands and be faithful today!
2.) We can never work in the 2nd mile until we’ve worked in the 1st.
The story continues to unfold in Genesis chapter 24, verse 22:
So it was, when the camels had finished drinking, that the man took a golden nose ring weighing half a shekel, and two bracelets for her wrists weighing ten shekels of gold…
The other women were probably wondering by now what would have happened to them if only they’d responded by doing “a little bit more”. Even in my young years, I’ve discovered that there are three specific words that distinguish an average person from an outstanding person, one who seeks the biggest difference possible for those around them… “And then some.”
What if we were “and then some” sons, “and then some” daughters, “and then some” families, always modeling our lives after this statement… “It’s not about me!” Think about how you can be a blessing and you will be blessed.
I invite you to read what happens through the rest of Rebekah’s story but it shouldn’t be a surprise that she goes on to become the wife of Isaac and thus essentially a princess of Israel. Only a short time earlier she was a lowly, peasant girl with little hope of ever having a life beyond squalor. A wonderful transformation occurs in her life that was born out of her attitude and mindset of selflessness.
Do you think that when Rebekah saw the dusty, weary, and worn-out traveller, that if she were to help him with giving his camels water that she’d be given all this? I don’t believe that for a second. She didn’t expect anything in return; that’s selflessness at its heart.
3.) The most important work is done in the 2nd mile.
Passage after passage of Scripture could be referenced to see people who were asked to do a job or fulfil a request (their 1st mile) and they went over and above into the 2nd mile and beyond. The other women getting water lost out on the benefits and blessings of God because they neglected going the 2nd mile.
In all of this, I’m reminded of someone who lived about 2,000 years ago; he didn’t just do “a little bit more” but a whole lot more. This person gave his life for you and for me. His body was broken for you, for me. His blood was spilled for you and for me. If you don’t know who this person is, his name is Jesus. His story is the central message of the Bible. I hope you’ll take time to read this link if you don’t already know the story.
Bottom line: What act of selflessness can you do today that will be a blessing to others?
Pingback: The Rebekah Principle: Doing A Little Bit More [Part 1] | Charlie Lyons