The Daughter of Zion*

Text: Genesis 24
Scripture: “Then they called Rebekah and said to her, “Will you go with this man?” And she said, “I will go.”

Her Background Her name means “tying up” or “binding up” which can suggest that men are snared or bound with her beauty. She is the daughter of Bethuel and Milcah, wife of Isaac and the mother of Jacob and Esau.

Introduction When Ma’am Linda gave the assignment to do a teaching on one of the Women of the Bible, Rebekah immediately came to my mind. As soon as I got home from work, I searched for my 2007 journal because I remembered I wrote something about Rebekah, “I am amazed on her readiness to go with Eleazer, she was complete and equipped to be a bride.”- February 2007

I couldn’t imagine it happening today. I would probably have a heart attack if someone I just met would tell me that he will be taking me to marry his boss’ son. But recently, the Lord brought me to see some truths on Rebekah’s preparation and radical decision.

Her Preparation At the beginning of the story, Rebekah was at the perfect place of meeting, at the well. Scripturally, going to the well denotes coming to the Holy Spirit to be filled it also signifies as the well spring of life as revealed by Christ in John 4. Rebekah was found filling her vessel with water, and I hope the Lord will find us in a time that we are filling our vessels with the Holy Spirit.

We can also observe that she was diligent, industrious and beautiful sensitive woman. She was very willing to serve Eleazar and she even volunteered to draw water for the thirsty camels.

Naturally, women’s preparation for marriage involves these two items, character and skill. Like Rebekah we must learn to accept trials and testing with meekness and a pure heart. It is not just the outward appearance that is important, although it is a factor, but what will really sustain the marriage is the character that will be brought inside the relationship. Furthermore, we must also have the skill or I should say the strength to do the work. According to married people and as I see it to my parents, it is not a bed of roses, the skilfulness of hands is needed to work hand in hand.

Spiritually, we can also apply her preparation in our walk. We must prepare ourselves for the coming Bridegroom. Our character and skills will make us ready for God’s call. So we must allow the Lord to change us from glory to glory in order that our character can with stand in our journey with the Lord, whether in the low valleys or mountain tops, in the rushing rivers or wilderness. We are preparing to be the Lord’s helper in advancing HIS kingdom and not our kingdom. Servanthood and godly character are necessary. Whenever we look into our spiritual mirrors, lets’ see how much of Christ is seen in our lives. Unless it is not yet 100%, let us not stop in praying that the Lord will change us. Also, we must be ready with our skill. The Lord is giving us the gifts that we will use in our future assignments. We need to hone it and learn it well so we can be used mightily when the Lord sends us out.

In the Church, we have to be aware that we should be preparing to be the Bride of Christ. In Ephesians 5:27 it says, “that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.” The Lord will also judge the churches just like what is written in Revelation.

Her Decision As I’ve said in the introduction, I am really surprised and amazed with Rebekah’s decision to go with Eleazar, probably because I am a person who needs a lot of days to plan, to weigh things, to know the pros and cons before deciding. Her response really shocked me, two years ago.

But as I learn the ways of God, I realized that God loves surprises. We must always be READY in all circumstance; we must be ready to yield to His will and His ways. Rebekah’s decision to go with Eleazar proved her readiness. She knew and understood the will of God that is why she was able to make a decision in the preciseness of God’s timing. She could have listened to her family to stay a little longer. But she replied, with such confidence that SHE WILL GO. No more second thoughts, she was READY.

I hope and pray that we will all be prepared, having the right discernment to make important decisions, especially when the Lord surprises us on ordinary days. May the Lord give us the grace to say that we will go, without any second thoughts. May all our choices and decisions be pointed to the Lord.

“Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision! For the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision.” Joel 3:14

Her Blessings Rebekah was ready to draw water for the camels; little did she know that the camels were carrying the gifts for her and her family. Our trials and testing would sometimes be the camels that will carry the blessings for us and our families. Instead of complaining and grumbling, we must yield and faithfully and joyfully go through the season, because a blessing would always await the faithful servants. Her decision also brought praise to her family.

She also received the blessing of her family because they knew that she was ready to take on the call of the Lord for her life. Our families will give their blessing when they see that we have prepared ourselves and are ready to take on the call of God. May we establish a good testimony to our families that they too may receive the blessing from the Lord.

Lastly, Rebekah was accepted by Isaac. Let us remember that our life is all about Jesus. All we do is for him. We must prepare ourselves and decide to follow Him. So that the Lord may find pleasure and accept us as His bride when He returns.

“Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.” Revelation 21:2

I’m on my way home and I thought I would pass by the net shop to blog about what happened today.I’ve been attempting to blog for weeks, but it seems the thoughts just don’t link together. But today, I have something praise worthy to write, and just as this day was recorded in heaven. I would also like to have a blog abut that. Just in case , I can bring my blogs to heaven.

This morning I received a text informing me that the cell church in Modesta will push through, rain or shine. And our cellgroup coordinator assigned me  read lesson two of our equipping material (of which I left with ate Avic some couple of weeks ago, hehe).

This cell church was birthed  after the Ondoy tragedy. Ate Kelay, one of the faithful volunteer nurse in our medical mission team, texted the church asking for help after the typhoon because their place was badly hit by the flood. We went there and distributed relief goods for the families and gave medical assistance.

A few weeks after that, we went back and invited the families for a cell gathering every Saturday afternoon. They agreed and were actually enthusiastic about it.

I was not able to attend the first meeting last week. But last Sunday, Ma’am Gerdz surprised me with a new assignment. She told me that I will be assigned to handle one of the cell group in Modesta.I really didn’t know what to answer. But I know I have to say YES. I have no reason to say NO. hehe. Saturday was my only available day for ministry.

So today, I finally met the group! Ma’am Gerdz, assigned me to the 6 new comers. I was actually surprised because Ma’am told me to prepare lesson 2, “assurance of salvation”, but since they are new comers, we have to explain again lesson 1. We divided the group and I shared about the salvation of Jesus Christ.

(I can clearly hear the Holy Spirit saying: “Didn’t I tell you to PREACH THE WORD, to be ready in season and out of season!”)

And I can only smile and nod and agree to the Holy Spirit.:)

I used the four spiritual laws to share the gospel. And it’s always a joy to share about it. It’s like sharing how you met your one true love. This Jesus who loves me and who would like to love them too!

The group was very receptive. Their hearts were tilled and prepared, probably by the recent events that happened. They’re ages ranged from 16 years old to 82 years old!

(Thank you Lord that lolo andong heard the gospel today!)

It was really funny when I asked them, “do you want to have Jesus as your Lord and Saviour?” And Lolo Andong’s response was: “Natural Mente!”

Oh..he was so excited!

There were some questions before we had the sinner’s prayer. They cleared some of the beliefs that they knew from the past religion. Good thing Ptr Dick was there to answer. (I wish I can always carry my Pastor everytime we evangelize )

They all accepted the Lord! Six new names in the book of life! Six grand celebration in heaven! (Come on celebrate with us! Wohoo!)

On my way home, while looking out the jeepney’s window, I was thanking the Lord for what He did today. And I asked Him for the grace to continue bringing souls to Him, not to stop, not to be discouraged by what’s happening around…but to press on and continue the work of the Lord…to bring many sons and daughters unto glory.

Lord, one more soul.

Ate Pami visited ZMI

I just came from bible school and I have an extra hour before work, so I’ll use it to write down some happy thingsand thoughts.

I have been following a strict schedule since the start of bible school. Every minute counts. It’s not so me. But as Sir Norman said, you have enlisted in the army, learn discipline.

I guess this is God’s way of giving me a chance to redeem the time, of which I didn’t give value when I was younger.

Now I have to count every hour, even minutes from 5 in the morning, till I retire to sleep at 1 am. God has really been very gracious to sustain me in having school and work. I say that it is grace alone, and in Christ alone that I am able to do both with much joy and gladness.

Doctrine class today was great. The Word was beautiful and palatable. I didn’t feel that our teacher was ‘challenging our mind and faith’. Which I usually feel when engaging in such discussions. But this class was very different. Ma’am Linda was able to teach us doctrine in a manner that we will love the Lord more and we would want to be changed in order for that doctrine to be real in our lives. True doctrine affects the way we live.  

Every day, God is becoming bigger and bigger and bigger. He is an Amazing God. And I’m so thankful that He purposed for me to have a seat in that class to know Him more. Grabe, I wish I could find the words that would really express my happy heart right now.

Oh, I am amazed. In awe. How big and wonderful and glorious My God is!

Today is Day 8 in bible school. Looking forward in knowing and memorizing my classmates names. Adjusting to my new schedule. Savoring the season. Loving each moment. Everyday it just keeps getting better.

We are a moment, You are Forever

Lord of the Ages, God before time

We are a vapor, You are Eternal

Love everlasting, Reigning on High!