Genesis 24

Bible Passage:  Genesis 24

It says in v1 “… the Lord has blessed Abraham in all things” – not in some but all things; and his servant has testified the same in v35. Having read Gen 11 (where Abraham was first mentioned) through to where we are today, let’s ponder, except for the material wealth, in what other way exactly the Lord God has blessed Abraham?

We all want blessing, I mean, really, who doesn’t? By worldly standard, being in possession of material richness or getting in to the world-defined ‘top’ or ‘best’ of everything is a blessing. But is what deemed ‘best’ in the eyes of men also the ‘best’ in the eyes of our Lord? (Is 55:8-9)

Along the journey of faith, some of us may have encountered certain life events when we doubted what was given to us was indeed the ‘best’ from God. We too wondered – shouldn’t God had given me ‘this’ or ‘that’ instead, before we learnt once again that our heavenly Father would never hold back from giving what is ‘the best’ to us. (Rom 8:32)

One of the greatest blessings that we readers have inherited from Abraham is the salvation, which is purchased by the precious blood of Jesus for us. I hope you have gained something from the sharing of Abraham’s life and savour this precious blessing of eternal inheritance given to us.

The blessing comes with certain level of responsibilities expected of us, i.e. to serve God with reverence and fear (Heb 12:28; Heb 9:14). Servitude forms an essential part of every Christian’s life. Our service to God does not exclusively mean certain physical ministry that was entrusted to us, but also our worships to Him.

This chapter champions an interesting character of whom Abraham has entrusted a critical mission with and whose name was not even mentioned once. I have jotted down some ‘Spirits of Servitude’ that we can emulate Abraham’s servant:

Loyal Devotion

The Servant executed the task with full devotion and without any delays. He prioritized the completion of this mission above all things (v. 33, 56). He could have let his priorities be determined by his thirst (after a long trip to Mesopotamia) or his hunger. But he did not lose sight.

Our motivation to serve plays a key part in determining our loyalty to God and His ministry. What do you think compelled Paul and many other apostles to deny their own self (Lk 9:23) and followed in Jesus footsteps (Col 3:23; Gal 1:10)?

Also, how can this spirit of loyal devotion inspire us to remain faithful to God, His Truth and His True Church?

Absolute Obedience

Upon receiving instructions from Abraham, the Servant went on to execute the mission ‘verbatimly’, without exerting his own will or understanding. The exact same message received from his master Abraham was delivered to Laban and Bethuel (v. 34-49).

Do we pursue and execute our own plans instead of letting God drive the bearing? Can we persevere and wait patiently for God’s mercy at the trying times in our life? Saul offered burnt offering in haste (I Sam 13:8-14) and disobeyed the will of God (I Sam 15: 1-11, 13). This has resulted in God forsaking and denying him of kingship (I Sam 13:13-14; 15:23).

I’d like to share with you one of my favourite verses:

“… Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams.” (I Sam 15:22)

Complete Reliance on God’s guidance

Being the oldest servant of Abraham’s house and empowered to rule over all that Abraham had (v2), this old Servant introduced himself as “Abraham’s servant” and constantly identified Abraham and Isaac as his master (v. 34, 48, and 65). He had never forgotten his identity.

We further see his complete reliance on God’s guidance and deliverance throughout the whole mission – prior to executing the mission (v.12), during the process (v.26-27) and after when Laban and Bethuel agreed to hand over Rebekah (v.52).

We are truly blessed to be granted such a noble identity to serve (I Pet 2:9-10). In our service to God, let’s forego the ‘me’ notion and focus on ‘Him’. He is the potter and we are the clay. Lean not on our wisdom and understanding but submit completely to God (Prov 3:5).

Obedience brings forth humility. Our Lord Jesus has exemplified the servitude that He desires of us (Phil 2:5-8). Let’s strive to become a good and faithful servant of our Master, and you can well imagine Him patting your back and telling you ‘Well done!” (Matt 25:21)