A few weeks ago, we started our study of Gen. 24:1-9. This was part I of a two-part study titled Lessons in Servanthood. We looked at Abraham’s servant who is thought to be Eliezer of Damascus and drew 7 lessons about what it means to be a good servant of the Lord. The Holy Spirit dedicated 67 verses to this servant and his mission. Clearly, He wants us to learn something from him. Here is a brief review of those lessons:
- Identify as a servant.
This man recognized his identity as a servant of Abraham. He was not ashamed of it. Vs. 2, 34
- Steadfastness & Maturity
Vs. 2 refers to him as “the oldest of his household”. We said that being the “oldest” could indicate that he had been with Abraham for a long time. This implies his steadfastness in the service of his master. It could also imply he was advanced in age. This would speak of his maturity and wisdom as a servant
- Trustworthiness
Vs. 2 states that he “had charge of all that he had”. This servant had earned the trust of Abraham to the point that he gave him charge over all his household. Even more, he is now trusting him to be able to choose a wife for his son Isaac.
- Faith and Theology
This servant shared the faith of Abraham in “the Lord, the God of heaven and God of the earth” vs. 2. He also trusted that God indeed would send his angel before him and will help him find the woman he was looking for.
- An oath of no compromise
He committed to Abraham’s oath that he would not take a wife for Isaac from the daughters of the Canaanites.
- A desire to do his master’s will
He kept asking Abraham questions about the mission (vs. 5) to be sure that he did exactly what Abraham wanted.
- Wisdom
He did not rush into taking the oath until he understood all that it entailed vs. 3-9. This showed his wisdom and prudence. He was counting the cost.
This Sunday, Lord willing, we will continue reading this chapter. We will travel with this servant to Mesopotamia. We will meet in person one of Jesus’ great, great grandmothers, Rebekah. We will continue to search for lessons about what a good and faithful servant looks like. In preparation, please read the entire chapter. Try to draw lessons about servanthood from it.