Faith Filled Service

In the story of Abraham and Isaac, God reveals to us His desire to bless those who walk in His ways. This truly wonderful story is a picture for believers to understand how God moves within our normal every day circumstances. For every part of our lives--when devoted and surrendered to Him--will find His kind and thoughtful touch.

Oswald Chambers addresses the necessity to persevere through the drudgery of mundane tasks in life. He claims; "Drudgery is one of the finest tests to determine the genuineness of our character." Will we remain faithful in our work, though it be laborious and tyring, or will we be tempted to rebel or compromise? Oswald continues his message with; "In some cases the way a person does a task makes that work sanctified and holy forever." This is beautifully depicted in Abraham's story, though the character which shines through drudgery is not his.

It has been many years since Abraham and Isaac climbed the sacrificial mountain of Isaac's youth. These men remained faithful to God as the years passed and God remained faithful to His promise: Abraham was blessed "in every way," (Genesis 24:1NIV). Yet, sorrow must come to us all for a season. The death of Sarah, ushers in a time of mourning of a beloved wife and mother. Still, even in grief Abraham holds on to his faith in God. For he purchases a tomb for his family in the promised land of Canaan. In so doing, Abraham testifies to his trust in God to keep His word: that one day the land of Canaan--which God gave to Abraham--would belong to and be occupied by his posterity.

"Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me," (Genesis 22:17-18NIV).

Perhaps Sarah's death prompts Abraham to consider his own sleep to come. Thereby, he sets into motion the search for Isaac's wife. Commissioning his manservant to travel to the land of his father, Abraham gives careful instruction in selecting a bride. Abraham is wise not to mix his blood line with that of the Canaanites, for God had declared them an enemy in His promise, (Genesis 22:17-18NIV).

"I want you to swear by the Lord, the God of heaven and the God of earth, that you will not get a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I am living, but will go to my country and my own relatives and get a wife for my son Isaac," (Genesis 24:3-4NIV).

Thus, the servant quickly set out to do as his master wished. This servant's devotion to Abraham, testifies of God's blessing to provide devoted and faithful help. Likewise, we are granted insight into the spirit of Abraham: he appears to have been good to his workers. For this servant desires the Lord's blessing for his master. The two part company after Abraham assures his trusted "chief servant" with a promise; God "will send his angel before you so you can get a wife for my son from there," (Genesis 24:7NIV).

The ordinary task of this servant to do as his master pleases, is justly noted. For in performing his duties--though perhaps now on a grander scale--this man will see the work of the Lord firsthand. Years of listening to Abraham's prayers, as he dutifully tended his master day after day, no doubt taught this servant how to seek the Lord's favor. For upon reaching his destination safe and sound, the servant seeks the Lord's assistance through a prayer.

"O Lord God of my master Abraham, give me success today, and show kindness to my master Abraham," (Genesis 24:12).

The influence Abraham's spiritual life has had on his servant is remarkable. Not only does the man seek the Lord's favor in his service, he makes a specific request of God. This demonstrates his faith in the God of Abraham to honor his master. Though he claims Him not as his own God, the servant trusts the will of he Lord towards Abraham. Therefore, the servant's request for a specific "sign" is granted by the Almighty, and immediate praise is offered up in return by the grateful man.

The story continues with the "chosen" maiden coming onto the scene. Acting in the manner requested--to be a "sign" to the servant--thus bringing the search to a successful end. The man, so delighted with his answer to prayer, shares every account with the young woman's family. They in response concede to the Lord's will and soon the blissful servant is headed home: a beautiful bride for his master's son at his side.

While it is evident the servant set out, believing in the goodness of his master Abraham, I can't help but wonder--upon his return--if he was not a new believer in the goodness of God. For the experience of answered prayer can be transforming. I imagine the joy of this devoted servant as he presented Rebekah to his master. Can you not hear the praise of Abraham for a job well done? What a beautiful irony, for when the faithful child of God stands before their LORD and master, do we not desire to hear these same words? "Well done, my good and faithful servant."

Faithful service in drudgery will surely be rewarded. Strength to serve through drudging, is available to us all.

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. for everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him wo knocks, the door will be opened. Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to whose who ask him!"

Now that is something to ponder!