THE SUCCESSFUL SERVANT

 

The story of Abraham’s servant in Genesis 24 illustrates successful service for the Lord. Eliezer was sent to seek a spouse for the son, Isaac. Similarly, as servants of God, we are sent to seek those who will become the Bride of the Son, Jesus Christ. 

We begin with THE PLEDGE OF A WORKER, (v. 1-9). God—in His supremacy—did not need us, yet in His sovereignty has chosen us. He calls laborers to work in His field. He calls men to commitment. He is still calling today; but are we listening? I remember when I surrendered to Jesus to preach the Gospel in 1976. My pledge was that with the help of God: “Lord Jesus, anything, anytime, anywhere—I am ready.”

Then, we hear THE PRAYER OF THE WORKER, (v. 10-14).  The availability came from the servant, but the ability came from the Lord. This man understood the need for God’s intervention, if his work was to be successful. So he prayed. We will never see fruitfulness in our labors apart from faithfulness in our prayers. 

Further, We see THE PREPARATION OF THE WIFE, (v. 15-28).  God was already at work—even before the servant concluded his prayer!  Our intercession does not change the will of God, but includes us in the accomplishing of it. The woman was a beautiful virgin with the humble heart of a servant. This is the Bride that God the Father has prepared for His Son. Paul wrote: “that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, 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,” (Eph. 5‬:‭26‬-‭27‬‬). 

There is THE PROVISION FOR THE WORKER, (v. 29-33a). Provisions were prepared for the servant. When we take the step of faith to pursue God’s will, He has promised He will supply our needs. I have never lacked anything that I truly needed during a half century of Gospel ministry. The Lord told His disciples, “Provide neither gold nor silver nor copper in your money belts, nor bag for your journey, nor two tunics, nor sandals, nor staffs; for a worker is worthy of his food,” (Matt.10‬:‭9‬-‭10‬‬). Where the finger of God points, the hand of God provides!

Also, note THE PROCLAMATION OF THE WITNESS, (v. 33b-49). Abraham’s servant had something to say—and it was urgent—so much so that he would not even eat until he shared it. He relates the story of his search for a bride for his master’s son, and how the Lord had providentially led him there. He delivers the word and calls for decision. Our task is to proclaim the Word; those who hear are accountable for their response to it. 

Next, observe THE PROSPERITY IN THE WORK, (v. 50-60). God blesses these words and the servant prospers in his work. He sought a bride and a bride was found!  God might have sent a heavenly angel to visit Rebekah with a vision, but instead selected a human messenger to make the appeal. This is how God typically prepares a Bride for His Son. The Father seeks a man and sends a man, supplying the man with the means for mission. When it seems the Word is falling on deaf ears, be encouraged and rejoice in the promise of God, “So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.” (Isa. 55‬:‭11‬‬). 

We conclude with THE PRESENTATION OF THE WIFE, (v. 61-67).  What a sight the son beheld when his bride was presented to him by the servant!  She is chaste and pure—“prepared as a bride adorned for her husband,” (Rev. 21:2).   What a glorious day that will be—and to know that God used humble servants like us to bring the bride home!

“‘Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.’ And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints. Then he said to me, ‘Write: “Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!” ‘ And he said to me, ‘These are the true sayings of God.’” (Rev. ‭19‬:‭7‬-‭9‬‬).