Genesis 24:27

The task seemed difficult enough, if not almost impossible, at least to the mind of Eliezer, Abraham’s trusted servant. He was charged with finding a wife for Isaac, Abraham’s son and heir, apparently not from the Canaanites, among whom he dwelt with at this time but from his homeland. It was really a tall order, to find this young man a wife and to get her to consent to come back with him to be wife to a stranger, she had never met.

It was indeed an extremely challenging mission. On one hand he certainly did not want to disappoint the desperate wishes of his aging, gracious master and on the other hand he had to find exactly the right companion for Isaac who was presently grieving from the death of his mother Sarah.

I find the passage highly instructive in showing us how to deal with very difficult circumstances. Instead of flinching and shying away from the monumental task placed upon his shoulders; after accepting the task admirably Eliezer rises to the occasion. With great humility he consents and fearfully promises to carefully follow every instruction mandated by Abraham. Church, it is so very important for us, especially in these last days, to follow every instruction and mandate given to us by our Savior. We simply cannot afford to fail!

The blessing comes as we faithfully follow the direction and orders given to us by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. As we follow, not only will He lead and guide us, but He will bless us. He will make our way more than productive and successful. He lovingly said to Joshua – “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shall meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous and then thou shalt have good success” (Joshua 1:8). Let us forever stop trying to find shortcuts and alternatives. To disobey His instructions and commandments is only to short circuit ourselves and circumvent the favorable outcome which comes from wholly following the Lord.

Not only did Eliezer follow Abraham’s decrees to the letter, but it is fascinating how as he journeyed back to Mesopotamia, the first thing Eliezer did – was to pray. The first item on his agenda was to petition the God of Abraham. “And he said O Lord God of my master Abraham, I pray thee, send me good speed this day, and show kindness unto my master Abraham (v12). May God help us not to forget the first thing. I unhesitatingly propose and recommend that the first thing we should do when confronted with seemingly impossible and difficult tasks and assignments is to pray. As faithful followers of the divine master, it is indisputable for us that no endeavor embarked upon can ever fully succeed without first prayerfully consulting the Rewarder of them that diligently seek Him. Pray church, pray! This is the best thing we can ever do! Let us never stop!

What is also most striking here in the passage is Eliezer’s response to the surprisingly quick answer to his prayer. The passage reads “And the man bowed his head and worshipped the Lord” (v26). I must contend we need more bowed heads among us in reverential worship to the Almighty. Can He perpetually do so many miracles for us without genuine worship exuding from our hearts and heads? Like Eliezer we too must declare, “I, being in the way, the Lord led me” (v27). It is absolutely amazing how God leads us as we set out to do exactly as He commands. When we don’t even know what to do, He will lead and guide as we genuinely seek His face. “Being in the way, He led me!