Genesis 24:27-44 NKJV
27 And he said, “Blessed be the Lord God of my master Abraham, who has not forsaken His mercy and His truth toward my master. As for me, being on the way, the Lord led me to the house of my master’s brethren.” 28 So the young woman ran and told her mother’s household these things.
29 Now Rebekah had a brother whose name was Laban, and Laban ran out to the man by the well. 30 So it came to pass, when he saw the nose ring, and the bracelets on his sister’s wrists, and when he heard the words of his sister Rebekah, saying, “Thus the man spoke to me,” that he went to the man. And there he stood by the camels at the well. 31 And he said, “Come in, O blessed of the Lord! Why do you stand outside? For I have prepared the house, and a place for the camels.”
32 Then the man came to the house. And he unloaded the camels, and provided straw and feed for the camels, and water to wash his feet and the feet of the men who were with him. 33 Food was set before him to eat, but he said, “I will not eat until I have told about my errand.”
And he said, “Speak on.”
34 So he said, “I am Abraham’s servant. 35 The Lord has blessed my master greatly, and he has become great; and He has given him flocks and herds, silver and gold, male and female servants, and camels and donkeys. 36 And Sarah my master’s wife bore a son to my master when she was old; and to him he has given all that he has. 37 Now my master made me swear, saying, ‘You shall not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites, in whose land I dwell; 38 but you shall go to my father’s house and to my family, and take a wife for my son.’ 39 And I said to my master, ‘Perhaps the woman will not follow me.’ 40 But he said to me, ‘The Lord, before whom I walk, will send His angel with you and prosper your way; and you shall take a wife for my son from my family and from my father’s house. 41 You will be clear from this oath when you arrive among my family; for if they will not give her to you, then you will be released from my oath.’
42 “And this day I came to the well and said, ‘O Lord God of my master Abraham, if You will now prosper the way in which I go, 43 behold, I stand by the well of water; and it shall come to pass that when the virgin comes out to draw water, and I say to her, “Please give me a little water from your pitcher to drink,” 44 and she says to me, “Drink, and I will draw for your camels also,”—let her be the woman whom the Lord has appointed for my master’s son.’
In today’s passage, we witness that the servant’s recounting of his mission is a profound expression of acknowledgment and gratitude of God’s guidance. That the servant begins by praising God for successfully guiding him emphasizes that all our successes, big or small, are gifts from God. In every aspect of our lives, we should maintain an attitude of thanksgiving.
Despite the generous hospitality he received, the servant’s primary focus remained on fulfilling his mission. This highlights the importance of faithfulness and diligence in our roles, whether in our personal or professional lives. Just as the servant demonstrated unwavering commitment, we too are called to serve with integrity and dedication, honoring God through our responsibilities.
The servant’s detailed recounting of his mission serves to honor both Isaac and Rebekah. He openly and respectfully approaches the possibility of their marriage, since marriage is a divine institution, worthy of honor and to be entered into with transparency. In a world where marriage can be undervalued, we are reminded to uphold its sanctity and respect.
Abraham’s wealth and status were viewed by the servant as blessings from God. This should cause us to see our own blessings as gifts from God, acknowledging His providence rather than attributing success solely to personal achievement.
This episode teaches us to view all things through the lens of divine ordaining. Despite the challenges, marriage is a gift from God with profound significance for those who enter into it and their community. We are encouraged to honor these roles and recognize their divine purpose.
Let us pray: Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your guidance and blessings in our lives. Help us to approach our daily tasks with gratitude and faithfulness, and teach us see to our successes as gifts from You and serve with integrity in all that we do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.