Daily Devotions
Genesis
"The righteous shall be glad in the Lord, and trust in Him. And all the upright in heart shall glory." Psalm 64:10
Text: Genesis 24 : 1 - 67
ABRAHAM’S FAITH
Eliezer testified of Abraham’s faith in the Lord. The faith of his master was well contrasted with his own personal doubts. Eliezer was not ashamed to speak plainly of his doubts concerning the success of his mission.
1. A clear statement of faith on Abraham’s part
“But you shall go to my father’s house and to my family,
and take a wife for my son. ”GENESIS 24:38
2. An expression of doubt on Eliezer’s part
“And I said to my master, ‘Perhaps the woman
will not follow me.'”GENESIS 24:39
3. A further statement of faith by Abraham
“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.'”GENESIS 24:40
Eliezer recalled this conversation with his master, Abraham, before he undertook the long journey to Mesopotamia! What confidence, what faith Abraham had! God would send His angel to prosper this venture! Isaac will have a wife from Abraham’s family line! Those words of faith must have been quite difficult for Eliezer to accept. Nevertheless, Abraham’s word was to be obeyed!
RELEASE FROM OATH
Abraham knew that Eliezer struggled with his doubts. Graciously he added another statement. Eliezer would be released from his oath, if the proposal for marriage is rejected!
“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.”GENESIS 24:41
There wasn’t the slightest hint of a doubt when Abraham said these words to Eliezer. Why then did he make this statement at all?
Faith in God cannot be forced! Abraham knew that only too well! It took him a long time before he came to his high level of faith! He could not make Eliezer to believe! He knew with all his heart that God would provide guidance and success!
Eliezer would discover just how the Lord would indeed provide as he journeyed! His faith would deepen along the way as well!