Daily Devotions
Genesis
"Because You have been my help, Therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice." Psalm 63:7
Text: Genesis 24 : 1 - 67
AFTER A LONG JOURNEY
The trip from Canaan to Mesopotamia was about 720 km. Making the journey riding on camels did not make it a whole lot easier, unless one is experienced in riding on camels! It is said that riding on a camel is a whole lot more difficult than riding on a horse! What a welcome relief to come to the end of a journey.
“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. 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.'”GENESIS 24:32-33
1. Care for the Camels
The camels already had their fill of water at the well. Rebekah had drawn a copious amount of water for the thirsty animals to drink!
2. Care for Eliezer and his fellow-servants
First, water was made available to Eliezer and his men to wash their feet! The feet would need to be thoroughly cleansed before they entered someone’s home! That was basic courtesy!
Secondly, food was set before Eliezer (and arguably for his men)! What a welcome proposition that was!
3. Care for Mission above personal needs!
Once again, Eliezer stands out! He had not spoken about his “errand” yet! How could he think of resting and enjoying himself till he had spoken about his errand! Laban must have been deeply impacted by the tremendous sense of devotion, loyalty and faithfulness Eliezer exhibited! He was a rare man indeed. He was an even rarer servant!
TESTIFYING OF THE LORD’S HAND OF BLESSING
Given permission to speak, Eliezer seized the opportunity to speak about both the Lord and his master, Abraham. He spared no details as he began to speak about the errand he had been sent to do.
“I am Abraham’s servant. 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. 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.”GENESIS 24:34-36
So Eliezer began his speech! The Lord was first acknowledged! Yes, Abraham had become great – but only because God had blessed him so mightily!