The servant took ten of his master’s camels … for all his master’s goods were in his hand … Then he said, “O Lord God of my master Abraham, please give me success this day, and show kindness to my master Abraham.” Genesis 24:10, 12 NKJV
Having received clear instructions from his master in verses 1–9, Abraham’s servant goes on his journey to fulfill his mission. Let us notice three things in verses 10–12:
First: He goes on his mission with the rich provisions of his master. All the wealth of Abraham was present to meet his needs, whether the camels and servants, or the jewels and precious things. Everything needed for the success of his mission was there at his disposal. He did not need to look for help from other sources. The lesson for us is obvious. The unsearchable riches of Christ are all for us and with us. The servant was conscious of the all-sufficiency of his master’s goods. When the Lord Jesus sent His disciples out, He promised to be with them to the end (Mt. 28:19–20). This should be our confidence too.
Second: As soon as he arrived in Mesopotamia, before he spoke to anyone else, he spoke to the Lord, remembering Abraham’s promise of divine help.
Third: His desire for the success of his mission was not motivated by selfish desire. It is an ever-present temptation to want to succeed in the service of the Lord so that we may be praised, or thought of as spiritual; hence the need to watch lest we lose our reward. Christ warned us against the desire for the praise of men because He knew our nature. The prayer of Abraham’s servant was brief but came from his heart and showed what was in that heart: “please give me success this day, and show kindness to my master Abraham.”
Not I, but Christ, in lowly, silent labor;
Not I, but Christ, in humble, earnest toil.