There was set meat before him to eat; but he said, I will not eat until I have made known my business … I am Abraham’s servant. And Jehovah has blessed my master greatly, and he is become great; and He has given him sheep and cattle, and silver and gold, and bondmen and bondwomen, and camels and asses. Genesis 24:33–35 JND
We have three important lessons in the above verses:
First: The good and faithful servant knows the importance and urgency of his mission. It is more important to him than even the essentials of life such as food and drink. Abraham’s servant would not eat until he had presented his case. In John 4:32–34 we read of the time the disciples brought food to the Lord Jesus to eat, but He said, “I have food to eat which ye do not know … My food is that I should do the will of Him that has sent Me, and that I should finish His work.”
Second: The only credential he presents is in the words, “I am Abraham’s servant.” He could have added, “I am the eldest of his house, who rules over all that he has” (see Gen. 24:2). But then he would be drawing attention to his own greatness. What a lesson this is for all who want to serve the Lord. How sad it is when a speaker is introduced with words that magnify man! What are we but earthen vessels which God’s grace deigns to use, “that the … power may be of God, and not from us” (2 Cor. 4:7).
Third: While he makes no reference or hint to his full title, he speaks freely of the greatness of his master. He refers to many proofs of his master’s greatness. He delights to speak of his master’s wealth. We too go to a needy world offering the unsearchable riches of Christ.
May we never spoil the message by drawing attention to ourselves. The world desperately needs what God is offering. May He find us faithful at all times!