Thursday, December 1st, 2011
Written by: Peter Lund
Readings: Genesis 12:1-7, 15:1-6
One thing that has always fascinated me is any character who is referenced once in the Bible; these were real people, with dynamic personalities and their own life story, yet all that remains of them is a passing reference. They are not accorded the complete life histories like Abraham, David, or any of the other “big hitters” – they simply get one reference, as if that’s all we ever find out about their lives. This Eliezer of Damascus is one such character.
No matter how Eliezer felt about the situation, the story did not play out in a way in which he was involved. Had Abraham not become a father, the biblical story would have ended right there: Some guy named Eliezer inherits Abraham’s assets, lives out his life, and dies. The end. Instead, God has other plans, and ultimately, through Abraham’s son Isaac, the genealogy plays out the results in David, and ultimately, Jesus. I’m sure Eliezer would not have had any idea what was to transpire; all that he saw was a situation in which the inheritance he thought he would be receiving was ultimately redirected. Sometimes, I think, this is how events transpire in our own lives - we don’t get what we want, we don’t get what we feel is “our due,” but ultimately there may be a larger story playing out - one that we cannot even fathom. How do we respond in these situations? Assuming Eliezer is the unnamed servant in Genesis 24, he appears to be more devoted to Abraham than ever, and helps him find a wife for Isaac. He didn’t get what he wanted, but he rolled with the punches, and served his “master” as faithfully as he always had before; if we are able to do the same in our own lives, and be devoted to our TRUE master no matter what events transpire, I believe the bigger story, in which we are all important players, becomes more clear to us all.
PRAYER: Lord, help me to see beyond my own selfish desires, and help me to keep the big picture in focus, knowing that you have a plan; help me to trust fully in You. Amen.
No matter how Eliezer felt about the situation, the story did not play out in a way in which he was involved. Had Abraham not become a father, the biblical story would have ended right there: Some guy named Eliezer inherits Abraham’s assets, lives out his life, and dies. The end. Instead, God has other plans, and ultimately, through Abraham’s son Isaac, the genealogy plays out the results in David, and ultimately, Jesus. I’m sure Eliezer would not have had any idea what was to transpire; all that he saw was a situation in which the inheritance he thought he would be receiving was ultimately redirected. Sometimes, I think, this is how events transpire in our own lives - we don’t get what we want, we don’t get what we feel is “our due,” but ultimately there may be a larger story playing out - one that we cannot even fathom. How do we respond in these situations? Assuming Eliezer is the unnamed servant in Genesis 24, he appears to be more devoted to Abraham than ever, and helps him find a wife for Isaac. He didn’t get what he wanted, but he rolled with the punches, and served his “master” as faithfully as he always had before; if we are able to do the same in our own lives, and be devoted to our TRUE master no matter what events transpire, I believe the bigger story, in which we are all important players, becomes more clear to us all.
PRAYER: Lord, help me to see beyond my own selfish desires, and help me to keep the big picture in focus, knowing that you have a plan; help me to trust fully in You. Amen.
Family Moments:
Thursday: Week 1, Abraham The Promise, Field of Stars
God tells Abraham he is blessed to be a blessing to others (Gen 12:2). With what has God blessed you that God can use to bless others? Is it a beautiful singing voice, or other artistic talent? Is it plenty of food or toys? Identify a blessing for each family member that could be used to bless someone else. Color the ornament and add it to your Jesse Tree.
Thursday: Week 1, Abraham The Promise, Field of Stars
God tells Abraham he is blessed to be a blessing to others (Gen 12:2). With what has God blessed you that God can use to bless others? Is it a beautiful singing voice, or other artistic talent? Is it plenty of food or toys? Identify a blessing for each family member that could be used to bless someone else. Color the ornament and add it to your Jesse Tree.
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