ELIEZER, WAS THAT YOU?

Eliezer of Damascus is introduced in Genesis 15 as Abram’s oldest slave. More than fifty years later in Genesis 24, he is assumed to be the same man referred to as “the oldest servant of his house, who ruled over all he had.” This senior servant played a crucial role in obtaining a bride for Abraham’s son, Isaac, yet interestingly, he is never specifically named throughout the entire chapter. What is evident, though, from beginning to end, is his faithfulness to fulfill Abraham’s request, a concern for every detail, and a sincere, selfless heart that only represented his master’s interests. Even his prayer for success is not in view of himself, but sandwiched between thought and concern for “my master Abraham”: "Then he said, 'O Lord God of my master Abraham, please give me success this day, and show kindness to my master Abraham'" (Gen 24:12).

We can, also, presume as the story unfolds (pause & read Genesis 24), this servant had his own rapport with the one he addressed as "the Lord God of my master Abraham." The depth of his relationship no doubt became all the greater and more personal as a result of this whole venture. What a weighty responsibility he had in finding this bride. Abraham’s final peace-of-mind was at stake, not to mention Isaac’s future happiness, and the making of history for generations to come. All this was to be accomplished by an unnamed servant with nothing to gain. But, he was a trusted go-between.

A go-between: One who is not part of the equation, yet critical for its successful undertaking.

Herein lies wonderful relevance for us, as we, too, mature to be sent on many-a mission for our Master. As servants, are we intent on the Lord's purpose so that only He is known and glorified? (Or is our name, our cause what stands out?) Though much greater revelation can be drawn from this beautiful story – a depiction of the Trinity with Abraham as the Father, who desiring a chaste, willing Bride for His Son, sent forth the Holy Spirit to accomplish the task - let's linger on the thought of this nameless servant whose anonymity can't quite be pinned down. However, he is one who easily prayed and was quick to bow in worship to the Lord God, recognizing he was divinely led into the very heart of His will, vv. 26, 27. One who would not even eat before he spoke of his errand, v. 33. "My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work" (John 4:34). When he presented himself, would only name his master, v. 34. "For I have not spoken on my own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak" (John 12:49).

In the New Testament, Jesus indeed is the ultimate picture of One sent of the Father who against all odds finished His work, and has now sent us into the world with the Helper, the Spirit of truth to lead, guide, and give us what to speak. John 16 and 17 are chapters rich with these certainties, yet with the underlying message that our sending would not be without tribulation. Can we be covertly sent on "impossible missions"? Even be disavowed by those closest to us?

The Apostle Paul reflects on being workers together with Him in 2 Cor. 6:4-10: "But in all things we commend ourselves as ministers of God: in much patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses, in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in sleeplessness, in fastings; by purity, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by sincere love, by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, by honor and dishonor, by evil report and good report; as deceivers, and yet true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold we live; as chastened, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things."

As sent servants of God, we must be willing to be "unknown, yet well known" with all that entails - and when the stories are told - will they ask of us, as we would in Genesis 24…"Eliezer, was that you?!"

By An Unknown Servant