The best

 

Genesis 24:1-10

Abraham was 140 years old in Genesis 24 when he set out to find a wife for his son, Isaac. We know this was more than important for Abraham for several reasons. First, he sent someone else, but not just anyone. Although nameless in Genesis 24, tradition says the servant was Eliezer. We learn his name in Genesis 15 after Abraham first assumes he will be his heir. Whoever it was, though, the servant "had charge of all that he had." He was Abraham's major leaguer. There's also the specificity of the assignment. The servant was to return to Abraham's home to find someone from his "kindred." It would have been easier to find someone from among the Canaanites where Abraham now resided. Easier isn't always best. And Isaac was not to go there himself. These details call back to God's promises to Abraham. So far, God hadn't backpedaled on the patriarch. Now, Abraham was ready to see more signs of his promised descendants. Finally, Abraham doesn't merely send his servant on an errand run. He makes him "swear by the Lord" to fulfill this task. You've heard of a pinky swear? Well, an under-the-thigh swear is much more serious. There are plenty of interpretations of what exactly this kind of oath symbolized. Most of them euphemistic. So, why did Abraham take this so seriously? The text reminds us God "had blessed Abraham in all things." I imagine Abraham wanted to ensure he returned the blessing to God. He did so by offering the best of himself and doing the best for his family. This endeavor wasn't going to be easy or even for sure. But it would be the most appropriate response. And hasn't God blessed us? Then learning to offer God the best of ourselves is still our best response. The best of what we plan and what we do. The best of how we worship, how we give and how we serve. How important is it to you to offer God your best? Stay blessed...john