Servanthood
By Dr. Roger Vogel

For this edition of "Pastor’s Corner", I would like to summarize a message my good friend and missionary to Italy, Frank DiBagno, preached recently at our Summer Camp. His text was Genesis 24, the account of Abraham’s servant seeking a bride for Isaac. I am aware that many see this chapter as a picture of the Holy Spirit gathering together the bride of Christ. For now, I just want us to let the qualities of this servant challenge us to be the servants for the Lord that we should be.

1. The Servant Was Saved:

This is evidenced by the testimony of Abraham - Genesis 15:6 and Genesis 18:19. It is also evidenced by the fruit in his life - Genesis 24:12 - praying; Genesis 24:26 - worshipping; Genesis 24:27 - the Lord led him; Genesis 24:48 - he testifies of the Lord to others.

2. The Servant Was Subordinate:

No place in the chapter is his name even mentioned, nor does he ever seek the spotlight.

3. The Servant Was Faithful:

Genesis 24:2 - He was Abraham’s oldest servant. He had proven himself faithful. He had seen many things. Not all were pretty. Yet, he had remained faithful. Genesis 24:9 - He promises to remain faithful.

4. The Servant Was Trustworthy:

Genesis 24:2 - Abraham was a man of great wealth. This man was in charge of it all. He had proven his trustworthiness with the things of another. This servant fulfills what Christ says about a servant in Luke 16:11-13.

5. The Servant Had the Mind of His Master:

Genesis 24:5, 8 - The servant made sure he knew exactly what his master wanted done.

6. The Servant Prepared for His Job:

Genesis 24:10 - He figured out just what he would need to take along and make proper use of his master’s resources.

7. The Servant Went Willingly For Someone Else:

Genesis 24:10 - This was a long, difficult journey, over 600 miles each way! A true servant does not live for self – II Corinthians 5:15.

8. The Servant Finished the Job Before He Would Even Eat:

Genesis 24:33 - This reminds us of Jesus' words in John 4:34 "Jesus said to them, "My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work."

9. The Servant Was Honest:

Genesis 24:53 - He had taken some of his master's goods as gifts. He does not keep anything for himself.

10. The Servant Disappears:

Genesis 24:66-67 - When his job was done, he fades in the background once again. Remember the words of John the Baptist - John 3:20 "He must increase, but I must decrease." May we be this kind of servant.