This petition was included in the prayers of the servant of Abraham silently uttered as he searched for the maiden who would become the wife of Isaac, beloved son of Abraham. I would like to have had serious conversation with the servant, perhaps the slave, of Abraham. He did not permit his status in society to reduce him as a child of God. He was a man of ability, integrity, loyalty, competence, focus, prudence, dignity, humility and faith. Of the several hundred persons reported at some length in the Bible, persons from whom we can learn through their positive examples, this person ranks among admirable and truly spiritually oriented persons. His name is unknown, as we may not know the names of servants. Recognition, a common human yearning, seems to have been muted. Those most honored in heaven’s inauguration of the redeemed of God will have been the best servants, as God interprets the meaning of servant status.
This servant seems to have been unconcerned about his professional status, his human rights, or personal interests. He was entirely dedicated to complete the mission he made in commitment to Abraham. His prayers make clear that he took his obligation as something that was of interest to God, and he was in a partnership to complete the purpose. He appears to have been a sophisticated gentleman, highly competent in language, diplomacy, bearing and energy. He appears not to have considered running away from a servile situation, or sabotaging his master – which title he afforded to Abraham in open statement. Abraham gave gracious directives.
The servant prepared well for the journey, to be certain of the place where he would find the related family. His journey would involve difficulty. Abraham acknowledged possible variances for the end of things. He would not hold the servant in contempt if he was unsuccessful, and the servant would be free of his oath. The servant moved carefully, but tenaciously. He is one of the most significant illustrations in the Bible of a person engaged in private, silent prayer. He did not ask for self, but success for the high purpose of his mission. He did believe in his own prowess for success, but also that God would honor what he did that was good for all. He was partner with God and with mankind. He provides a humble model of integrity in life limitations.
The story is enhanced by the attitudes of Rebecca and Laban. Laban was the patriarchal head of the house where the servant presented his purpose. Dedication to propriety and cooperation by all the members of the cast became the story. Even when the arrangement was agreed upon between the servant and Laban, Rebecca was called to make final decision. She would not be forced, but was free to stay or go. All persons identified were motivated to honor God. The story is one of mutual respect, love and God’s perceived participation in the current culture, with ultimate honor to both man and God. This is success – for this context. It belongs to any person who learns what servanthood means, incorporating both spiritual and human rights. In this instance, the events were triggered through humility, mutual planning for the future, and prayer – clear, silent, personal prayer. One wonders if we miss some ideal in this life because we miss the prayer without ceasing process of servanthood. Prayer as a constant is important to our context of life as it was to that faithful servant of four thousand years ago. It is important to decision making in that it gives pause for the praying person to think about what needs to be done, what assistance may be afforded in asking God for grace, and what comfort results in that one is doing what ought to be done, even if human success does not appear in the outcome. We leave success to God. *Mark W. Lee, Sr. — 2016, 2020