Sent with a Purpose

Sent with a Purpose

Genesis 24: ³⁴ So he said, “I am Abraham’s servant. ³⁵ The Lord has blessed my master greatly, and he has become great; and He has given him flocks and herds, silver and gold, male and female servants, and camels and donkeys. ³⁶ And Sarah my master’s wife bore a son to my master when she was old; and to him he has given all that he has. ³⁷ Now my master made me swear, saying, ‘You shall not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites, in whose land I dwell; ³⁸ but you shall go to my father’s house and to my family, and take a wife for my son.’ ³⁹ And I said to my master, ‘Perhaps the woman will not follow me.’ ⁴⁰ But he said to me, ‘The Lord, before whom I walk, will send His angel with you and prosper your way; and you shall take a wife for my son from my family and from my father’s house. ⁴¹ You will be clear from this oath when you arrive among my family; for if they will not give her to you, then you will be released from my oath.’

 

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Abraham’s servant explained why he was there. He explained Abraham’s wealth and relationship to the family. He then told everyone that he was sent with a purpose whether Rebekah came with him or not.

 

My Observations:

• Abraham’s servant provided the context of why he was there.
• Only the HOLY SPIRIT could orchestrate the story Abraham’s servant told.
• Abraham’s servant made it clear that he had nothing to gain, rather he was sent with a purpose.

 

Showing up as a stranger and asking for Rebekah to just up and leave was a far-fetched request. Abraham’s servant knew this would be a difficult ask, but he wanted the best for Abraham. He explained everything without embellishing. The facts were strange so if Rebekah agreed to go, it was meant to be.

 

Abraham’s servant even explained his conversation with Abraham. He said to Abraham “Perhaps the woman will not follow me.” Abraham then explained how the HOLY SPIRIT “before who I walk” would be with him and prosper his way. GOD still does this. The HOLY SPIRIT clears the way for you and me to prosper in HIS purpose.

 

Challenge

• Why did GOD include Abraham’s servant’s synopsis of the situation?
• What is the purpose GOD has given to you?
• Are you ready for purpose that will be prospered by the HOLY SPIRIT?

Doing Over Being

Luke 10: ³⁸ Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. ³⁹ And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. ⁴⁰ But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.”

⁴¹ And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. ⁴² But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”

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Upon arrival I immediately went to work. I balanced the books, input all receipts by giver and drew up plans for a new parking lot. When I went home I wondered what the sermon was about. I had missed it because I was too busy to listen.

• There have been many times when I was extremely busy “doing” church.
• There have been many times when I thought “the more I serve the closer to GOD I will be.”
• Three have been many times when I believed that other people were lazy, selfish, ungiving people who needed to get off their butts and simply serve.

Martha wanted her house a certain way, and she was probably extra careful when a special guest was around. JESUS was that special guest and she had to have everything right. BUT HE said something strange to her. Mary, who was sitting at HIS feet worshiping, had chosen the right thing to do.

• JESUS wants me to stay away from burn out types of service.
• JESUS wants me to simply worship HIM so I can serve cheerfully.
• JESUS wants me to slow down so I can hear HIM and when HE fills me up, then I can go back to serving.

There is nothing worse than grumpy service. When I serve people, it is not just the act that counts, it is the heart. GOD wants me to serve with my heart rather than just with action. But sometimes my heart is filled with the wrong things which can taint my service and I get no reward from HIM for my grumpy service.

GOD wants me to ask for a clean heart first so I can serve others the way HE wants mt to. HE wants me to put HIM first, then HE will guide me to serve those who I feel do not deserve being served.

• Are you serving people in a burned out state?
• Do you judge others in what they are “not” doing?
• Can you ask GOD for a heart filled with grace so you can truly desire the best for even your enemies?
• Will you put “grace” over service today?