What can we learn about obedience from the servant's urgency in Genesis 24:56? Setting the Scene • Abraham’s trusted servant has fulfilled his mission: God led him straight to Rebekah as a wife for Isaac. • Rebekah’s family wants a ten-day farewell (v. 55), but the servant resists any postponement. The Text: Genesis 24:56 “But he said to them, ‘Do not delay me, since the LORD has granted success to my journey. Send me on my way so that I may go to my master.’” Observations About the Servant’s Urgency • He links his request to God’s clear blessing—“the LORD has granted success.” • He sees delay as a threat to completing the assignment. • His words “send me on my way” reveal a heart set on finishing, not merely starting, obedience. Lessons on Obedience • Promptness protects obedience – Delay can invite distraction, doubt, or compromise (cf. Exodus 8:10-12 where Pharaoh promises “tomorrow”). • Certainty about God’s will fuels urgency – When God’s direction is unmistakable, hesitation undermines trust (James 4:17). • Obedience is servant-hearted, not self-centered – He calls Abraham “my master,” keeping the mission’s focus on another’s interests (Philippians 2:4-5). • Completion matters as much as initiation – “Send me on my way” underscores finishing the task God assigns (2 Timothy 4:7). Other Scriptural Echoes of Immediate Obedience • Psalm 119:60 – “I hurried and did not delay to keep Your commandments.” • Mark 1:18 – “Immediately they left their nets and followed Him.” • Luke 19:6 – “So Zacchaeus hurried and came down and welcomed Him joyfully.” • Acts 9:20 – “At once he began to proclaim Jesus…” Putting It Into Practice Today • Act on the light you already have—don’t wait for conditions to feel perfect. • Guard against the subtle temptation of “good” delays: comfort, courtesy, extra planning. • Measure success by faithfulness to God’s assignment, not the applause of others. • Keep your eyes on the One who sent you—obedience is ultimately service to the Master, not task management. |
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