Topical Encyclopedia
In the biblical context, the role of servants is multifaceted, encompassing various duties and responsibilities. When servants are faithful and diligent, they not only fulfill their obligations but also become conduits of divine blessing upon their masters. This principle is woven throughout Scripture, illustrating the profound impact of a servant's integrity and dedication.
Biblical Examples and Principles1.
Joseph in Potiphar's House: One of the most prominent examples of a servant bringing blessing to his master is Joseph. Sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph found himself in the house of Potiphar, an Egyptian officer. Despite his circumstances, Joseph served with excellence and integrity.
Genesis 39:5 states, "From the time that he put him in charge of his household and all that he owned, the LORD blessed the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph. The blessing of the LORD was on everything Potiphar had, both in his house and in the field." Joseph's faithfulness resulted in God's favor, which extended to Potiphar's entire household.
2.
Eliezer, Abraham's Servant: Eliezer, the chief servant of Abraham, exemplifies loyalty and faithfulness. Entrusted with the critical task of finding a wife for Isaac, Eliezer demonstrated obedience and reliance on God. His successful mission, as recounted in
Genesis 24, underscores the blessings that come from a servant's dedication to his master's will. Eliezer's prayerful approach and commitment to Abraham's instructions brought about a prosperous outcome, securing Rebekah as Isaac's wife.
3.
The Principle of Faithful Stewardship: The New Testament reinforces the idea that faithful service leads to blessing. In the Parable of the Talents (
Matthew 25:14-30), Jesus illustrates the rewards of diligent stewardship. The servants who wisely managed their master's resources were commended and entrusted with greater responsibilities. This parable highlights the broader spiritual truth that faithful service, whether in a household or in the kingdom of God, results in divine favor and increased opportunities.
4.
The Role of Humility and Obedience: Servants who embody humility and obedience align themselves with God's purposes, thereby attracting His blessings.
Ephesians 6:5-8 instructs, "Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear and sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. Serve with good will, as to the Lord and not to men, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free." This passage emphasizes that service rendered with a sincere heart, as unto the Lord, is recognized and rewarded by God.
5.
The Example of Daniel: Daniel, though a captive in Babylon, served with distinction in the royal court. His unwavering commitment to God and his exceptional service brought favor not only upon himself but also upon the kings he served.
Daniel 6:3 notes, "Now Daniel so distinguished himself among the administrators and satraps by his exceptional qualities that the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom." Daniel's integrity and wisdom were instrumental in bringing God's blessing to the realm.
ConclusionThe biblical narrative consistently affirms that good servants, through their faithfulness, integrity, and obedience, become vessels of God's blessing upon their masters. Whether in ancient times or in contemporary settings, the principles of diligent service and humble stewardship continue to hold transformative power, reflecting the divine order and purpose established by God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Genesis 30:27,30And Laban said to him, I pray you, if I have found favor in your eyes, tarry: for I have learned by experience that the LORD has blessed me for your sake.
Torrey's Topical TextbookGenesis 39:3
And his master saw that the LORD was with him, and that the LORD made all that he did to prosper in his hand.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
Thou Shalt Honor Thy Father and Thy Mother.
... so that, by the punishment of God, they bring it about ... suffer ten times more from
wife, children, or servants. ... because God continues to grant us so much good! ...
/.../luther/the large catechism/thou shalt honor thy father.htm
Meditations for Household Piety.
... according to his duty, to bring up his ... David, Cornelius, &c., who had good servants
because they ... such as were careful to make their servants God's servants. ...
/.../bayly/the practice of piety/meditations for household piety.htm
The Fifth Commandment
... he was sick; but be as the good centurion, who ... piously, that they may gain honour
from their servants, and may ... storks, by an instinct of nature, bring meat to ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 5 the fifth commandment.htm
On Mutual Subjection {1} --(First Printed in 1744)
... prince without subjects, nor a master without servants, nor a ... things, to call good
evil and evil good against the ... in the best and easiest manner, bring us back ...
/.../swift/three sermons three prayers/on mutual subjection 1first printed.htm
Man's Chief End
... and good example, labours to bring his servants to Christ ... who hide their talents
in a napkin, that bring God no glory at ... his pay; so, if you do not good in your ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/1 mans chief end.htm
Woes on the Pharisees
... This hypocrisy Christ declared would bring them the greater ... Its results for good
no man can measure. ... united with them in shedding the blood of God's servants. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 67 woes on the.htm
God's Will About the Future
... "Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and ... So, as the servants of the Most High,
we go forth to do this ... May the Lord bring us all to his feet in whole-hearted ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/gods will about the future.htm
The French Reformation.
... seeing the preaching of it does not bring peace, but war ... the sacred name of Jesus,
who went about doing good. ... They became servants, to act as spies upon their ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /12 the french reformation.htm
The Sermon on the Mount
... their desire upon the approval of God, His servants are to ... He says, "If thou bring
thy gift to the altar ... them that curse you," said Jesus; "do good to them that ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 31 the sermon on.htm
The French Reformation
... seeing the preaching of it does not bring peace, but war ... the sacred name of Jesus,
who went about doing good. ... They became servants to act as spies upon their ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 12 the french reformation.htm
Resources
What does it mean to be a servant of Christ? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of the Parable of the Ten Minas? | GotQuestions.orgWho is the Servant of the Lord in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgServants: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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