Servant Series Part 5 Servant Wisdom
Continuing in Genesis 24, Abraham’s servant asked for a very specific and elaborate sign that I believe would have been impossible to think of without the wisdom of God being in his heart.
13 Behold, here I stand by the well of water, and the daughters of the men of the city are coming out to draw water. 14 Now let it be that the young woman to whom I say, ‘Please let down your pitcher that I may drink,’ and she says, ‘Drink, and I will also give your camels a drink’—let her be the one You have appointed for Your servant Isaac. And by this I will know that You have shown kindness to my master.” Genesis 24:13-14 (NKJV)
Abraham’s servant could have asked for a simple sign, but He chose one that (1) was unmistakable, (2) reflected Abraham’s heart for his son, and (3) would demonstrate God was indeed showing lovingkindness to his master. What heart and what wisdom this servant displayed!
This sign was so specific that it would be unmistakable when it was fulfilled and impossible for anyone to orchestrate except for God. The woman willing to do these things would have to be a woman of character (kindness, generosity, willingness to sacrifice for others). Choosing such a woman to be Isaac’s wife would definitely be God’s lovingkindness towards Abraham, for this undoubtedly would be the kind of woman Abraham would want for his son. (And on a practical note, hauling water for 10 CAMELS is no small feat! Any woman willing to do that just might be willing and physically able to go on the long journey to an unknown land to marry a stranger.)
Now, I don’t believe he sat there and thought about all the details and their outcomes, but I believe he lived out Psalm 3:5 before it was ever written down. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.” The wisdom required to ask for this sign went way beyond his human ability; he needed the wisdom of God. I believe God responded to the servant’s heartfelt prayer on his master’s behalf by putting His wisdom in his heart, not unlike He did for Solomon.
I am constantly amazed at God’s wisdom; how He takes care of so many details in one choice, way more than we can even think of, let alone weave together so beautifully. “Oh, the depth of the riches, both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!” Romans 11:33
As a side note, I believe the servant cared what kind of woman Isaac would have for a wife and that the servant didn’t just love his master; he loved the master’s son as well. Loving the Father also means loving the Son, and loving them means loving all God’s children.
If you missed any of the previous posts in the series just click on the one listed below that you want to read.
Servant Series
Part 1 – Servant Love
Part 2 – Servant Authority
Part 3 – Servant Identity
Part 4 – Servant Connection