The twenty-fourth chapter of Genesis is a beautiful real-life example to this New Testament verse:
Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.
2 Corinthians 5:20 ESV
Who would represent his master in such a way? The oldest servant of our father Abraham, which in most likelihood is Eliezer of Damascus, mentioned by name in chapter fifteen. At this point in Abraham’s life, the servant is needed for a special mission—returning to the land of his fathers to find a wife for his son, Isaac. This bride would be the one through whom the promises of God would be fulfilled.
Did the servant comply? To the letter.
An ambassador knows his place.
The importance of the mission did not change the position of the person bringing it to pass. Abraham’s servant never draws attention to himself on this journey, but only to the master. In fact, in this one chapter, the word master is used twenty-two times. We never learn the servant’s name, but always hear that of his master Abraham. His goal was not to draw attention to himself, but to the one he served. Let’s look at some of the gems.
And he made the camels kneel down outside the city by the well of water at the time of evening, the time when women go out to draw water. And he said, “O Lord, God of my master Abraham, please grant me success today and show steadfast love to my master Abraham.
Genesis 24:11-12
An ambassador recognizes the source of his master’s loyalty.
As the servant settles his camels at the gates to the city of Nahor, he prays to the God of his master. He knows how his master has lived. He has travelled with him from his homeland to the land of promise. He watched him carry his son to mount of provision. He knew that the God who answered his master’s prayers could answer his on behalf of his master.
An ambassador is close enough to his master to recognize a deep abiding love.
The man bowed his head and worshiped the Lord and said, “Blessed be the Lord, the God of my master Abraham, who has not forsaken his steadfast love and his faithfulness toward my master. As for me, the Lord has led me in the way to the house of my master’s kinsmen.”
Genesis 24:26-27
This servant recognized the love of his master’s God was different—it was steadfast. This was not a capricious love like the gods of the nations. Abraham’s God is faithful. God, in his love for Abraham, had led the servant to the granddaughter of Isaac’s uncle.
An ambassador does not waiver in his mission.
“Now then, if you are going to show steadfast love and faithfulness to my master, tell me; and if not, tell me, that I may turn to the right hand or to the left.”
Genesis 24:49
Before the servant finished recounting the details of his mission to Laban and Bethuel, he gave them a challenge. Would they show the same hesed love to their relative, his master, by agreeing to give Rebekah in marriage to Isaac or not? He needed an answer before he could go any further. He was steadfast in his purpose and could not be set off course. Even the next morning, he would stay not a day longer, but quickly returned with Rebekah to finish his required task. And finish it he did—out of devotion to his master and appreciation for the man he was.
Are we as devoted to the cause of Christ as this servant was to Abraham? Do we struggle, because we do not recognize our place as servants to the King of kings? Has a strained relationship with God led us to lose site of his steadfast love for us? Are we neglecting the Word to the point that we’ve lost sight of his mission for our lives?
God is making his appeal through us to the world lost in sin. On behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. This is our call, our duty, our mission. We are Christ’s ambassadors.
Grace and Peace