Genesis 24 - RESUME OF A SERVANT LEADER - Part 7
He is not mentioned by name in this story but he makes a name for himself in the pages of history. If you are looking for an example of SERVANT LEADERSHIP, you will find it here in Abraham’s servant. Imagine if he asked for a reference to add to his resume.
As I speak about the leadership characteristics of this man, I wonder would the reference Abraham writes about him be the same kind of reference he would write for me? What does it look like to be a servant leader?
His reference would probably read something like this...
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN,
I have known Eliezer for many years. He has served my family over all those years. In fact he has been a most trusted manager and a true servant leader.
I regard Eliezer as a gift from God. He has administrated the affairs of my considerable estate with efficiency and my business has prospered considerably (Genesis 24:1-2. Of course it was God who had blessed Abraham and Eliezer was there to administer the business and household. Many commentaries say that this servant had to be Eliezer but he is not actually mentioned by Name.)
With his extensive experience (which is to say that he is old) I believe he has, through his involvement in a variety of business and personal experiences, much to offer. He has learned valuable lessons and together we have charted new territory (Genesis 24:2).
You will find that Eliezer is NOT AFRAID TO ASK QUESTIONS and he ANTICIPATES DIFFICULTIES when given a task, not because he is being negative but in order to achieve his task more effectively and understand more accurately what is being asked of him (Genesis 24:5. When Abraham asks Eliezer to find a wife for Isaac back in Mesopotamia, he knows he can find a girl, but he suggests a solution to a problem he sees might arise, "If this girl won’t agree to come with me. Should I take your son with me?").
Eliezer has a great reputation for finding the right people for our family business. Recently I entrusted Eliezer with an impossible mission which involved travelling to another country and "headhunting" a suitable girl to live and work back in Canaan with my son. He has a particular passion for EXECUTIVE MATCHMAKING, and found someone who was more than suitable. He loved her so much, he married her. (Genesis 24:3-4. Eliezer found the right person for Isaac to marry.)
Always PREPARING WELL, Eliezer has been entrusted with full access to my finances and he budgets well. As you know I have a sizeable fortune. Eliezer can be TRUSTED with money (Genesis 24:10,22,53 When he set off to find Rebekah, he took a fortune with him by way of gifts in silver, gold and garments as well). He is RESPONSIBLE. When transacting business for my family recently in the East, I put at his disposal some of my trained soldiers.(Genesis 24:32. Abraham had his own private army which he had previously used when his nephew Lot was captured by king Chedorlaomer. The story is found in Genesis 14:14-16. I would presume that he would send some of these men with Eliezer for protection purposes). Eliezer also travelled with a valuable cargo into dangerous territory and I am sure an angel was going before him because he was able to accomplish his mission with efficiency. (Genesis 24:7. Abraham said that an angel would go before him to find a wife for Isaac. I presume this would be an angel like Gabriel, who would protect the promises and purposes of God concerning these ancestors of Jesus).
Eliezer takes RESPONSIBILITY after thinking through things well. He’s not afraid of finding success for others. He’s NOT OUT TO SERVE HIS OWN INTERESTS. Once given the mission, he GETS ON WITH THE JOB assigned to him. He is POSITIVE and LOOKS FOR SOLUTIONS and has honoured me. (Genesis 24:12-14. Eliezer prays "O Lord, the God of my master Abraham, please grant me success today, and show lovingkindness to my master Abraham." He is always serving the interests of God and his master).
What I particularly appreciate about Eliezer is that he allows God to guide him. You will not find anyone as COMMITTED to serving the Lord and his employer as Eliezer. He has a RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD and WORSHIPS EASILY and God guides him. Psalms 37:23 (NLT) says "The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives." (Genesis 24:12,21,26,42,48,52. At each step Eliezer is careful to ask God for success and to praise God for the answers he receives).
He’s a DETAILS PERSON, but somehow manages to be PRECISE AND TO THE POINT with his presentations. (Genesis 24:33-49. Eliezer explains the reason he is there, how God has prospered Abraham. He’s a rich man. He speaks about the miracle of Isaac’s birth and how he is the sole heir to Abraham. He explains that he took an oath to find a wife for Isaac among Abraham’s relatives, and how he had asked for a sign so that God would lead him to the right girl. The Lord led him to Rebekah. Without being pushy he seeks to have them make a decision). You will find Eliezer not to be intrusive but he is ASSERTIVE and firm when closing a deal. (Genesis 24:49) Very DECISIVE, and COMMITTED to accomplishing the purpose of the tasks I have assigned him, he does not waste time. He is never keen about delaying things (Genesis 24:55-56. Once Eliezer has found Rebekah, he is keen to go the very next day). Although he is PERSISTENT, he is careful not to force his way into a situation. He completes what he sets out to do.
If his experience and gifts in excellent service and trusted leadership, along with his loyalty seems to match up with any opportunities you may have, then you must know that although I commend him to you and that he would be an asset to you, YOU CAN’T HAVE HIM. He is permanently indentured to me.
God bless you as you seek to learn and apply these principles of servant leadership from this amazing man of God.
Pastor Ross
