655. GEN 24:56. ELIEZUR’S APPEAL, IMPROVER
Gen_24:56. Eliezur’s Appeal, Improver
"And he said unto them, Hinder me not, seeing the Lord hath prospered my way; send me away, that I may go to my master."’97Gen_24:56.
The incidents of this chapter are exceedingly striking. Abraham is deeply concerned that his son Isaac should not take a wife from the ungodly Canaanites; and, therefore, he commissions his eldest servant’97a kind of steward of the family’97to go unto his own country, and from his own kindred, to select him a help-meet and fellow sojourner, in the valley of tears. Having been sworn to execute his official trust with fidelity, he enters upon the journey, and at length reaches the city of Nahor, Gen_24:10. He then devoutly asks direction and favor from God, Gen_24:12. Immediately we see the kind hand of Jehovah, and the direct interposition of his providence, Gen_24:15, &c.
At length, the whole of the preliminaries are settled’97Rebekah is consulted, and the final arrangements made for her returning with him. They now suggest a few days’ delay before the journey is commenced’97our text is the reply to this: "And he said," &c. How truly faithful and praiseworthy his conduct! What piety to God, and what conscientious devotedness to man. Many lessons are deducible from it; but I desire to accommodate the text and the language of the Christian minister, when pleading the cause of his Divine master, with the church.
Let us look,
I. At the Christian minister’s way.
II. When God may be said to prosper it.
III. The hindrances which they deprecate in the execution of their work.
Let us look,
I. At the Christian minister’s way.
The way or work of the Christian minister, is variously represented. It is called a Stewardship. It is service; and he is a laborer for, and with God. It is described as fishing for men. Building. Instructing. It is likened to the paternal relationship, &c.
1. It is a way of Divine appointment.
Eph_4:11. The Christian minister is called, and qualified, and sent forth by the Lord. God gives him the desire for usefulness,’97ability to be useful’97and his help in the use of the means to effect it.
2. It is a way of great responsibility.
A Christian is responsible. A Christian parent or master, much more so. A Christian deacon, more still. A Christian minister, most of all.
Doddridge sings:
"’Tis not a cause of small import
The pastor’s care demands;
But what might fill an angel’s heart,
And filled a Saviour’s hands."
I only add,
3. It is a way of numerous difficulties. Many enemies. Much opposition. Our own hearts, &c., often present the very greatest. It is a work in which heaven, and earth, and hell are concerned; and the influences in constant and in vigorous action.
II. When it may be said that God prospers it.
"Seeing the Lord, hath prospered my way."
1. When Divine providence opens a suitable sphere of usefulness.
How important to be in our right place. To have our pastoral heritage chosen by the Lord. To hear the Divine voice saying, This is the way, walk thou in it. A persuasion of this, is of the utmost importance to the comfort, and hope of the minister.
2. When God gives a minister favor in the eyes of the people.
That is, when he is acceptable to them. When the majority approve of his labors. So many things necessary to this. Matter and manner, &c.; voice, and appearance, and spirit; and an almost endless number of little things.
3. When the word is listened to with interest and attention.
How delightful when persons give heed, &c. When they evidently receive the truth, as the thirsty soul, of the flowing stream. For there must be the spirit of hearing, intent and joyous, if the word profit. It is said of those in Samaria’97"That they gave heed to the things," &c.
4. When souls are converted to God.
The ignorant enlightened. The hard impressed. The. thoughtless become serious. When souls are "turned from darkness," &c. Snatched as brands from the burning. This is God giving testimony to the word of his grace. When it is said, "This and that man are born," &c.
5. When the disciples of Christ are edified and trained for immortality.
Growing in grace, &c. Contending earnestly for the faith, &c. Of one mind, striving for the gospel. Minding the same things’97working by the same rule, &c. The graces brightening,’97the virtues vigorous’97character ripening’97the practical path more and more radiant. When the various characteristics are suitably blessed, &c. "Happy is the people," &c. Now we notice,
III. The hindrances deprecated.
"Hinder me not," &c.
There are just as many ways of hindering as helping. We can only refer to a few. The minister may be hindered,
1. By inattention to Christian ordinances.
This hinders in a variety of ways. It chills others. It impedes inquirers. It damps the ardor of the minister. It frustrates the great end of the means. Ordinances and means nothing, without the people. Apply it to a family meal, where several are absent, and the rest know not why.
2. Formality of spirit hinders.
Where there seems no impression. No emotion. No spirit. All decent and orderly, but cold and motionless as statues. Devotion evidently neglected. Little zeal, &c.
3. Inadequate supply of pecuniary means hinder.
No movement in the Church, but is necessarily connected with pecuniary aid. Schools. Tracts. Missions. Poor and sick. Chapel. Minister. Now it is the duty and honor of the people to provide for these. To be ready to communicate. A? stewards of the Lord’s money, to give him a portion back, of what he has lent them.
4. Neglect of prayer for the minister hinders.
"Brethren, pray for us," &c.
What is the logical deduction? If you do not, the word may not run, &c. Praying earnestly for the minister, will give you a deep interest in his ministry. This will lead you to feel, and sympathize with him. This will prepare you most effectually for hearing, and sanctifying what you have heard. This will hold up his hands,’97strengthen his knees’97cheer his heart’97animate his spirit. With what comfort, and joy, and confidence he will preach, when he knows he is borne up by the people, that united prayers have ascended to God for him. Need you wonder that the minister should say, "Hinder me not?" &c.
The world will try to hinder.
Disbelievers will do so.
Scorners and the notorious wicked.
The self-righteous, &c. Satan. Our own infirmities, &c. But your profession, your religious spirit will rather tend to aid, and support, and cheer us.
Application
1. Let the subject lead to serious examination.
Have I hindered my minister, and retarded the gospel?
2. Let it lead to a reconsecration of yourselves to God.
If not hindered, yet perhaps held much aid back. Time, influence, &c.
3. Who will be trophies for Christ. Who will yield to Christ? Receive him?
Give up all for him, &c.
Autor: JABEZ BURNS