Monthly Archives: July 2025

JEHOVAH JIREH (GOD THE PROVIDER)

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD

Read Genesis 22:1-19. This is the story of how God tested Abraham and how he passed the test of faith. For the first time God reveals Himself as Jehovah Jireh, God the Provider. To Provide means to give, to make available for use, to supply what is needed or wanted. The word Love (“ahabta” in Hebrew) appears for the first time in the Bible (Gen 22:2). The Hebrew word “shachah” is first translated worship in this chapter. But the first time this same word appeared was translated “bowing to the ground”, also relating to Abraham. “Then the Lord appeared to him… and he bowed himself to the ground, and said, “My Lord, if I have now found favor in Your sight, do not pass on by Your servant” (Gen 18:1-3). To worship is to bow down. Worship humbly acknowledges that God is greater, and we are lesser. We are needy and He alone can provide. We are weak and He alone protects. We are lost; He saves. Abraham, a wealthy and powerful man, “bowed to the ground” before the One he acknowledged to be Lord, Master and Provider. Genesis 22 describes the true meaning of worship. Abraham went up the mountain to give his most loved, treasured and prized possession. Isaac went up the mountain to give himself “as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God” (Rom 12:1). Lessons: When is the last time you put your knees on the floor and begged your Lord “Please, my Lord, do not pass me by!” Have you given your most treasured love to God?

God also tested Job. He allowed him to pass many trials but, in the end, Job too passed the test of faith. Job declared: “Though He slay me yet will I trust Him” (Job 13:15). This shows Job’s profound faith in God, in the face of suffering and possible death. Like Abraham, Job acknowledges God’s sovereignty over life and death. What Job calls “slaying” is it not literal, but it shows the depth of his suffering. This “slaying” is a prophetic picture of the Cross of Christ. Job declares that even if God sends trials, he will not stop trusting in God. This trust and hope are not connected with an immediate deliverance but with total faith in the love, justice and mercy of God. As believers, we have Christ in us, the Hope of glory (Col 1:27). Lesson: God has a plan and a purpose in every testing, for His glory and for our good!

“Now it came to pass after these things that God tested Abraham, and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” God only tests believers, not unbelievers. These tests are symbols of the test of Jesus Christ on the Cross. God tests us to purify, prove, strengthen and reveal the depth of our faith, not to cause us to fall. God calls Abraham by name. This shows an intimate relationship. Immediately, Abraham answers saying: “Here I am”. This shows his submission, readiness and willingness to respond to God’s call without hesitation. True faith manifests through actions. Even in testing, we must trust in God’s promises and His ability to fulfill them, as Abraham did. God commands Abraham: “Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you”. This is the first time that the word “love” appears in the Bible. It is a very personal command. God tells Abraham to take his son, his only son, the son he loves so dearly, the promised son for whom he waited 25 years, the son on whom the covenant stands, and to offer him as a burnt offering on Mount Moriah. A burnt offering means sacrificial death. It is a total sacrifice. Abraham had another son called Ishmael. But God told him to send Hagar and Ishmael away. Isaac is now called “your only son”. These words show the deep love Abraham has for Isaac. He is asked to sacrifice what he loves the most. Abraham is a picture of God the Father and Isaac is a picture of God the Son, Jesus Christ. This story points to God’s love and pain when Jesus, the only begotten Son of God, died on the Cross to save sinners.  

The sacrifice of Isaac must be done at a particular place called Mount Moriah. God is totally in charge of this sacrifice, including the time and the place. Mountains are places of revelation and encounters with God. That holy place on Mount Moriah will later be bought by King David. It was on this place that King Solomon, his son, will build the Temple of God (2 Chr 3:1). Mount Moriah is a symbol of the Cross. Abraham’s response to God’s command shows the depth of his faith and willingness to obey, even when it seems illogical and painful. Isaac’s near sacrifice is a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ’s ultimate sacrifice. God reveals His provision, a ram in place of Isaac, teaching that God will provide for our needs when we trust Him. Lessons: God tests Abraham not to lead him to failure but to strengthen his faith in God’s promises. We are to consider what we hold most dear and whether we are willing to surrender it to God. Early the next morning Abraham went on the journey. He obeyed immediately. All great servants of God like Abraham, Moses, Joshua obeyed God’s commands without delay. It also shows their faith in God even during difficult times. Abraham prepared the wood for the burnt sacrifice. He did not take any chances not to find wood on that mountain. Two servants accompany Abraham and Isaac on their journey. They represent witnesses to these events, though they remain unaware of the full purpose of the journey.

“Then on the third day Abraham lifted his eyes and saw the place afar off. And Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey; the lad and I will go yonder and worship, and we will come back to you.” The “third day” is significant in the Bible, symbolizing a period of trial followed by deliverance or revelation. This pattern is seen in the death of Jesus Christ, who rose on the third day, signifying victory over death. The three-day journey also emphasizes the gravity and deliberation of Abraham’s obedience to God’s command, allowing time for reflection and faith. Abraham looked up. Abraham’s act of looking up can be seen as an expression of worship and faith. Looking up also signifies seeking or receiving divine wisdom and guidance, as when Jesus looks up to heaven before performing miracles. Abraham saw the place that was “afar off”. Abraham’s journey to Moriah is a symbol of the journey of Christ to the cross, on the Calvary Hill. Abraham’s instruction to his servants to remain with the donkeys highlights the separation between ordinary work and the sacred task ahead. The donkey, a common beast of burden, symbolizes the everyday responsibilities that must be set aside when approaching a divine encounter. Abraham’s communication with his servants reflects his leadership and the trust he places in them. It also emphasizes Abraham’s role as a patriarch, master (Adonai), responsible for guiding and instructing those under his care. The term “lad” means a young man and it refers to Isaac who is a young adult here. It shows the close father-son relationship. Going “yonder” is a deliberate movement towards a specific place chosen for worship. Worship here involves sacrifice, signifying devotion and obedience to God. Abraham’s statement of returning with Isaac is a deep expression of faith. Despite knowing God’s command to sacrifice Isaac, Abraham believes in God’s promise that Isaac will be the heir through whom God’s covenant will be fulfilled. This reflects a deep trust in God’s provision and reveals Abraham’s faith that Isaac will resurrect from the dead. As a symbol, it points to the Cross and the Resurrection of Christ.

“So, Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on Isaac his son; and he took the fire in his hand, and a knife, and the two of them went together”. Abraham placed the wood on Isaac’s back. The wood was heavy. It shows the burden of obedience to God. This points to Jesus who carried His wooden Cross to Calvary. Abraham himself carried the fire, a symbol of God’s presence and the knife, as the priest who performs the sacrifice. The knife in his hand shows that Abraham was ready to obey God to the end. Father and son, the two of them walked together. It shows the unity of the Spirit between Abraham and Isaac. Clearly Isaac trusts his father even in this difficult journey. This points to the unity between God the Father and God the Son, Jesus Christ, who died for sinners. In the same way, we walk in obedience to God, even in difficult circumstances, when we do not understand His ways.

“But Isaac spoke to Abraham his father and said, “My father!” And he said, “Here I am, my son.” Then he said, “Look, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?” And Abraham said, “My son, God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering.” So, the two of them went together”. Then Isaac said to his father Abraham, “My father!” This shows Isaac’s deep respect and trust in his father, Abraham. In that culture, the close relationship between father and sin was foundational. The father is the authority, the mentor, the guide, the protector and the provider of the home. The son learns from the father so that one day, he will take over the leadership of that family. Abraham responds: Here I am, my son! These are the same words Abraham used when God called him: “Here I am” (Gen 22:1). Abraham listens to both God and his son. Abraham is a picture of Christ who was always ready to listen and obey God the Father. Isaac said that they have fire and wood, but the sacrificial lamb is missing. This shows that Isaac understood the process because he has seen his father offering burnt sacrifices of animals to God. It also shows Isaac’s innocence and trust in his father. The absence of the lamb increases the tension of the story, pointing to God’s provision of a substitute, which is Jesus Christ! Lessons: Just as God provided a ram in place of Isaac, He provides for all our needs, often in unexpected ways. Parents must mentor their children in the ways of God!

“And Abraham said, “My son, God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering.” So, the two of them went together”. Abraham’s response to Isaac’s question reflects his faith in God’s provision. This moment is a test of Abraham’s faith, as God had commanded him to sacrifice his son Isaac. Abraham believes that God will intervene, a theme consistent with his previous experiences of God’s faithfulness. Here we see that Abraham passes the test of faith! Jehovah Jireh is God the Provider who intervenes at the right moment, to supply what is needed! In Hebrew, the word “provide” is “yireh”. It is part of God’s name as Jehovah Jireh. It really means to see with prophetic eyes. In other words, Abraham said “God will see to it” to provide what is necessary. Even in this difficult moment, the two of them, father and son, continue to walk together. This unity can also be seen as a type of the relationship between God the Father and Jesus, who willingly went to the cross in obedience to the Father’s will. Lessons: Abraham’s statement, “God Himself will provide,” reflects a deep trust in God’s ability to meet all needs, even in impossible situations. Jehovah Jireh has Resurrection Power. We must always trust God’s provision in our own lives.

“Then they came to the place of which God had told him. And Abraham built an altar there and placed the wood in order; and he bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar, upon the wood”. Abraham arrives at the very place God told him about. This shows his total obedience to God’s commands. The location is Mount Moriah, which later becomes the site of Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem (2 Chr 3:1). Abraham builds an altar there. He is ready to worship God by his obedience even to God’s difficult commands. In the Old Testament, altars are places of encounter with the Living God. He arranged the wood and bound Isaac, his son, on it. Here we see that true faith and love are not just words. They are proved by action. Isaac was a young strong man. Abraham is old. If Isaac refused to cooperate, he could have run away. But he willingly submits to his father even when he does not understand the act itself. Isaac is a picture of Jesus on the Cross. Jesus said: “Therefore, My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. 18 No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father” (Jn 10:17,18).

“And Abraham stretched out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. But the Angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, “Abraham, Abraham!” So, he said, “Here I am.” And He said, “Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now, I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me”. Abraham stretched out his hand with his knife, to slay his son. This is the climax of Abraham’s journey of faith in God that started many years ago, when God called him to leave his homeland. This grave moment is a point of no return. Abraham is ready to sacrifice his only son. His faith in God’s promises is complete. He is willing to surrender everything to God, his whole life. He has now passed the test of obedience, love and faith in God. Lesson: true faith involves total surrender to God and worship. then the angel of the LORD called out to him from heaven. This “Angel of the Lord” is God Himself. This is a critical moment. He stops him from sacrificing Isaac. This shows God’s intervention in men’s lives. This illustrates God’s timely provision and protection, reminding us that God is aware of our circumstances and intervenes at the right moment. Heaven has total authority over men on earth, especially over the believers. God calls Abraham’s name two times. This shows God’s intimate relationship with Abraham and the urgency of the moment. Abraham answers: Here I am! This is the third time Abraham has uttered these words in this story. These are the words of a servant of God, ready and willing to always obey His Master, Adonai! Lessons: we must be always sensitive to God’s voice and obey it! God tests us in life to establish our faith. We become stronger after passing the trials of faith.

The Angel commands Abraham: “Do not lay a hand on the lad or do anything to him!” He speaks with authority as God Himself. We see God’s sovereignty and perfect timing over all events. He has ultimate control over life and death. It also shows God’s provision of mercy and a door of escape during trials of faith. The Angel says: Now I know that you fear God! We see here the purpose of the test. The fear of God is not terror, making us to run away from God. It is deep honor and respect for God’s Person and obedience to His commands. The fear of God means to take God seriously. It manifested as Abraham’s refusal “to withhold” his only son from God. In Hebrew, to withhold means to restrain, refuse, spare, keep or to preserve. The opposite is to allow, to let go. This is a prophetic picture of God’s Love. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (Jn 3:16).

“Then Abraham lifted his eyes and looked, and there behind him was a ram caught in a thicket by its horns. So, Abraham went and took the ram and offered it up for a burnt offering instead of his son. And Abraham called the name of the place, The-Lord-Will-Provide; as it is said to this day, “In the Mount of the Lord it shall be provided.” God’s provision of a ram instead of Isaac comes after Abraham passes the test of faith. The ram is caught in a thicket, which symbolizes the entanglement of sin. This ram provided by God stands for Christ crucified for sinners. Lesson: We must trust God always! Once we pass the test of faith, the provision comes. God provides the needs before He provides the solution. Abraham names this place “The Lord will Provide” of Jehovah Jireh. It is a memorial that God sees and provides for all our needs. This is not only a memorial. It points to all future needs. That is why it is called The Lord “shall Provide”. As we study the names of God, we have a fresh encounter with God and receive new blessings of provision. Abraham’s actions left a legacy of faith that is remembered and celebrated. Lesson: we should leave a legacy of faith as a gift to the future generations.

“Then the Angel of the Lord called to Abraham a second time out of heaven, and said: “By Myself I have sworn, says the Lord, because you have done this thing, and have not withheld your son, your only son— blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply your descendants as the stars of the heaven and as the sand which is on the seashore; and your descendants shall possess the gate of their enemies. In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice”. The Angel of the Lord calls Abraham “the second time”. Earlier, the angel of the LORD intervened to stop Abraham from sacrificing Isaac. This second call reaffirms God’s covenant promises and blessings to Abraham, rewarding his faith and obedience. In the past, people swore by others who are greater than themselves. Here God swears by Himself because there is no one greater than Him. God’s promises to bless Abraham because of his obedience. This shows God’s desire for a deeper relationship with His people, to bless them by Himself.  God confirms His promise made to Abraham in the past (Genesis 12:2,3; 15:5). This blessing includes both material prosperity and spiritual favor, extending to Abraham’s descendants and ultimately to all nations through them. The multiplication of Abraham’s descendants is both a literal and spiritual promise, fulfilled through the nation of Israel and the spiritual descendants of Abraham, the believers in Christ who are considered Abraham’s seed (Gal 3:29). The picture of stars and sand shows the vastness of Abraham’s descendants. Stars symbolize a heavenly promise, while the sand represents earthly abundance. This dual imagery shows the blessings promised to Abraham are both spiritual and physical. Your descendants will possess the gates of their enemies. This promise signifies victory and dominion over adversaries. In ancient times, possessing the gates of a city meant having control over it. Gates were strategic points of defense and trade. This is a prophetic word to Isreal, who will conquer the surrounding nations. It also points to the ultimate victory of Christ and His church over spiritual enemies. Jesus says that the gates of Hell will not prevail against His church (Matt 16:18). Lessons: We must trust in God’s power to provide and to overcome all challenges in life. The blessings of protection and prosperity promised to Abraham extend to future generations. Selah!

ADONAI – THE OWNER AND MASTER OF SLAVES

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD

ADONAI – THE OWNER AND MASTER OF SLAVES

“After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.” 2 But Abram said, “Lord God (Adonai Jehovah), what will You give me, seeing I go childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?” 3 Then Abram said, “Look, You have given me no offspring; indeed one born in my house is my heir!” 4 And behold, the word of the Lord came to him, saying, “This one shall not be your heir, but one who will come from your own body shall be your heir.” 5 Then He brought him outside and said, “Look now toward heaven, and count the stars if you are able to number them.” And He said to him, “So shall your descendants be.” 6 And he believed in the Lord, and He accounted it to him for righteousness” (Gen 15:1-6).

We have studied three of the names of God: Elohim (God), the Creator and Sustainer of the Universe; Jehovah (LORD), the masculine side of God, the God of personal covenant; El Shaddai (Almighty God), the feminine side of God, All-sufficient God of overflow. Each of these names show a side of God’s character. We shall now study God’s name Adonai. In the Bible it is written as The Lord (in small letters, with only the first in capital). The word Adonai means Owner, Sovereign Ruler and Master (of slaves). Like Elohim, the word “Adonai” is in plural (The Lords). It is a revelation of Trinity. The title Master does not mean oppression but reveals God as totally responsible for all who depend on Him (the slaves). This name requires not only worship but total obedience to His commands and dedication in serving God. The name Adonai as God appears about 300 times in the Bible. The same word Adonai applies to men who are wealthy and leaders. It is translated “Master”. For example, Eliezer prayed to God and called Abraham My master (My Adonai). “Then he said, “O Lord God of my master (My Adonai) Abraham, please give me success this day, and show kindness to my master (My Adonai) Abraham” (Gen 24:12).

“After these things…” refers to the events in Genesis 14, where Abram rescues Lot and encounters Melchizedek. The context is significant as it sets the stage for God’s covenant with Abram. The Word of the LORD (Jehovah) came to Abram in a vision. This is a supernatural revelation, showing that God communicates directly with Abram, who is a type of a born-again believer in Christ. God commands Abram: “Do not be afraid!”.  Fear is a strong unpleasant emotion in the presence of danger. Fear is stronger during or after war. God encourages Abram’s potential fears about retaliation or uncertainty about his future. Abram rejected the wealth offered by the King of Sodom. That may cause regrets and fears of poverty. But God commands him to fear not. He will protect and provide for him. God is telling Abram not to look for children, lands or material possessions. He should desire a personal relationship with God, which is the greatest treasure and reward. Lesson: We reject the fear of the future! Our prosperity and protection are from God Himself.

Abram addresses God as “Lord God”. In Hebrew, it means Adonai Jehovah! God’s name Adonai means that God is the Owner of all people. He is the Master of slaves. This title does not show God as a tyrant but as the Sovereign Ruler over all. Adonai is responsible for the lives and death of all His slaves. To be a slave under Adonai is a privilege. In Israel at that time, a purchased slave was in a better position than a hired servant. The servant could come and go. He was not settled. But the purchased slave was the property of the master who decided how and where he should live, safe and secure in his master’s house. Adonai implies total ownership. He demands total surrender and submission. Adonai punishes rebellion. The two names Adonai Jehovah combines the name Master with God’s personal name. It shows that Abram addresses God with surrender, humility, and respect in a personal intimate relationship with God. Abram recognizes God’s authority and Love to him. At that time, a son was very important to continue the legacy of the father. Abram believed God’s promises, but he needs clarity how to adjust his faith to the present circumstances, as a man without a son. There is conflict between the faith in God’s promises and the present reality of childlessness. Abram suggests Eliezer of Damascus as a potential heir. In ancient times, if a man had no children, he could adopt a good faithful servant to be his heir. Later, Abram suggests Ishmael. But God rejects both and confirms the promise that Abram and Sarai will have a son at their old age. God kept his promise, and Isaac was born when Abram was 100 and Sarai was 90. Lessons: Abram’s question to God shows that even the faithful can experience doubt. Bring all our concerns to God in prayer, trusting in His promises. Abram’s situation teaches us the importance of waiting on God’s timing. His promises may not be fulfilled immediately but, they are sure. As Abram wanted a son to continue his legacy, we must desire spiritual fruit to continue our own legacies.

God’s name is His weapon of War. God’s name is to be hallowed! Adonai promises Abraham that He will personally protect Him to live long enough to “enjoy his reward, his harvest”. Adonai destroys the fear of untimely death. Adonai is sovereign! “Now see that I, even I, am He, And there is no God besides Me; I kill and I make alive; I wound and I heal; Nor is there any who can deliver from My hand” (Deut. 32:39). Here God speaks as Adonai. He is the only God. Judaism is a monotheistic religion. God has total power over life and death. He is sovereign over His creation. Death means Judgment and life means Mercy. The power of Life and death is ultimately fulfilled in the Lord Jesus Christ who died for our sins and resurrected on the third Day. He conquered death and gave us eternal Life. Adonai wounds and heals. He disciplines His people and restores them back to health. God manifests His redemption purpose even in judgement. God promises that none can deliver from His hand. It means that there is no power in the universe that can stop His will or stop His judgment. No rebellious person can avoid God’s judgment. At the same time, no one can snatch a faithful believer from His Hand. He is totally protected. Nothing separates us from His Love. Adonai is sovereign over all! God is sovereign over life and death. In times of suffering or illness, seek His healing and trust in His wisdom. Trust God’s plans and purposes in total obedience, with devotion and worship of the only living God.

God brought Abram outside from his tent. This is a change of perspective, from the limitation of man-made tent to the expanse of the open sky. There is a shift from a limited human understanding to the limitless faith to trust God’s great promises. God tells Abram: Look now toward heaven! Looking to the night sky, with the many stars, God reveals His glory to Abram. “The heavens declare the glory of God;

And the firmament shows His handiwork” (Ps 19:1). God wants Abram to remove his attention from man-made things and gaze at the glory of God, to see the invisible things. Abram must increase his faith to trust the promises of God. God tells Abram to count the stars because they represent his uncountable descendants. The impossibility of counting the stars shows the miraculous nature of God’s promise. Abram becomes the father of many descendants including the Nation of Isreal and all believers in Christ, who are Abram’s children by faith. Lessons: The imagery of the stars reminds us of God’s sovereignty and power. Abram’s story teaches us to trust in God’s promises, even when circumstances seem impossible. Our faith should rest in God’s faithfulness, not in our understanding. God’s promises often require patience. Abram had to wait many years to see the fulfillment of God’s promise. We must learn to trust God’s timing, which is perfect.

Abraham believed God and it counted to him as righteousness. Abram’s faith is significant because it is not based on visible evidence and occurs before the fulfillment of these promises, demonstrating trust in God’s pure word. The term “credited” is an accounting term, indicating that something is reckoned or counted. This concept of crediting righteousness is important in understanding the doctrine of justification by faith, which is a foundation of Christian theology. It suggests that righteousness is not earned by works but is granted by God through faith in Christ. True faith involves trust and reliance on God’s promises and is the pattern of saving faith in Christ!

“A son honors his father, And a servant his master. If I am the Father, Where is My honor? And if I am a Master, Where is My reverence? Says the LORD of hosts To you priests who despise My name. Yet you say, ‘In what way have we despised Your name?” (Mal1:6). The servants and slaves must honor and respect their Master. This respect is a token of our deep respect towards God, Adonai, who is our Father and Master. God charges His people and the priests telling them that they do not respect Him. This is a sin. It shows that God’s people do not fear God, do not love God. They ignore God’s Word. God speaks here as The Lord of Hosts, the God of the heavenly armies, who has the authority and right to judge all offenders. The priests were the spiritual leaders in Isreal. It was their duty to stand before God and the people, to lead them to worship God. But they despised God’s name, breaking of the third Commandment. They even challenge God saying: “In what way have we despised Your Name?” They were preaching God’s Word but were totally ignorant of their sins and of God’s expectations. Lessons: God deserves honor and reverence as our Father and Master. Spiritual leaders are held to a higher standard of honoring God. Search your heart! Do you truly reverence and fear God or your prayers and worship are mere routine religious acts?

In Ancient Isreal, the relationship between Master and his slave was a close one. The Master was totally responsible for the care of his slave. He was obligated to feed, cure sickness, and help his slave. The male slave was circumcised by his master and could eat from the Passover meal. It was not the same with the hired men who were paid for their work and were not counted as members of the family. “And the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “This is the ordinance of the Passover: No foreigner shall eat it. 44 But every man’s servant who is bought for money, when you have circumcised him, then he may eat it. 45 A sojourner and a hired servant shall not eat it” (Exo 12:43-45). If the master did not have a son, his slave could inherit his possessions (Gen 15:2; 24:2-10).

In both the Old and the New Testaments, each time the people addressed Adonai, they call themselves “Your Servant”. In both Hebrew and Greek, the word “servant” is also “slave”. The servant is faithful and totally dedicated to his master’s will. The relationship between God and servant is that of humility, submission and total obedience. The servant sees himself as Adonai’s property, bought with the Blood of Jesus. He knows that Adonai can do anything with and for him. He belongs to God! Abraham, Moses, David, the prophets and Apostle were God’s servants. They point to our Lord Jesus Christ, who came not to be served, but to serve. David prays: “I am Your servant; give me understanding [the ability to learn and a teachable heart] That I may know Your testimonies” (Ps 119:125). Lessons: as servants of God, we approach God with humility and a willingness to gain wisdom, learn God’s Word, and to mature spiritually. God desires to have a personal relationship with us. His Word and promises are sure. God protects us during all spiritual and physical battles. As Abram trusted and obeyed God, we too must do the same! God, the Creator, is not merely a giver of gifts, but is Himself the chief blessing to man. No earthly treasure can fully satisfy us. God tells Abram that He is his shield, his total divine protection. He is also Abram great reward The greatest treasure anyone can have is God Himself. The revelation of God as our reward deepens our prayer life and worship!

THE SLAVE IS LORD OVER ALL

“But Jesus called them to Himself and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 43 Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. 44 And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Mk 10:42-45).

James and John asked for position of honor when Jesus comes in glory. The other disciples got angry. Jesus gathers them and teaches them principles of His Kingdom. Jesus does not condemn the desire for greatness, but he redefines it. At that time, greatness was associated with power, wealth, and status. But true greatness in the Kingdom of God is measured differently. Jesus points to the Gentile rulers. These can be the Roman or local leaders. They are seen as oppressive and harsh, misusing their power and authority for selfish gain. In the world, authority is maintained through force and fear. Jesus introduces a new style of leadership. As followers of Christ, we emulate His example of love, humility and service in all areas of life. Church leaders are encouraged to lead with a servant’s heart, prioritizing the well-being of their congregation over their personal gain. Jesus states, “So, the last will be first, and the first will be last” (Matt 20:16). This reflects the upside-down nature of God’s kingdom, where humility and service are exalted over worldly power. Slavery was a common institution in the Roman world, associated with a lack of freedom and dignity. However, Jesus uses this imagery to illustrate the radical call to servanthood in His kingdom. Building a servant’s heart requires willingness to put others’ needs before our own. It focuses on eternal values, storing up treasures in heaven rather than seeking earthly recognition. We must be like Jesus who was the perfect servant/leader (Philipp 2).

BONDSERVANTS AND MASTERS

“Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ; 6 not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, 7 with goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men, 8 knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free. 9 And you, masters, do the same things to them, giving up threatening, knowing that your own Master also is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him” (Eph 6:5-9).

In the Roman Empire, slavery was a common institution, and slaves were considered part of the household. The term “slaves” here refers to bondservants, who were often employed as household servants or skilled laborers. We can apply these instructions to all relationships between employees and their bosses. The instruction to “obey” is the same as general submission to authority. Paul discusses submission to government authorities (Rom 13:1-7). This command does not endorse the institution of slavery but addresses the reality of the social structure at the time, encouraging Christian slaves to live out their faith within their circumstances. The words ‘respect and fear’ suggest an attitude of reverence, honor and submission towards those in authority. This mirrors the biblical principle of fearing God where the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge (PV 1:7). The respect and fear here are not rooted in terror but in a recognition of the authority structure established by God. Servants are instructed to submit to their masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust (1Pet 2:18). “Sincerity of heart” implies a genuine and wholehearted approach to service, free from hypocrisy. The call for sincerity reflects the Christian principle of integrity, where actions are consistent with inner beliefs and values. It reflects the believer’s relationship with Christ, who sees beyond outward actions to the heart’s intentions. This is the general principle, that in every interaction, Christians are to relate to one another as though serving the Lord. Our sincere motivation for serving people comes from deep respect and reverence for the Lord. Obeying Christ elevates the act of service to a spiritual level, suggesting that serving earthly masters is ultimately an act of worship to Christ.  Believers are encouraged to work zealously as for the Lord and not for men. Christians believe that all work, when done for the Lord, has eternal significance.  Serving others is equated with serving Christ Himself (Matt 25:40). This perspective transforms all ordinary tasks into opportunities for spiritual growth and witness. The call here to the slaves is to rise above mere eye-service, which is superficial and insincere. No matter his status in life, a child of God serves Christ even when he serves man. Whether we serve in ministry, work in a church, or labor for a secular company, we must see our workplace as God’s appointed mission field. Performing eye-service to please men is doing just enough to keep the job. Even unbelievers can do that. Believers are called to go deeper. God wants our total heart commitment to present our bodies “as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship” (Rom 12:1). A Christian with the right attitude and work ethic shines bright as a model employee for the glory of God (1Cor 6:20; 10:31; Philipp 1:20). Worship the Lord! 

THE GOD OF MY MASTER (ADONAI)

by Silvia Lia Leigh, MD

THE GOD OF MY MASTER (ADONAI)

This is the story of how Abraham sent his trusted servant Eleazer of Damascus to find a wife for Isaac (Genesis 24). Eleazer held a position of honor and great responsibility. In Hebrew, Eliezer means God of Help, or Helper. Abraham is an old man. God kept his promise and blessed him “in all things”. Abraham was concerned about two things: Isaac should not leave the Promised Land and Isaac should not marry a Canaanite woman. Isaac, the son of promise, never once left the Promised Land. His wife was to come to him, as Isaac stayed in the land of Canaan. This principle was so important that if the woman would not come with the servant, it was better for Isaac to not have a wife. Abraham knew that God promised the Land to him and to Isaac, not to Ishmael.

Eliezer took ten of his master’s camels and departed. He led an impressive caravan. They carried great wealth with them; “all his master’s goods were in his hand”. The journey was long. The most common route was about 1000 miles. It takes about 3 weeks to walk that distance. They went to the city of Nahor, also called Ur. After he arrived there, Eleazer’s first concern was to water the camels. This shows his kind heart. He asked God to show him the woman chosen to be Isaac’s wife through an offer to provide water for him and his ten camels. Considering that a camel may drink up to 20 gallons, watering ten camels meant at least an hour of hard work. Eliezer cared nothing about the woman’s appearance. He wanted a woman of character, a woman whom God had chosen. God answered his prayer even before he prayed it. A beautiful woman came. She was Rebekah, the great-granddaughter of Abraham’s brother Nahor. She offered to give him water and to water the camels. Eliezer allowed her to finish the difficult work. He wanted to see if she had a servant’s heart, not only a servant’s talk. He was satisfied. Rebekah was kind, humble, hardworking and beautiful! He gave her jewelry and praised God for finding her! Rebeka’s brother Laban invited Eliezer into their house. Eliezer said: “I will not eat until I have told you about my errand”. Abraham’s servant was focused on his mission. Like every true servant of Christ, he put his master’s business before his own ease or comfort, even before the question of necessary food. The phrase, ‘my master’, is the refrain of this chapter; the word ‘master’ occurs 22 times. It is translated as Adonai! Eliezer was totally faithful. He did not rebel against Abraham or Isaac. He was not his own, but the bondservant of another. This is also our position before Adonai. After a 1000-mile journey, he stayed only one night and then returned immediately. Rebekah’s words: “I will go!” showed great faith. She left everything she knew, going to a distant land, to marry a bridegroom she had never seen. The servant took Rebekah, her nurse Deborah and departed: It isn’t difficult to imagine conversations Rebekah and Eliezer had on the journey. She wanted to know all she could about Isaac, whom she loved without even seeing. She took a veil and covered herself. That is chastity, modesty, and submission. This is how we must live before we see Jesus!

Abraham stands for God the Father. Isaac stands for Jesus, God the Son. Eliezer stands for God the Holy Spirit. Rebekah stands for the Church, the Bride of Christ! A father desired a bride for his son. A son was accounted as dead and raised from the dead. A nameless servant was sent forth to find a bride for the son. The servant’s name was Eliezer, meaning Helper. The lovely bride was divinely met, chosen, called, and then lavished with gifts. She was entrusted to the care of the servant until she met her bridegroom. Deborah was Rebekah’s nurse. She served Rebekah until she died. She breastfed her when her mother was unable. She is the quiet hero in the story. She is a picture of a faithful follower of Jesus. She served Rebekah until she died and was buried in the Promised Land (Gen 24:59; 35:8). Rebekah became the wife of Isaac. Isaac loved his Bride the way Jesus loves His Church.

LESSONS:

*The power of seeking God’s guidance. When we seek God’s will earnestly, He is faithful to lead us on the right path.

*The power of Prayer. God hears and answers our prayers in His perfect timing. Faithful obedience leads to great blessings

*The power of Providence. God orchestrates events for our good and His glory.

*The power of Kindness, humility and hospitality. Rebekah’s kindness in offering water to the servant and his camels is crucial in the story.

*The power of Patience and Worship. Eliezer waits patiently for God’s direction and timing. He “bowed down and worshiped the LORD”.

*The power of Family. Abraham’s desire for Isaac to marry within his family shows the importance of shared values and beliefs.

*God is the perfect Matchmaker! Isaac was about 40 years and Rebeka was about 16 when they got married. That was normal at that time!

*God is faithful. He fulfills His promise to Abraham by providing a suitable wife for Isaac, ensuring the continuation of His covenant.

*God’s plans and beautiful and perfect. We must trust God for His plans in our lives! Worship the Lord!

Abraham was living by faith. When he sent Eliezer to find a wife for his son Isaac, that was risky faith. These are some obstacles: he was an old man, maybe 140 years. He could have died before Eliezer came back. Because of his age, he could not go himself on a journey of 1000 miles. He sent Eliezer to a country he had never seen. Abraham has not gone to his native country for about 75 years. He knew that his brother Nahor was living there, and he had 8 sons (Gen 22:20-23). Eliezer himself was not a young man. If the woman refused to come, then the whole mission will be a failure. Abraham trusted Eliezer with the success of the mission. Initially, Eliezer was praying to “the God of my master, Abraham”. Later he prayed and worshipped God by himself. Abraham taught him faith in the only living God. Lesson: a pastor, a leader must learn to trust others. The pastor is not a babysitter. The church is not a nursery. By trusting others to do God’s work, their faith will grow. Abraham was looking for a heavenly city “whose maker and builder is God” (Heb 11:10). That is why he was not tempted to go back to his native country. He accepted God’s will to live in the Promised Land. He was content to live in God’s plan for him. He was not worried. Lesson: to live by faith, we must live with eternity in view. We must appreciate God’s plan and His eternal purposes for us. We must be found obedient and faithful. One day, faith shall be no more, and we shall see Jesus Face to face!

Finally, what convinced Rebekah to follow Eliezer to go and marry Isaac? Were the gifts he gave to her and to her family? I don’t think so. Maybe Eliezer told her that Isaac would inherit the great wealth of his father and the good looks of his mother. But what convinced her was the whole story, how this man prayed to Jehovah Adonai and found exactly what he was looking for. He found her, Rebekah! She was the special one, chosen by these people’s God. In Ur, they served idols. But the idols did nothing for Rebekah. They did not know love or romance. But the God of this man Eliezer loved indeed. Like with Ruth, it was the Love of Jehovah that touched Rebekah’s heart to convince her to leave her family and go to find her destiny. She had faith in God! Jesus is the only Romantic Loving God in the universe! Worship the Lord!