When Abraham’s eldest servant is welcomed into the house of Rebekah’s father, Bethuel, he is offered meat (food) for him to eat, but the servant refuses to eat until he has told them the purpose of his Master that had sent him on the mission to find a bride for the master’s son. (Genesis 24:33) In other words, the servant refused to satisfy his personal appetite unless his master’s purpose and mission was satisfied. The servant put his Master’s mission before meat.
Jesus said, that his meat (food) was to do the will of God the Father, who sent him and to finish his work (John 4:34).
Points to ponder:
Are we as servants of God, our Master and Lord (John 13:13), are we willing to put God’s mission of reconciling mankind (bride) with Jesus (the bridegroom) before satisfying our appetite? Just as the unnamed servant put mission before meat and just as Jesus expressed that his meat is to do the will of God the Father and finish his work, can we also put mission before meat until the work of God, in and through us, is finished.
Genesis 24:33 (KJV)
33 And there was set meat before him to eat: but he said, I will not eat, until I have told mine errand. And he said, Speak on.
John 4:34 (KJV)
34 Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.
John Cherukuri
Bro Mano,
That was an encouraging article you put together on “Mission before Meat”.
This should be a constant reminder to all of us as we struggle with our fleshly and worldly desires. None exemplifies that statement better than Jesus Christ, who even after starting off the conversation with Samaritan woman for a drink of water, never seem to have it, as it is not recorded in John chapter 4 that he had a glass of water.
The mission of His Father took utmost value and importance than the fleshly desires of this world. Thanks for the reminder Brother.
BTW, how are you and how is family. Haven’t seen you for a while.
Keep up the good work with Hidden Treasures and hopefully the generation of tomorrow will be able to find it when they open it.
Give our regards to Sangeetha and Mom and rest of the family.
God Bless.
John
Mano 'dash4rk' Paul
Dear brother John.
Thank you for your kind words. Absolutely, we all have to be reminded, time and again, that it is not about us or our pursuits but it is about God and his mission of reconciling mankind with himself, that we must speak out (i.e., share the gospel) even before satisfying our own appetites.
We are well. Was busy with Kung Fu and traveling the next couple of weeks for work/conferences etc. Continue to keep our family and Hidden Treasures ministry in your prayers as we keep yours.
Love to all at home. God bless
Your brother in Christ
Mano