Genesis 24:5-8

We have a talented junior golfer in my family who has made great strides in golf since she first picked up a club merely three years ago. Her swing is picture perfect and her work ethic unmatched for a 16 year old. However, the results so far this summer season has been mediocre at best. Like many of us, she hits a ball out of bounds or loses one in deep rough and has ended up with a couple big numbers at every tournament. It’s hard to keep her morale high after putting in so much work and not seeing her desired results.

The same is true for the faithful Christian witness. We share our testimony with our friends and coworkers. We invite them to church services with us. We ask them to come to our church functions. We inform them of when our Vacation Bible School is going to be held. However, they never darken the door or even seem receptive to our pleas.

Abraham sent his servant to their “old lands” with the task of bringing back his son Isaac a wife. The servant inquired, “what if the woman isn’t willing to come back with me? Can’t Isaac just go to her?” Abraham denounced such an idea. He informed the servant that the Lord had given his family the land and made promises in kind for his family. Abraham assured the servant that he is “all clear” if he followed the orders and made an attempt to bring forth the woman for Isaac to marry. It is our job and duty as a Christian to preach the gospel and witness to those around us. Further, we should glorify his name and give him the honor in everything we accomplish. The results of the sewing of the seed are not up to us and we cannot become disheartened by the lack of reception. The result is the office work of the Holy Spirit and the decision is up to the individual to accept or deny. Just like in our worldly endeavors, our conscience is clear as long as we have prepared and gave forth our best efforts. Let’s continue to strive to do the work of the Lord. Through these continued efforts and hard work, we too “will be free from this oath!”