For The Bereans

In this weeks’s Torah portion, we see our father Abraham’s most trusted servant being commissioned to find a wife for Abraham’s promised son–Isaac. It’s worth note, that Isaac was not only promised to Abraham, but was also the one through whom the other promises given to Abraham would have their ultimate fulfillment.

I want to draw our attention, though, to the approach this servant took in carrying out his commission. This Eliezer, whose name means “God is help,” recognized three (3) things:

1. the limitation of an invitation — she could refuse

2. the secret of success — direction and revelation from God

3. the importance of identification — he immediately adorned her in the apparel of Abraham’s house

I was especially fascinated by his placing apparel from Abraham’s possessions on her.  She was yet in her father’s home. But, she was being treated as a part of Abraham’s household. All that remained was for her to change her garments and depart.

What an excellent example of the experience of the believer in Yeshua. For, immediately upon coming to faith in Him as HaMashiach (the promised Messiah of Israel), the resources of His Father’s kingdom are presented to us. What remains is for us to change clothes and head home.

How do we do that?

We divest ourselves of the filthy rags of our own efforts at justification, choosing rather to be dressed in Yeshua’s righteousness alone (Isaiah 61:10, 2 Corinthians 5:21). We recognize that no aspect of our observance of HIS instruction adds any merit, but that we are justified by enumah (faith or trust), through grace — and even that is a gift (Ephesians 2:8-9). This is not to say that we abandon HIS instruction. But rather, we don’t rely on such deeds as a basis for being accepted.

Or, as the song-writer observed:

“My hope is built on nothing less
than Jesus’ blood and righteousness
I dare not trust the sweetest frame
but wholly lean on Jesus’ name.

When darkness veils His lovely face
I rest on His unchanging grace.
In every high and stormy gale
my anchor holds within the veil.

When He shall come with trumpet sound
oh may I then in Him be found
dresssed in His righteousness alone
faultless to stand before the throne.

On Christ the solid rock I stand.
all other ground is sinking sand.”

Indeed…all other ground is sinking sand!

Similarly, we divest ourselves of the sackcloths of our mourning and adorn ourselves with garments of gladness, dancing and praise (Psalm 30:11-12). This is not to say we no longer lament over our mis-doings. For we most assuredly recognize that it is only because of His mercy that we are not consumed. However, we recognize that we must be dressed appropriately for the marriage supper (Matthew 22:11-14). And, we trust that our LORD AND King will wipe away our tears.

I have no doubt that Rebecca still needed to become acquainted with the customs of Abraham’s house. I’m sure she had to become accustomed to her new life. But, she already had acceptance. Her standing in the family was not in question.

As it was with Rebecca, so, also, it is with us when we agree to join ourselves to ADONAI, through Yeshua. Though the bridegroom is yet to come, and the marriage feast is yet to occur, we are immediately clothed in HIS righteousness. Immediately, our hearts of stone are circumcised and replaced with hearts of flesh, inscribed with the very Torah of God. Immediately, we are endowed with love and empowered to be witnesses.

And, immediately, we become ready for the journey. In fact, we become eager for the journey. Recall: Rebecca’s family recommended an extended time before departure. Eliezer protested. They left the decision to Rebecca….and they left.

And so we, also eager to enter our new home, pray for the restoration of Shalom in Jerusalem. Likewise, we pray for the return of Yeshua HaMashiach speedily in our day.

Even so, come LORD Yeshua.