Above and Beyond
"Above and Beyond the Call of Duty"...a phrase we often use to indicate someone going beyond what is required or expected of them; your "duty" consisting of carrying out your assigned tasks / mission / responsibilities, as a part of a team.
I was thinking about this term and how it relates to us as Women of God. The story of Rebekah came to mind. Genesis 24 tells us the story of Abraham's servant (thought to be named Eliezer) who swears an oath to his master. Eliezer swears to Abraham that he will not take a Canaanite wife for Isaac, but will go to the country of Abraham's family and find a wife there. Importantly, he further swears that he will never take Isaac back to Abraham's homeland.
Like so many passages in the Bible, there are many incredible lessons for us here – not being "unequally yoked" and the problems that arise when you are … not returning to a place that God told you to leave and not allowing your children to go there either! And, what we will contemplate today – the introduction of Rebekah.
Genesis 24:13-28 tells us that Abraham's servant traveled to find Isaac a wife, and was led by the Lord, to Rebekah. Upon meeting Eliezer, Rebekah's response was incredible! As was the custom of her culture, she did not hesitate to show him hospitality by offering him water, but she also drew water for his camels.
Scholars estimate that Eliezer was traveling with 10 camels who would require 40 gallons of water each. Water weighs 8.3 pounds per gallon – that's 332 pounds of water per camel, or 3320 pounds of water for 10! Rebekah carried this water in what was thought to be a 5 gallon jar – one trip at a time from the spring to the watering trough. ONE JAR AT A TIME !
Rebekah offered to carry more than a ton and a half of water to take care of a caravan of strangers. Her generosity and work ethic are the definition of going "above and beyond the call of duty!" She did not stop until the task was complete, and this was no easy job that she took on.
It's easy for us to take something on if there is a promise of reward, but Rebekah did not look to any payback for her efforts. A truly remarkable truth in this story is that in God's economy, Rebekah watered the camels that carried all of the gold, silver, linen, etc., that would be her provision for the rest of her life. She sowed into her own future by generously pouring herself out in service to someone else.
We would do very well to imitate her! Lord, move us beyond self-centeredness, and like Rebekah, help us to go "above and beyond the call of duty." Help us to live our lives in such a way that we are poured out in service to others, providing their nourishment and enabling them to continue their journey. As intercessors we are always called to go above and beyond ...praying and pushing against huge obstacles. We ask Your anointing to enable us to remove every barrier to breakthrough for those You call us to pray for. Form a steadfastness and perseverance in us to see every assignment You give TO COMPLETION, NEVER GIVING UP ! Amen!
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