Going Above And Beyond

Going Above and Beyond

Rebekah

Read: Genesis 24:1-27

The young single mother listened as her first grader bubbled over about her day. Could this be the same pouting child she had dropped off that morning? Darla had understood Abby’s disappointment. Darla, too, was upset at having to miss the special parent-child lunch at school. But since she’d been on the new job for only a few days, she couldn’t ask for time off. Now, Darla wished she could hug the lunch lady who had showed up with three sacks from McDonald’s, two for herself and her little girl, plus one for Abby.

Rebekah also went beyond what was expected of her. It was customary for women drawing water from a well to offer a drink to a traveler, but Rebekah offered to water Eliezer’s camels as well (see Genesis 24:19). She had no idea that she’d just fulfilled the sign Eliezer had requested from God in his search for Isaac’s bride. It was hard work to draw enough water for ten thirsty camels, but Rebekah welcomed the chance to serve someone in need. Her kind and generous spirit won her the privilege of being the grandmother of twelve men who would become the nation of Israel.

Many people concentrate on getting away with the least possible amount of work. Even hard workers often ask, “What’s in it for me?” How refreshing it is when we find someone who goes beyond the bare minimum to pursue excellent service. Even when their extra efforts aren’t recognized by the world, God sees them. That kind of servant heart is just what he uses in his work. We never know what kind of reward God has waiting for us when we go above and beyond the call of duty to serve others—not because we should, but just because we want to.

Even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.

Matthew 20:28