We’ve observed that among Abraham’s primary attributes is his instant obedience. Apparently, this attitude rubbed off on his most trusted servant, unnamed in Genesis 24, which contains the beautiful story of this servant undertaking a long and treacherous journey to find a wife for Abraham’s son, Isaac. (Some people just assume it’s Eliezer from Genesis 15, but the text doesn’t say so, and the events of Genesis 24 are more than 50 years later than Genesis 15.)

Anyway, Genesis 24 is a story of faith, prayer, the sovereignty of God, and guidance. (If you haven’t read it recently, I encourage you to take the time now.) After he encounters Rebekah, the wife-to-be, the servant tells Rebekah’s mother and Rebekah’s brother, Laban, the story of God’s leading. He concludes with:

I praised GOD, the God of my master Abraham who had led me straight to the door of my master’s family to get a wife for his son. (Genesis 24:48, MSG)

But the question is, will Rebekah’s family let her go? The servant needs to know:

“Now, tell me what you are going to do. If you plan to respond with a generous yes, tell me. But if not, tell me plainly so I can figure out what to do next.” (Genesis 24:49, MSG)

What is Laban’s response? Is he opposed to Rebekah’s returning with the servant to become a bride for Isaac? Apparently not:

Laban answered, “This is totally from GOD. We have no say in the matter, either yes or no. Rebekah is yours: Take her and go; let her be the wife of your master’s son, as GOD has made plain.” (Genesis 24:50 – 51, MSG)

So the servant prepared to do just that, but notice Laban’s reaction:

[The servant] and his men had supper and spent the night. But first thing in the morning they were up. He said, “Send me back to my master.” [Laban] said, “Let the girl stay a while, say another ten days, and then go.” (Genesis 24:54 – 55, MSG)

Laban was all for Rebekah’s leaving as long as she didn’t have to leave now. “Why isn’t later all right? No need to rush into these things. There are preparations to be made, parties to give. We have to get used to the idea….”

It didn’t work on the servant. He served Abraham, remember? A man known for instant obedience!

He said, “Oh, don’t make me wait! GOD has worked everything out so well—send me off to my master.” (Genesis 24:56, MSG)

I call it Labanizing. We say, “I can see why daily time with God is a good thing, but I don’t have time right now. Maybe later.” “I know I should be involved in mission, but I really don’t have time either to do it or to learn how to do it.”

How many practices are we wildly enthusiastic about as long as we don’t have to do them now? (In addition to spiritual disciplines, diet and exercise come to mind!) How many good ideas for change do we endorse as long as they don’t have to be implemented now? What personal sacrifices are we willing to make—just not right now?

When would now be a good time?

I don’t know who first said, “When would now be a good time?” Many motivational speakers and authors seem to use it, including Tony Robbins, but no matter who originated it, there’s truth in it. It’s essentially what the servant said to Laban. “Don’t make me wait!”

For he says, “In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. (2 Corinthians 6.2, ESV)