The servant of Abraham went to seek a wife for Isaac. He carried the wealth and the authority of Abraham with him. Servants or slaves have no doubt to whom they belong. Belonging in these situations was a 24/7 kind of deal. They were unable to do anything without considering the master. When the master spoke, they could not act differently than required without potentially suffering consequences. The amiability of the relationship depended on the disposition of the master and the slave.

This story in scripture does not carry all the heart rending hateful images we have of slavery in America. This was the most trusted person in Abraham’s household, sent to perform a critical task for the family. Isaac must have a wife for the prophecies to be fulfilled.

Jesus grafted us into Himself at the cross. We belong, not like the slave or servant, but like family with one difference. Most of us do not consider family as deeply and intimately as Jesus considers us. Up front and before we knew Him, He thought more, gave more, and sacrificed more than any living family member ever could. He went beyond the limitations of man and gave heaven’s wealth and joy.

We belong. We belong to Him beyond any measure we have to calibrate belonging. We belong in every state that we could possibly find ourselves. We belong in every moment, no matter how praiseworthy or disgusting. We belong in the darkest corner or the brightest light. We belong to Him. Belonging to Jesus is a miraculous gift of heaven.

Belonging carries the mark of the master. It carries the authority and treasures of the master. It is inseparable from the master. We have this whether we recognize it or not, in times of awareness to no awareness. We do not touch the ground except through the miraculous belonging path, which we walk with Him.

We are like Abraham’s servant in that we search for the bride for the Master’s Son Jesus. We go with the authority and wealth of the Master to free the bride from her former family, the world. We should seek her with the same prayer and faithfulness of Abraham’s servant.