“In today’s language, a steward is a manager.”

 “In today’s language, a steward is a manager.”

TEXT:

Chapter 9, Page 86 –

Eliezer is one of the Bible’s best examples of a steward – in handling all that Abraham possesses – including the promise God has given to Abraham. By praying, being persistent, and arguing persuasively, Eliezer is a faithful steward.

But what, exactly, is a steward?

If you had asked that question of your grandfather, he would have said that it was the man who made up your bed in the Pullman cars on a train. Today we would say that a steward is a male flight attendant on an airplane. But the Bible description of a steward is far different.

Notice what Eliezer is called. Look at Gen 24:2. “And Abraham said to his oldest servant . . .” Eliezer is called a servant.

Now turn in your Bible to a description that Jesus gives in Matthew 24:45. “Who then is the faithful and sensible slave whom his master put in charge of his household . . .” This person is called a slave.

In both instances the person being described – the servant or slave – has a function to fulfill, the function of a steward. In both instances the person is an underling who has been elevated to a position of high responsibility. This person is being put in charge of something that does not belong to him. This person is asked to solely manage something that is not his. Conclusion: This person is acting as a steward. In fact, in today’s language, a steward is a manager.