Turn now to Genesis 24 because I want to go through what is clearly given in the Bible as a contrast to Esau. This occurred whenever Abraham sent his top servant to find a wife for Isaac. If you would read all through the story you would find that Abraham was very specific in pointing out what he wanted the man to find, and that the servant was very careful to make sure that he did exactly what Abraham wanted him to do. The reason I bring this up is because eating came into the picture.
He was determined to get this thing accomplished before he took care of his own immediate need. The story goes on how he reiterated exactly everything that appeared earlier in the chapter. We will pick up the story in verse 50.
He was determined to do exactly what his master said to do. What we have here is the sharp contrast between one who deferred immediate gratification in order to accomplish the end that God wanted to be accomplished. He refused food and water, as well as the persistent appealing of Rebekah's family.
He not only worshipped the true God, but those last two verses tend to show his dedication and his humility and his loyalty in serving Isaac, and of course Abraham as well. We especially have to consider Isaac here, because now Isaac is born, and as a matter of fact he is probably about sixty years old at this time, and Isaac had displaced the steward as the heir.
This is given, right in the book of Genesis, in sharp contrast to what will happen later with Jacob and Esau—because Abraham's servant would allow nothing, not even good food and warm hospitality, to stand in the way of his completing of his mission first. You get the work done first! Then you take care of yourself.
