Genesis 24
Theme: Finding A Bride
Key Text: Verse 4
Some chapters in the Bible (take the previous one, Genesis 23, for instance) record several events in one division. However, there is only one emphasis in this chapter – finding a bride for Isaac. Perhaps, the loneliness of Abraham caused him to think of his son’s need of a helpmeet. Or, maybe spending more time with Isaac after Sarah’s death made him more aware of his age and incompleteness. At any rate, Abraham set in motion a process to find a companion for his son. The entire account dramatically depicts how God the Father is involved in finding a bride for His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.
1. A Bride In Abraham’s Thoughts
Long before Eliezer was sent on his mission, long before Rebekah was located, long before she was brought to Isaac’s side, Abraham had contemplated and thought through the whole scheme. No plan was too involved; no price was too demanding; no journey was too long. It was all settled in his thinking! Similarly, long before Christ died for our sins, long before Adam sinned in the garden, even long “before the foundation of the world” (Eph. 1:4), the God of eternity had a bride on His mind! And, in His infinite wisdom, He devised a plan whereby that bride would be joined together with His Son.
2. A Bride In Eliezer’s Travels
For Abraham’s plans to become a reality, someone had to go and locate this special bride. Thus, the “eldest servant of his house” (24:2), Eliezer (see Gen. 15:2), was sent to the far country of Mesopotamia “to take a wife” (24:4, 7) for Isaac. He not only succeeded in finding fair Rebekah (see 24:11-27), but he so represented his master, her heart was won, and she consented to return with him (see 24:58, 59). Likewise, the blessed Holy Ghost, the trustworthy Servant of heaven, has come to this earth on a special mission. As He “glorifies” Christ (John 16:14), something about His witness woos and wins our hearts, and we begin to follow His leadership.
3. A Bride In Isaac’s Tent
Although the journey was long and hard, the servant eventually brought Rebekah safely from her world to Isaac’s world. The last thing that is said about her in this division is that “Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah’s tent . . . and she became his wife” (24:67). The Christian life is not a short pilgrimage! However, the Spirit of God, Who came from the heavenly world to find us, certainly knows how to lead us back to the home country! Hallelujah! In due season, we will arrive safely home with Him Who said, “I will . . . receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:2, 3).
Illustration
When a young woman announces her wedding plans, she constantly makes preparations for the big day. In fact, the excitement seems to escalate as the day approaches. Oh, dear Christian friend, the wedding celebration of Christ and His church has been planned from eternity. And, certainly, the big day is “nearer than when we believed” (Rom. 13:11)! Oh, may we faithfully follow the leadership of the Spirit and intensely anticipate seeing our heavenly Isaac, the Lord Jesus Christ!”