Jul. 15, 2020

GENESIS

“THE ARRANGED MARRIAGE”

GENESIS 24:1-67

The elements involved in the marriage of Isaac and Rebekah are also involved in the marriage of Christ and His Church.

1.   The Father’s Will- Genesis 24:1-9

We do not know who this “oldest servant” was. If it was Eliezer (15:2), then he must of been very old, the events in Genesis 15 occurred more than fifty years earlier. Abraham made him swear to three things: vs.3-4

1.   He would not select a wife for Isaac from Canaanite women.

2.   He would choose her from Abraham’s relatives.

3.   He would not take Isaac back to Abraham’s former home.

Unless we trust God’s Word and obey it, He will not direct us. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

2.   The Servants Witness- Genesis 24:10-49

*The servant

But how would he go about finding the right woman for his masters son? The servant acted by faith in the God of Abraham and Isaac-vs.12. 

He took time to pray and to ask God for help.

Isaiah 65:24 “It shall come to pass That before they call, I will answer; And while they are still speaking, I will hear.”

The servant was not impulsive but waited on the Lord to see what He might do-vs.21

Isaiah 28:16 “Therefore thus says the Lord God: “Behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation, A tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation;Whoever believes will not act hastily.”

*The bride- In His providence, God brought Rebekah to the well just as the servant was praying.

“Whose daughter are you” vs.23 is a key question for any suitor to ask.

*The Family-vs.28-29.

The servants job was not to argue or bribe but simply bear witness to the greatness of his master.

3.   Rebekah’s Willingness- Genesis 24:50-60

What motivated Rebekah to make the right decision? She heard the word about Isaac and believed it.

The application is obvious for unsaved people today: They must not delay in making their decision for Christ.

The entire story makes it clear that God had chosen Rebekah for Isaac, for His providential leading is seen each step of the way. Yet Rebekah had to make her choice of Isaac. 

4.   Isaac Welcomes Rebekah- Genesis 24:61-67

Jehovah is the living God who sees everything and plans all things for His glory and the good of His children.

With Isaac it was love at first sight. 

Rebekah had received a few gifts from Isaac; but now that she was his very own, she possessed everything that he possessed. Their lives were one, and so it is with Christ and His church (Ephesians 5:22-33).