Join the Search for the Groom’s Bride

Genesis 24

Jesus Christ is depicted as “the Bridegroom” in Scripture. Those who come to Him in faith are complementarity called “the bride of Christ.”

Many historical Old Testament narrative are also beautiful illustrations of New Testament truths. One such is recorded in Genesis 24. It is the story of Abraham sending his faithful servant to find a bride for his son, Isaac. It is a true story of Old Testament era romance and an illustration of New Testament evangelism. Evangelism is every Christian’s job. In light of so many doing so little we need to pray:
“Set us afire, Lord. Stir us we pray.
While the world perishes we go our way.
Purposeless, passionless, day by day.
Set us afire, Lord. Stir us we pray.”

The late evangelist, Dr. Nettleton, ask as of himself a question we should each pose to our self. “What will I wish I had done with my life thousands of years hence?”

Dr. Lyman Beecher on his death bed gave insight into what should be our priority when asked, “…what is the greatest thing of all? He replied, “It is not theology, it is not controversy; it is to save souls.”

Based on this truth we should place our selves at the disposal of our Master saying, “Master, make me, with all my handicaps and disabilities, a fisher of men.” His response would surely once more be: “Follow Me and I will make you a fisher of men.”

“I” the subject does the work of the verb, “will make,” on the object, “you.”

One of the most complimentary depictions of a person coming to Christ is that of a groom receiving his bride.

“…that you may be married to another, even to Him who was raised from the dead” (Romans 7:4).

A dramatic parallel of this is found in the story of Abraham sending his faithful servant, Eliezer, to find a bride for Isaac.

I. HIS ATTITUDE
A. Born of other parents he resided in the house of Abraham.

He the servant of Abraham he was as though adopted. Soul-winners must themselves be born again in the Master’s household.

B. His entire life he was yielded to the service of the one he represented. Is yours.

Our modern “What’s in it for me” mentality has caused us to loose our perspective of what is our responsibility?

Occult groups sit around reading the writings of their “master,” committing them to memory, meditating on them and trying at great personal cost to comply with them.

We laugh at Moonies standing in the rain selling roses. When was the last time you went visiting in the rain to share Christ with a lost person?

Bill Bright, co-founder of Campus Crusade for Christ,” was responsible for personally leading and training people to lead souls to Christ. He died recently. He chose to have three words on the tombstone some day to be shared with his wife: “SLAVES FOR CHRIST.”

II. HIS ASSIGNMENT
A. Abraham revealed his purpose for him. He was to find a bride for Isaac. “…take a wife for my son Isaac” (Vs. 4c).

Our beloved Lord has given us an assignment.

B. He was given specific instructions as to where to go.

“You shall go to my country and to my kindred, (Vs. 4b).

He was also told where not to go. “You will not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites” (Vs. 3).

His journey to his defined destination took him north through the Jordan Valley, past Damascus, around the fertile crescent, into “the eye of the East,” until at last crossing the Euphrates he reached his destination. He wasn’t deterred.

C. He was robbed of all honor and freed of all responsibility. An enabling angel preceded him.

The Holy Spirit is the equivalent of the angel who precedes every witness. The Archbishop of Canterbury said years ago, “A successful witnessing experience is sharing Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit and leaving the result to God.” This robs you of all honor and frees you from all responsibility.

III. HIS ACTION
A. He proposed an alternate plan: “Let Isaac go” (Vs. 5b).

B. He did not underestimate the difficulty. He knew what glory there was in store for the bride but he knew she didn’t know. It was up to him to convince her of the advantage of responding to the groom. He was simply responsible for delivering the message.

C. He depended on the angel but did not cut the nerve of his own responsibility.

D. He subordinated his own interests and comfort to those of his Master.

IV. HIS APPROACH
A. He prayed (vss. 12, 13)

B. He proposed a plan to determine he was acting properly. He predetermined he would ask certain questions. As women came to the well he would ask for a drink of water. The one who offered it to him and additionally offered to draw water for his camel would be the one. Rebekah did so. He had ten camels and each camel could drink five gallons of water.

C. He did not use undue pressure (Vss. 57, 58)
He presented the simple truths and left the response to Rebekah. His mission was fulfilled now the decision was hers.

D. He delivered his message simply and clearly (Vss. 34 – 38)

[Show people how to mark their Bible for the Roman Road.]

First, Rebekah learned of Isaac. The servant could have told her of Isaacs trip to Mount Moriah, that he was the heir of all things of the father, that actually every mile of the road they would travel was his.

Next, she longed for Isaac. The more she learned of Isaac the more she longed for him. We must disciple new believers to increase their longing for Christ.

Ultimately, she started looking for Isaac. She learned her groom would be coming for her. “Who is this man walking in the field to meet us?” (Vs. 65).

“Behold, the Bridegroom cometh!” (Matthew 25: 6)