“And Isaac went out to meditate in the field at the eventide: and he lifted up his eyes, and saw, and, behold, the camels were coming. And Rebekah lifted up her eyes, and when she saw Isaac, she lighted off the camel.” Genesis 24:63-4
ABRAHAM OUR FATHER
Marriages and funerals bring about changes in families. They were common news among the inhabitants of the villages in Abraham’s time, and are, as well, today. At the age of 127, Sarah, Abraham’s wife, passed away, leaving Abraham bowed in grief. His love for her had been genuine and tender. She was to him “the princess.” During both the dark and happy hours, she had been a steadying source of strength and a supporting prop for his faith. So “as one generation passes away another generation comes.”
The Bible is a book of such stories – love stories. We all like to hear love stories. The Bible has many such true love stories. Actually, the entire Word of God is a “love letter” to the human race.
One of the greatest love stories is of Abraham and his descendants. Abraham is the father of our faith, the father of the chosen people, the keeper of God’s law for future generations. Abraham was called the Friend of God (James 2:23). He lived 1900 years before Christ. Abraham’s faith, although not always perfect was, nevertheless, accounted righteous, tested and manifested by works in faith, in unquestioning obedience (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 153). He was an example in faith to succeeding generations and is referred to also as “Abraham our father” (James 2:21, 23; Matthew 3:9; Romans 4; Galatians 3). He is a beautiful illustration of justification and true faith for us today (Hebrews 11:8-19).
DESCENDANCY
Who then are the descendants of Abraham? Well, firstly, in descendancy, it is important for many Christians to understand that their descendancy can influence their course of action, conduct, destiny, and even success or failure in life; both spiritual and carnal.
Many are judged and classified by their descendancy. In fact, descendancy from Abraham was proved, not by name and lineage, which can be stony and cursed, but those who were under the control of the Holy Spirit (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, p. 438); by likeness of character with Abraham. Traits of the old heredity must be overcome and not bear the fruits of a corrupt tree or a miserable character (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 2, p. 562).
Descendancy depends, therefore, upon a spiritual relationship! “I will put my law in their inward parts; and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.” Jeremiah 31:33. Also, “if ye continue in My Word, then are ye My disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:31-32. The Pharisees didn’t understand this since they were in the worst kind of bondage, ruled by the “spirit of evil” (The Desire of Ages, pp. 466-7). Again, who are the descendants, then, of Abraham? All accepting God by faith become his descendants (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 476), “and guardians of the Truth” (Prophets and Kings, p. 687; Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 140-41). It is Satan’s efforts, therefore, to exterminate them (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 335).
MARRIED LIFE
Abraham took great care of Isaac, who was a good son, to find him a marriage partner from among his kindred. He was determined that his heir find a wife from his own people instead of from the Canaanites, who were degenerating into great wickedness. He knew by revelation that they were destined to ruin, and therefore he would not allow his son to marry one of them, lest they should be a snare to his soul, or at least a blot to his name. He did not want Isaac to leave the land of Canaan to go himself to his kindred, not even for the purpose of choosing a wife, lest he should be tempted to settle there. This caution is given and repeated (Genesis 24: 6, 8); “Bring not my son thither again” whatever comes of it. Let him rather be without a wife than expose himself to that temptation.
Here is a message, furthermore, for parents. Parents, in the guidance of their children, should carefully consider the welfare of their souls, and their advancement in the journey heavenward. Those who, through grace, have escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust, and have brought up their children accordingly, should take heed of allowing anything by which they may be again entangled therein (2 Peter 2:20). As children ought not to marry without their parents’ consent, so parents ought to encourage them not to marry without their consent.
Abraham, admittedly, was well advanced in years (120 years) (Hebrew – “entered into days”). Abraham took this action, knowing that he himself was likely to leave the world soon, for he was well-stricken in age and it would be to his satisfaction to see his son settled down before he died.
Also it was high time to think of marriage now for Isaac; his son was 40 years old and unmarried. At that time it was customary to marry at thirty, or sooner (Genesis 11:14, 18, 22, 24). Yet he made no haste to marry, even though he was the person from whom the promised seed was to come. In fact, he was 60 years old when his sons were born! (Genesis 25:26). After he was married he had no child for twenty years. Although the accomplishment of God’s promise is always sure, yet it is often slow and seems to be crossed and contradicted by Providence. This is so that the faith of believers may be tried, their patience exercised, and mercies long waited for may be the more welcome when they do come.
Abraham made this call for his good servant to search for a bride and also to comfort Isaac after his mother’s death. He would be the one divinely appointed to succeed him as the keeper of the Law and the father of the chosen people. Abraham left a good estate behind him, “for the Lord had blessed him in all things.”
SEEKING THE BRIDE
The faithful servant of Abraham, Eliezer, who made a covenant with Abraham, sought the bride for Isaac among his kindred with a particular prayer, “send me good speed this day.” Genesis 24:12. Those that would have good speed must pray for it. The servant acknowledges God first by prayer and petitions for prosperity and good success in this affair (Proverbs 3:6).
As the children of good parents, so are the servants of good masters; they have peculiar encouragement in the prayers they offer to God for prosperity and success. The diligent servant did not go to seek a wife at the playhouse or park, but to the well of water, expecting to find one there well employed. It seems that when she went to the well for water it was not because she did not have servants at her command, but because she took pleasure in works of humble industry. God’s providence extends itself to the smallest occurrences and serves its own purposes by them.
Moreover, Rebekah minded her own business at the well; not diverted or curious by the camels but of doing good – she not only gave the servant drink but, which was more than could be expected, she offered her services to give his camels drink! It is good to take all opportunities to show a humble, courteous, charitable, disposition, because at some time or other, it may turn more to our honour and benefit than we think; some hereby have entertained angels. (Hebrews 13:2). Our Saviour has promised a reward for a cup of cold water (Matthew 10:42).
You see, our times are in God’s hand – not only events themselves, but the timing of them! Our wisdom in all our affairs is to follow providence and it is folly to force it to our ways – His will should be our rule. He guides His people with His eye (Psalm 32:8), and leads them in a plain path (Psalm 27:11). The answer to the servant’s prayer was speedy – “before he had done speaking.” Genesis 24:15. See Isaiah 65:24.
PITCHER OF WATER
The gifts of silver, gold, and beautiful clothes were bestowed upon Rebekah, and precious gifts were also given to her mother and brother (Genesis 24:47, 53). This was a custom of the time. Gifts were also given to members of the bride’s family. These gifts are something a bride will never forget (Jeremiah 2:32). The earrings and bracelets she sometimes wore did not make her think herself above the labours of a virtuous woman (Proverbs 31:13), who works willingly with her hands; nor the services of a child, who, while under age, differs nothing from a servant (Galatians 4:1).
Providence wonderfully directs those that, by faith and prayer, seek direction from heaven in the choice of suitable yoke-fellows. Happy marriages, those that are made in the fear of God are made in heaven. God is to be acknowledged in providing suitable yoke-fellows, especially ones who are of the same religion.
Rebekah, clearly, was very beautiful, intelligent, of a ready courtesy, kind-hearted, active, energetic in nature, industrious, healthful, and a virgin. What a degenerate age we live in, in which appear all the characteristics of pride, luxury, and laziness, the opposite of Rebekah’s character.
Abraham sent his servant to find a wife for his son and in finding Rebekah, she willingly left home and took a long journey to go marry Isaac. Rebekah, in fact, beautifully illustrates the Church, the virgin of Christ (Genesis 24:16; 2 Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 5:25-32). The Church is the bride, the Lamb’s wife (Revelation 21:9). Christ is the bridegroom, and the minister’s work is to encourage souls to follow Jesus. Ministers, like Abraham’s servant, the friends of the bridegroom (John 3:29), must lay out themselves with the utmost wisdom and care to serve their Master’s interest herein. (Acts 13:4; 16:6-7; Romans 8:11; 1 Thessalonians 4:14:14-17). God sent His angel before him and gave him success. God’s way is always the right way (Psalm 107:7); and those are well led whom He leads.
A NEW LIFE
Rebekah consented to begin the journey immediately. She was stepping out in faith, as Abraham had done years before. It was a momentous decision for a girl to make – a new home a long way off, probably never to see her family again. A new life in Canaan was to be her reward. A similar reward awaits the true believers.
Now that she was going to be a wife, the relatives prayed that she might be a mother both of a numerous and of a victorious progeny. God’s promise was most likely told them; that God would multiply Abraham’s seed as the stars of heaven, and that they should possess the gate of their enemies (Genesis 22:17).
Isaac, indeed, is a symbol of Christ’s sacrifice and “child of a miracle” (The Great Controversy, p. 18; Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 151). Isaac was a “quiet, peace-loving shepherd” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 177), and “gentle and yielding in disposition” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 171). Although Isaac was deceived by Jacob and envied and despised by Ishmael, he was a faithful believer in God, respected his father’s judgment and loved and reverenced the God of his father (The Great Controversy, p. 616; Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 146; The Story of Redemption, pp. 82, 86).
Rebekah, having not seen Isaac; yet she still loves him through the testimony of the servant. (1 Peter 1:7, 8). Isaac, the bridegroom, consequently goes out to meet and receive his bride; to take his bride for himself.
CAMEL JOURNEY
Let us for a moment return to that remarkable, incredible time again in the Old Testament, and try to picture that long camel journey of Rebekah’s with the wedding party of ten burdened camels, heavily laden with precious gifts and the bride, homeward bound, to be met by the bridegroom, Isaac.
“Christ . . . spoke. . . with Isaac as he went out to pray in the fields.” The Desire of Ages, pp. 290-91. While Isaac was out in the field praying he saw the camels in the distance, carrying his bride. At the same time Rebekah saw Isaac afar off also, and we read, “And Rebekah lifted up her eyes and when she saw Isaac, she lighted off the camel. For she had said unto the servant, What man is this that walketh in the field to meet us? And the servant had said, It is my master: therefore she took a veil, and covered herself.” Genesis 24:64-65
How immeasurably rich, how inexpressibly precious is this wonderful tender scene. Rebekah’s long traveling days were done – over. Her long camel journey through the dark wilderness was over and, as was customary, she covered her face before she met the man who would become her husband, in keeping with accepted rules of etiquette. A betrothed woman remained veiled until the marriage was consummated. Only then might her husband look upon her face. Isaac loved her and was comforted (Genesis 24:66-67)
MUTUAL LOVE
Love came naturally, bringing joy and comfort to Isaac’s heart. It was fitting that the lonely soul should find a woman who was lovely and lovable. It was especially good that the young woman, so far from home, was blessed with a husband who truly loved her. She became his wife, and he loved her; there was all the reason in the world why he should, for so ought men to love their wives even as themselves. The duty of the relation is then done, and the comfort of the relation is then enjoyed, when mutual love governs; there the Lord commands the blessing.
The parents now, Isaac and Rebekah, having been childless for 20 years, bore twins, Jacob and Esau, who were prayed for (Genesis 25:20, 21). Though God promised to multiply his family, he prayed for its increase; God’s promises must not supersede, but encourage our prayers, and be improved as the ground of our faith. “Men ought always to pray, and not to faint” (Luke 18:1), to pray without ceasing, and knock ‘til the door be opened. He prayed for his wife; some read it to mean “with his wife”. Husbands and wives should pray together, which is intimated in the apostle’s caution, that their prayers be not hindered (1 Peter 3). God heard his prayer and was entreated of him. Children are the gift of God. Those that continue instant in prayer, as Isaac did, shall find, at last, that they did not seek in vain (Isaiah 45:19).
Ah! Yet, Isaac, the man of faith was joined in marriage to a woman he did not know. Isaac, also, revealed something of his human weakness in Gerar, when he let fear betray him into lying about his wife, Rebekah; just as Abraham had done on two occasions, Isaac sought to pass his wife off as his sister. Yet God was leading, and would use even these individuals to work out His will for His people. . . and He did!
ABRAHAM’S CROWN OF GLORY
Meanwhile, Abraham lived 35 years after the marriage of Isaac, and all that is recorded concerning him during the time lies here in a few verses: Abraham took another wife, Keturah, after the death of Sarah. He buried Sarah, and found a marriage partner for Isaac. It was not good for him to be alone. He therefore married Keturah. Marriage is not forbidden to those of old age.
After the birth of these sons he set his house in order. With prudence and justice he made Isaac his heir, which included the promise of the land of Canaan.
Abraham lived to 175 years, just 100 years after he came to Canaan! He died finally – in a good old age; as God had promised him. It was the crown of his glory of old age.
He was buried by his two sons, Isaac and Ishmael; the last office of respect they paid their good father. There was some distance formerly between Isaac and Ishmael, but it seems either that Abraham had himself brought them together while he lived, or at least that his death reconciled them. Death gathers us to our people; for those that are our people while we live, whether the people of God or the children of this world, are the people to whom death will gather us. The blessing of Abraham did not die with him, but survived to all the children of the promise.
HEAVEN BOUND!
We today, as believers and followers, have almost reached a similar point in our long journey. For nearly 6000 years the Holy Spirit has been here preparing the Bride (the Church) and guiding her on her way home. Soon, we believe very soon, we will lift up our eyes (in a similar fashion as Isaac lifted up his eyes to meet his bride), and lo and behold, Jesus our Lover, our Saviour, our Lord, will break through the clouds to meet us. And we (like Rebekah getting off her camel), will leave our earthly homes and dwellings and rise to meet Him in the air with glorified bodies (1 Thessalonians 4:13-17).
There was a rich nobleman in the early 17th century, who was a very distinguished gentleman – generous, kind, and sympathetic. But, he died suddenly from some unknown cause to the dismay of his court and his people. His court jester went and announced the sad news to his staff of servants. They replied, “Oh what a pity, but he’s safely now at peace in heaven.”
“No,” quietly said the loyal servant. Astonished, the other servants said, “But how can you have the audacity to say that? How do you know?” The servant plainly answered, “Well, my master was very thorough in any journeys he planned. He spent much time – days and weeks – preparing for any journey and told me all of his plans in intimate details. For such a momentous event, he never once mentioned heaven to me or talked about it, planning, preparing, or even his desires to ascend to heaven to reside there with God. So, my friends, I know he is not there!
DUST TO DUST
The court jester’s story is very interesting – A moral message for man! But, the essence of the nobleman’s story is “preparing” for the journey to heaven! For we know that at death, man returns to dust; the living soul MINUS the breath of God (Spirit of God) equals dust! Paul wrote “But, I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him.” 1 Thessalonians 4:13, 14. Jesus said, Lazarus sleeps. He is dead (John 11:11-14). The resurrection is man’s only hope! (1 Corinthians 15:35-38; 51-53; John 5:28, 29; Revelation 22:12; 2 Timothy 1:10; Psalm 13:3; Matthew 27:52; Revelation 16:14; Deuteronomy 18:9-12)
DISPENSE TICKET
The book of Revelation tells us most assuredly, in detail, that Heaven is a real place – not an imaginary place. It is a place with no tears, no sorrow, no darkness, no death, no sin, no pain, and no disappointments. The foundations will be walls of precious stones with the colors of the rainbow (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet):
Diamonds (brilliant), emeralds (green), jasper (greenish-yellow), sapphires (azure), topaz (yellow), amethyst
(rose-red), beryl (sea-green), chrysolite (yellow), sardonyx (red-white), sardius (red), chalcedony (green- blue), chrysoprasus (golden-green), and jacinth (violet).
The streets will be of gold; the walls will have 12 gates, and each gate a magnificent pearl. The Heavenly City is a gloriously stirring city – enthralled in wonderment!
If you sometimes wonder, if and how you will get to Heaven – trust in His promises, claim His promises. What does Jesus promise? “I go to prepare a place for you. . . I will come again, and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” John 14:2, 3
Assuredly, whatever your condition, circumstances, age, position, status, level, or color – if you’re a believer and have met the conditions of salvation: confession, repentance, obedience, faithfulness, charitableness – then the hope of Heaven is yours, for hope is everything! Someday soon, we who have been redeemed by Jesus, will see God’s glory shine in the Heavenly Jerusalem (1 John 3:2).
Finally, indeed, we’ll see the face of our risen and glorified Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ (1 John 3:2). That will be the greatest joy of all!! For “they shall see His face” (Revelation 22: 4) and live with Him forever
Prepare us, Oh, Lord for that JOURNEY OF LOVE! A hearty Amen!
John Theodorou
U.S.A.