THE SERVANT AND THE BRIDE

GENESIS 24

Pastor Rick Jackson

This is the longest chapter in Genesis. it tells the true story of how Isaac and Rebekah were married. It seems odd, does it not, that this account is given more space than the Creation or the fall of man? God has many important lessons for mankind in this account and let's not miss them.

I. FINDING THE RIGHT PERSON [v. 1-9]

1. The Serious business of finding a mate [v. 1-2]

2. The Sacred business of finding a mate [v. 3-4, II Cor. 6:14, I Cor. 7:39]

3. The Strict business of finding a mate [v. 5-9]

II. FOLLOWING THE RIGHT PATTERN [v. 10-49]

1. A pattern of prayer [v. 10-15a]

Recently a godly man (F.F.) married a little later in life than most of his peers. He married a Christian lady some years younger than him. When I met his new wife I told her I had been praying for him for years. She said, "I have too!"

2. A pattern of good works [v. 15-21]

Titus 2:7-8 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.

Think of the pattern Rebekah had demonstrated in her life. She took care of her appearance (v. 16), she was pure and undefiled, she was industrious and kind.

3. A pattern of praise [v. 22-27]

4. A pattern of priorities [v. 28-33, Mt. 6:33]

5. A pattern of Providence [v. 34-49]

III. FOCUS ON THE RIGHT PERCEPTION [v. 50-67]

Many Bible characters show us the right perception. Abraham looked for a city... David saw how small Goliath was... Joseph saw the hand of God in his situation... Paul realized he should glory in his infirmities

1. Be thankful [v. 50-52]

James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning

2. Be burdened [v. 53-56]

Matthew 11:30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

3. Be ready [v. 57-61]

4. Be comforted [v. 62-67]

Romans 15:4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

2 Corinthians 13:11 Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.

1 Thessalonians 4:18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

2 Thessalonians 2:17 Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.

IV. FACE THE RIGHT PROPHECY

We already know from Hebrews that Isaac was a type of Christ when Abraham was going to offer him up. Isaac pictured Christ resurrection "in a figure". Here the picture continues. The miraculous birth, the substitutionary death, the resurrection and now the receiving of the bride! Abraham pictures God the Father, Isaac pictures the Lord Jesus Christ, the servant pictures the Holy Spirit and Rebekah pictures the bride, the church.