ABRAHAM

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ABRAHAM: FRIEND OF GOD AND FATHER OF THE FAITHFUL
CHAPTER 15 - A BRIDE FOR ISAAC
JAMES 2:23; GENESIS 24
This chapter is a beautiful and charming story in and of itself but it is also a wonderful spiritual
picture. God the Father is portrayed by the now aged and wise father, Abraham. We see the Lord
Jesus Christ pictured in Isaac, Abraham’s son, (as God saw him, “his only son”). Abraham’s
faithful servant travels to a far country to seek a bride for Isaac. This servant pictures the ministry
of the Holy Spirit who was sent into this world to seek a bride for the only begotten Son of God.
Obviously, Rebekah represents the bride of Christ, the church.
We know from the fifth chapter of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians that marriage is intended to mirror
that divine union between Christ and His church. As we look at this lovely story there are also some
biblical principles concerning the Holy Spirit’s ministry in seeking a bride for the Son of God but
also some important guidelines for believers who are seeking the companion that they desire to share
their life with.
I. THE WISDOM OF A CAUTIOUS FATHER. Verses 1-9.
What a simple but wonderful word concerning the relationship between these two friends. Abraham
was satisfied to allow God to own him lock, stock and barrel as the old saying goes. James records,
as we read a moment ago, that Abraham was the friend of God. Those who have come into such a
relationship with God will have His blessing. Verse one records: “and the LORD had blessed
Abraham in all things.” (Genesis 24:1b)
A. THE COMMAND OF THE FATHER. Verses 2-4.
Abraham is now “old, and well stricken in age.” He is approximately one hundred and forty years
old, and that would make Isaac about forty.
Abraham determines that it is now time to find a wife for his beloved son. Imagine it, being forty
years old and content to wait until your father decided you were ready to marry. (I was half Isaac’s
age, only twenty when I married my dear wife.)
Father Abraham was appalled at the spiritual condition of the daughters of the Canaanites and did
not want his son to marry a girl from amongst them. Abraham calls for his senior and most trusted
servant to go back to his native land to find Isaac a wife. He gives his servant strict instructions
concerning where and from who he was to find that wife.
B. THE BIBLICAL PRINCIPLE.
The Bible clearly teaches some things concerning the marriage of believers. There is to be no
marriage between the believer and the unbeliever. “can two walk together except the be agreed?”
(Amos 3:3). Paul explains to the church at Corinth saying: “be not unequally yoked together with
unbelievers.” (2 Corinthians 6:14).
Such a union would be like yoking a horse along with an ox. They are not equally yoked. They