Bible Talks: Abraham, the Man of Faith

Narrator: Chris Genthree
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“AND Rebekah arose... and followed the man.” The believer is not required to go through this world by himself. The Lord encouraged Moses, saying: “My presence shall go with thee,” and we read in John 10:44And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. (John 10:4): “When He putteth forth His own sheep, He goeth before them.” A long journey lay before these travelers—600 miles or more, probably requiring a full month’s time. No doubt there were points of interest along the way, but it is not likely that time was taken to explore them. No, with the servant bringing before Rebekah new accounts of Abraham and Isaac daily, we can sense her heart quickening in anticipation and there would be no desire to delay that meeting. Perhaps too, looking at the awesome wilderness, she may have known some fearful moments, but when her gaze returned to the capable servant all her anxiety would disappear. Have no fear as to the pathway through this world, Christian friend. If we are content to be led by the Spirit of God and there is occupation with Christ and our promised heavenly portion, the way will lose its dreariness.
“And Isaac came from the way of the well Lahai-roi; for he dwelt in the south country. 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.” vv. 62, 63. Gazing northward day by day he longed for the time when his bride would arrive, and now the moment had come! This presents a refreshing picture of our blessed Saviour, waiting in patience for the moment when His bride will be brought to Him. “Father, I will that they also, whom Thou hast given Me, be with Me where I am.” John 17:2424Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world. (John 17:24). “And Rebekah lifted up her eyes, and when she saw Isaac, she lighted off the camel... and she became his wife; and he loved her; and Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death.” vv. 64, 67.
The servant’s mission was completed. Having been the guide and strength of Rebekah up to this moment, he left her securely with the one with whom she was to share a rich place. In this we are reminded that to everyone who knows Christ as his Saviour the Holy Spirit “is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession.” Eph. 1:1414Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. (Ephesians 1:14). The Holy Spirit indwells every believer as an evidence of the new life and as guide and protector, until those who compose “the purchased possession” are safely at home with their Saviour.
This lovely story concludes with thoughts of the father’s happiness in seeing the bride brought to his son; Isaac’s joy in happy union with one who would not only comfort him in the loss of his mother, but with whom he would also share a deep love; Rebekah brought into the relationship that had filled her heart since first she had said, “I will go"; and the servant’s reward in seeing the fruit of his work. It is not difficult to see in this a type of the eternal joys of the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit and the redeemed bride when God’s plan of salvation, the work of His Son on Calvary’s cross, the faithfulness of the Holy Spirit, and the faith of the redeemed will all be brought to its happy conclusion in the courts of glory above.
Memory Verse: “THEREFORE BE YE ALSO READY: FOR IN SUCH AN HOUR AS YE THINK NOT THE SON OF MAN COMETH.” Matt. 24:4444Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. (Matthew 24:44).
ML-04/24/1966