Genesis, Message 24: A Practical Living in Oneness with the Lord and a Type of Christ Marrying the Church

Crystallization-Study of Genesis, Message 24:

"A Practical Living in Oneness with the Lord and a Type of Christ Marrying the Church"

Genesis chapter 24 contains a lovely story about Abraham's plan to find a wife for his son Isaac. Abraham was old already at that time. The promise regarding the land had already been fulfilled. But what about the seed? Yes, he had Isaac as the promised seed. However, to accomplish God's eternal purpose, seed needed to multiply to fill the land, so that both the seed and the land could become God's expression and representation on earth. And Abraham believe in God who told him that in Isaac his seed should come.

But God said to Abraham, "Do not let it be displeasing in your sight because of the lad or because of your bondwoman. Whatever Sarah has said to you, listen to her voice; for in Isaac your seed shall be called." (Genesis 21:12 NKJV)

Therefore this marriage is not only for Abraham's or Isaac's own satisfaction. It is for the fulfilment of God's eternal purpose. That is why Moses dedicated this long chapter to the story of bride quest for Isaac.

We can learn many lessons from this lovely story. Many people apply the story for teaching about how to choose a right one to marry. Since I have no experience of marriage myself, I think I am not qualified to share in this aspect. However, there are much more lessons to learn from this story. I am really thankful to Watchman Nee and Witness Lee for their wonderful ministry that has clearly explained God's revelations in the bible, including this one, in an extra-ordinary way.

I would like to share with you 2 main points. Firstly, I would like to share about the characteristics of Abraham and his servant in the story that are worth learning form. Then I would briefly link the story in typology to the work of the Spirit on bringing us, the Bride, to Christ. 

Lessons from Abraham and his servant

Abraham

Abraham knew God so well that he was called "a friend of God" (James 2:23) . He had been dealt with by God, and his life had been gradually changed after each dealing. Now his relationship with God was so intimate. He had always walked before the LORD (Genesis 24:40) and had greatly been blessed by Him that His servant could testify to Laban (Genesis 24:35). He simply walked in oneness with God.

In the story, we did not see how Abraham got the idea of finding a girl for his son. Abraham's oneness with God made him know God's will very well that he could do things in accordance with God's will without being told by Him. This is the life of the one who was always in God's presence, walking before the LORD all the time. He therefore knew the desire of God's heart, thought in the same way God did, and took action accordingly for the fulfilment of god's purpose. He realised it was through Isaac's marriage that God's purpose would be fulfilled. A great nation would come from this seed. And most importantly, the real Seed, Jesus Christ, through whom all the peoples would be blessed, was being born in his line. 

Would you like to always live according to His perfect will so that His eternal purpose could be accomplished in us and through us? Then always walk before the LORD and live in oneness with Him all the day long. And like Abraham, you will know the desire of God's heart and every decision you make will agree with God's will.

Abraham's servant

Abraham trusted in God when he sent his servant to find a girl for Isaac. And like the master, his servant also trusted in God that He would guide him to meet the right girl for Isaac. 

The servant must have learned a lot through Abraham life. He went to the land looking for God's leading in the circumstances. And God expressed His sovereignty in the circumstances. He simply obeyed the master and trusted in God that his mission would be accomplished.

Like the servant, we should also have such a simple life. We should be faithful in what God has commanded us to do, seek guidance from Him through simple prayer, and trust that He will help us accomplish the tasks.  

Marriage of Isaac as a type of the union of Christ and the Church

There are 4 main characters in the story. In typology:

• Abraham represents the Father.
• Isaac represents the Son or the Bridegroom.
• The servant represents the Spirit.
• Rebekah represents the Church or the Bride.

The story clearly portrays the work of the Spirit, represented by the servant, on seeking the Bride for Christ.
In Genesis 24, Abraham commissioned the servant to find a girl for his son Isaac from his own race or family. He therefore went to reach and contact Rebekah. When he met her, he revealed and brought the son's riches (the gifts) to the bride-to-be (v. 22), which were for her own beautification without causing her to be occupied with. Furthermore, he gave testimony and convinced her to marry Isaac (vv. 54-58). Eventually, he brought her to Isaac (vv. 61-67). Additionally, they met each other in the evening time (v. 63) and the meeting resulted in Isaac's great comfort after his mother died (v. 67).

In parallel, God commissioned the Spirit to find the elects (who have become Christ's own race since Christ became human at His incarnation) for His Son. The Spirit therefore came to reach us and open our heart to the Gospel. He then guided us into all truth, glorified the Son and declared all the riches in Christ to us (John 16:13-15). All the riches that He brought to us were for the beautification of the Bride, but not for her to be occupied with. Eventually, we will be brought to the marriage of the Lamb as His Bride (Revelation 19:6-9). Additionally, we will meet Christ at the end of this age (represented by the evening time), and the meeting will be Christ's great comfort and satisfaction.

Lord, thank you very much for the work of the Spirit who brought us to the Son. May You keep us in Your way, and make us ready for the coming of the Groom, so that He and we, as His Bride will greatly rejoice together.

⁶ In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials,
⁷ that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,
⁸ whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory,
⁹ receiving the end of your faith --- the salvation of your souls. (1 Peter 1:6-9 NKJV)

Thirayost Nimmanon (Tony)

Further reading

• The Holy Word for Morning Revival: Crystallization-Study of Genesis, week 24.
• Witness Lee: Life-Study of Genesis, messages 60 and 61.