Genesis 24:29-49

Isaac provides a wonderful picture of Christ.  It was true in his birth (21:1-7) and “death” (22:1-14); it is true in the search for a bride.  We see how God the Father (seen in Abraham) finds a bride (the Church, seen in Rebekah) for His Son (Jesus, seen in Isaac).  Today we will look at those aspects of the story that emphasize the Father.

·       Isaac received his bride after he was offered as a sacrifice. Abraham was significant in both stories.  He gave his only son (as did God, John 3:16); then he found a bride to give to his son (as did God, John 17:6).  The bride of Christ would first be loved by Christ when He gave Himself for her (Eph. 5:25; Acts 20:28).

·       Isaac’s bride was necessary in accomplishing God’s purpose.  For Abraham to have descendants his son must have descendants.  God’s ultimate plan is the exaltation of Jesus Christ.  In that plan Christ is the head of the Church (Eph. 1:22-23; 5:23; Col. 1:18).

·       Isaac’s marriage was planned long before his bride knew of it (24:1-9).  So it is with the bride of Christ.  God called this bride to be holy and blameless (beautiful) before the world began (Eph. 1:3-4).

·       Isaac’s bride was from his father’s people (24:4).  There is a deep truth here but it is quite appropriate.  In John 17:6-7 Jesus says of His bride, “They were Yours (the Father’s), You gave them to Me.”  Eph. 1:3-6 confirms this.  It is God the Father who gives believers all spiritual blessings.  He chose us, predestined us and made us accepted in the Beloved.  God has taken us out of the world to be His, and then has given us to Christ.

·       Isaac’s bride was appointed by God (24:14).  So it is with the bride of Christ (2 Thess. 2:13-14).  We are chosen by grace: not because we are special but to make us special (1 Cor. 1:26-29).

·       Isaac’s bride was holy and without blemish (24:16), a beautiful bride.  So it is with Christ’s bride (Eph. 5:27).

·       Isaac’s bride gave cause for worship (24:27-28).  So it is with the bride of Christ.  We are for the praise of the glory of His grace (Eph. 1:6).  Let us say with the apostle, “Oh the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!  How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!” (Rom. 11:33-36)