Today’s Scripture: Genesis 24:1-67
Arranged marriages were common in Bible days. The groom’s father or his chosen representative would make engagement arrangements with the family of the future bride, quite similar to the actions Abraham took in this story to find his son a wife. No doubt Abraham, who by this time was quite advanced in age, was eager to see his son married before Abraham died.
It is important to note that this marriage was arranged, not forced. Rebekah was given a choice, as indicated by her family’s question, “Will you go with this man?” The process the servant used to arrange the marriage of Isaac and Rebekah is much like God’s method of evangelism. Such similarities are called typology—where individuals or events in the Old Testament symbolize Christ.
For example, the ark, which provided safety for Noah, his family, and the animals, represents God’s salvation (see Gen. 7:1-5). Manna (the food God provided for the Israelites in the wilderness) points to Jesus, the Bread of Life (see Exod. 16:13-15). The Ark of the Covenant represents God’s Presence (see Num. 10:33-36). Joseph, who was sold for silver by his brothers, symbolized Jesus, who was betrayed in the same way (see Gen. 37:28; Matt. 27:3). Isaac is a “type” of Jesus because of his father’s willingness to offer him as a sacrifice (see Gen. 22:1-2).
For the sake of this week’s quest, let’s use typology to discover evangelism principles and how we can apply them today:
- Abraham represents God the Father
- Isaac represents Jesus
- The servant represents us
- Rebekah represents the Bride of Christ
In other words, God the Father sends us, His servants, to find the “Rebekahs” in the world to engage them to His Son, Jesus.
- Many people find evangelism awkward. What challenges do you have in your attempts to share the Gospel? What successes have you had?
- What fears will you need to overcome in order to be used by God to bring people to His Son?