BBBI - 2018.04.25 - PM - I, Being in the Way... (Gen. 24:1-67)

“When a son has attained the age of twenty years, his father, if able, should marry him, and then take his hand and say, I have disciplined thee, and taught thee, and married thee; I now seek refuge with God from thy mischief in the present world and the next.” This Mohammedan tradition expresses with tolerable accuracy the idea of the Eastern world, that a father has not discharged his responsibilities towards his son until he finds a wife for him. Abraham no doubt fully recognised his duty in this respect, but he had allowed Isaac to pass the usual age. He was thirty-seven at his mother’s death, forty when the events of this chapter occurred. [See Gen. 25:20] ...the patience of Isaac was quite as remarkable as the faith of Abraham. He was now forty years old, and if, as he had been told, the great aim of his life, the great service he was to render to the world, was bound up with the rearing of a family, he might with some reason be wondering why circumstances were so adverse to the fulfilment of this vocation. Must he not have been tempted, as his father had been, to take matters into his own hand? [Marcus Dods, “The Book of Genesis,” in The Expositor’s Bible: Genesis to Ruth, ed. W. Robertson Nicoll, vol. 1, Expositor’s Bible (Hartford, CT: S.S. Scranton Co., 1903), 64-65.]

Patience brings God's good gifts (James 1); and sometimes God uses His servants in seeing that good gift delivered.

Main Thought:

God knows the end from the beginning, so you're not responsible for that; but you are accountable for how you converse both WITH Him personally and ABOUT Him publicly along the journey.

Sub-Introduction:

Connecting Context:

In his covenant faithfulness, the Lord provides Rebekah as his “appointed” wife for Isaac in order to continue the line of the seed of the woman. [Sidney Greidanus, Preaching Christ from Genesis: Foundations for Expository Sermons (Grand Rapids, MI; Cambridge, U.K.: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2007), 233.]

Gen. 21 - Isaac Born; Ishmael Expelled. Gen. 22 - Isaac Offered; Jehovah-Jireh. Gen. 23 - Sarah Dies; Abraham & Isaac Mourn.

This chapter is complete in itself, and constitutes a perfect idyll. Its colouring is Eastern and gorgeous, but it is nevertheless full of teaching concerning principles of action. Its place in the history we are considering must not be overlooked, for that history forms a background, giving a true interpretation of the doings of the figures seen in the foreground. [G. Campbell Morgan, The Analyzed Bible: The Book of Genesis, vol. 9 (New York; Chicago; Toronto; London; Edinburgh: Fleming H. Revell Company, 1911), 153.]

Background/Intro Material:

THE connection of this chapter with the two which precede it is worthy of notice. In chapter 22, the son is offered up; in chapter 23, Sarah is laid aside; and in chapter 24, the servant is sent forth to procure a bride for him who had been, as it were, received from the dead in a figure. This connection, in a very striking manner, coincides with the order of events connected with the calling out of the Church. Whether this coincidence is to be regarded as of divine origin, will, it may be, raise a question in the minds of some; but it must at least be regarded as not a little remarkable.

When we turn to the New Testament, the grand events which meet our view are, first, the rejection and death of Christ; secondly, the setting aside of Israel after the flesh; and, lastly, the calling out of the Church to occupy the high position of the bride of the Lamb.

Now all this exactly corresponds with the contents of this and the two preceding chapters. The death of Christ needed to be an accomplished fact ere the Church, properly so called, could be called out. “The middle wall of partition” needed to be broken down ere the “one new man” could be developed.

It is well to understand this in order that we may know the place which the Church occupies in the ways of God. [C. H. Mackintosh, Genesis to Deuteronomy: Notes on the Pentateuch. (Neptune, NJ: Loizeaux Brothers, 1972), 102.]

I. The Servant's Commission (Gen. 24:1-9)

A. The Father's Foresight (Gen. 24:1-4)

Genesis 24:1–4 KJV 1900

And Abraham was old, and well stricken in age: and the Lord had blessed Abraham in all things. And Abraham said unto his eldest servant of his house, that ruled over all that he had, Put, I pray thee, thy hand under my thigh: And I will make thee swear by the Lord, the God of heaven, and the God of the earth, that thou shalt not take a wife unto my son of the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell: But thou shalt go unto my country, and to my kindred, and take a wife unto my son Isaac.

Gen. 24:2 (c) (See also Gen. 15:2) If this eldest servant was named Eliezer, then he is a type of the Holy Spirit who was sent after a bride for Isaac. Abraham represents the Father; Isaac the son representing the Lord Jesus; Eliezer represents the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is on earth gathering out from among the people a church, the bride of the Son. He is now dealing with us, communing with us, giving us gifts, and leading us along the way until He brings us to the Son at the great marriage feast. [Wilson, Walter L., A Dictionary of Bible Types (Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers, Inc., 1999), 136-137).]

Genesis 24 contains a great doctrine, the doctrine of the ministry of the Holy Spirit of God. In this chapter we see the Trinity of God at work together. Abraham, as you recall, is a picture of the loving Father who withheld not His Own Son, but gave Him to die for us. Isaac is the son, obedient to death, while Eliezer, the elder servant of Abraham, corresponds to the Holy Spirit, sent by the father after the death and resurrection of the son to bring home the bride. In the opening verses of Genesis 24 we see a number of things foreshadowing the work of the Holy Spirit in this dispensation which positively identifies Eliezer as a picture of this Holy Spirit. [M. R. De Haan, Adventures in Faith: Studies in the Life of Abraham (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 1996), 175.]

Eliezer; or, The Spirit's Mission (Gen 24:2). This old steward of the house of Abraham is a perfect type of the Holy Spirit.

1. He had Authority in the House. He looked after the domestic affairs of Abraham. The Spirit is One with the Father and the Son. He attended to the home affairs of this world (Gen 1:2).

2. He was Sent by the Father. "The Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send" (Joh 14:26).

3. He was Sent in the Name of the Son (Joh 14:26).

4. He did not Speak of Himself (Gen 24:33).

5. He Revealed the Things of Isaac (Gen 24:53; Joh 16:14).

6. He Witnesses for his Master (Gen 24:35).

7. He Guides all the Way Home (Gen 24:61). "The Comforter may abide with you for ever" (Joh 14:16). [Dr. James Smith and Robert Lee, Handfuls on Purpose: For Christian Workers and Bible Students, n.d., Ge 24.]

B. The Father's Faith (Gen. 24:5-8)

Genesis 24:5–8 KJV 1900

And the servant said unto him, Peradventure the woman will not be willing to follow me unto this land: must I needs bring thy son again unto the land from whence thou camest? And Abraham said unto him, Beware thou that thou bring not my son thither again. The Lord God of heaven, which took me from my father’s house, and from the land of my kindred, and which spake unto me, and that sware unto me, saying, Unto thy seed will I give this land; he shall send his angel before thee, and thou shalt take a wife unto my son from thence. And if the woman will not be willing to follow thee, then thou shalt be clear from this my oath: only bring not my son thither again.

C. The Servant's Vow (Gen. 24:9)

Genesis 24:9 KJV 1900

And the servant put his hand under the thigh of Abraham his master, and sware to him concerning that matter.

Application:

Believers have the responsibility of ensuring that God’s program continues to the next generation (1–9). [Allen P. Ross, Creation and Blessing: A Guide to the Study and Exposition of Genesis (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1998), 418.]

We too have been commissioned by the Lord as New Testament believers. That Great Commission originated with our Heavenly Father, and was given through Jesus Christ the Son to His Bride, the Church of the Living God, the Pillar and Ground of the Truth. As members of the Lord's Body, His Temple, the Temple of the Holy Ghost, each of us has a task to teach others about Jesus, and help them know what the Bible says about Baptism, and get them in the Word of God to be discipled.

Transition:

We've seen the Servant's Commission; now consider:

II. The Servant's Commitment (Gen. 24:10-27)

A. The Prayer of the Servant (Gen. 24:10-14)

1. His Arrival at the Place of Provision (Gen. 24:10-11)

2. His Prayer for Prosperity (Gen. 24:12-14)

Genesis 24:12–14 KJV 1900

And he said, O Lord God of my master Abraham, I pray thee, send me good speed this day, and shew kindness unto my master Abraham. Behold, I stand here by the well of water; and the daughters of the men of the city come out to draw water: And let it come to pass, that the damsel to whom I shall say, Let down thy pitcher, I pray thee, that I may drink; and she shall say, Drink, and I will give thy camels drink also: let the same be she that thou hast appointed for thy servant Isaac; and thereby shall I know that thou hast shewed kindness unto my master.

It is our privilege to talk with God about everything in life. [F. B. Meyer, Abraham: Or, The Obedience of Faith, Old Testament Heroes (New York; Chicago: Fleming H. Revell Company, n.d.), 192.]

B. The Providence of the LORD (Gen. 24:15-25)

1. Arrival of Rebekah (Gen. 24:15-21)

Genesis 24:15–16 KJV 1900

And it came to pass, before he had done speaking, that, behold, Rebekah came out, who was born to Bethuel, son of Milcah, the wife of Nahor, Abraham’s brother, with her pitcher upon her shoulder. And the damsel was very fair to look upon, a virgin, neither had any man known her: and she went down to the well, and filled her pitcher, and came up.

Genesis 24:21 KJV 1900

And the man wondering at her held his peace, to wit whether the Lord had made his journey prosperous or not.

2. Answer to Prayer (Gen. 24:22-25)

Genesis 24:23–24 KJV 1900

And said, Whose daughter art thou? tell me, I pray thee: is there room in thy father’s house for us to lodge in? And she said unto him, I am the daughter of Bethuel the son of Milcah, which she bare unto Nahor.

It is our wisdom to follow providence, but folly to force it. By earnest human effort Eliezer makes his appointments, and these are not only recognised by God, but become also discoveries of the Divine mind. [Oswald Chambers, Not Knowing Where (Grand Rapids: Discovery House, 1996).]

C. The Praise of the Servant (Gen. 24:26-27)

Genesis 24:26–27 KJV 1900

And the man bowed down his head, and worshipped the Lord. And he said, Blessed be the Lord God of my master Abraham, who hath not left destitute my master of his mercy and his truth: I being in the way, the Lord led me to the house of my master’s brethren.

Application:

Believers may be confident that the Lord will lead them in their faithful activities (10–27). [Ross, 419.]

God is sovereign. His will shall be accomplished. Yet, there is an aspect in which He delights in the prayers of His servants to manifest Himself to them in glorious ways as He moves toward the fulfillment of His divine will. There's power in prayer! Will you be committed to the Word of God given to you? Will you commit to pray about needs to God FIRST, before seeking any other answers? Will you be careful to notice when He answers? Or are you ashamed to worship Him publicly?

Transition:

God commissions servants who will be committed to the task. Don't start something for the Lord that you aren't willing to see through all the way to the end. Now let's consider:

III. The Servant's Prosperous Conditions (Gen. 24:28-60)

A. The Servant's Welcomed Meeting (Gen. 24:28-32)

Genesis 24:31 KJV 1900

And he said, Come in, thou blessed of the Lord; wherefore standest thou without? for I have prepared the house, and room for the camels.

Warp and Woof and Tangle,— Weavers of Webs are we. Living and dying—and mightier dead, For the shuttle, once sped, is sped—is sped;— Weavers of Webs are we.

White, and Black, and Hodden-gray,— Weavers of Webs are we. To every weaver one golden strand Is given in trust by the Master-Hand;— Weavers of Webs are we.

And that we weave, we know not,— Weavers of Webs are We. The threads we see, but the pattern is known To the Master-Weaver alone, alone;— Weavers of Webs are we.

John Oxenham*

Come in, thou blessed of the Lord; wherefore standest thou without?

[Oswald Chambers, Not Knowing Where (Grand Rapids: Discovery House, 1996).]

B. The Servant's Witness Made (Gen. 24:33-49)

1. When Should You Testify? (Gen. 24:33)

Genesis 24:33 KJV 1900

And there was set meat before him to eat: but he said, I will not eat, until I have told mine errand. And he said, Speak on.

2. What Should You Testify? (Gen. 24:34-49)

a. Whom Do You Serve? (Gen. 24:34)

Genesis 24:34 KJV 1900

And he said, I am Abraham’s servant.

John 13:13–14 KJV 1900

Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet.

b. What Has the Lord Done? (Gen. 24:35-36)

Genesis 24:35–36 KJV 1900

And the Lord hath blessed my master greatly; and he is become great: and he hath given him flocks, and herds, and silver, and gold, and menservants, and maidservants, and camels, and asses. And Sarah my master’s wife bare a son to my master when she was old: and unto him hath he given all that he hath.

c. Why Have You Come? (Gen. 24:37-38)

Genesis 24:37–38 KJV 1900

And my master made me swear, saying, Thou shalt not take a wife to my son of the daughters of the Canaanites, in whose land I dwell: But thou shalt go unto my father’s house, and to my kindred, and take a wife unto my son.

d. What Obstacles Might You Face? (Gen. 24:39)

Genesis 24:39 KJV 1900

And I said unto my master, Peradventure the woman will not follow me.

e. What Is Your Faith? (Gen. 24:40-41)

Genesis 24:40–41 KJV 1900

And he said unto me, The Lord, before whom I walk, will send his angel with thee, and prosper thy way; and thou shalt take a wife for my son of my kindred, and of my father’s house: Then shalt thou be clear from this my oath, when thou comest to my kindred; and if they give not thee one, thou shalt be clear from my oath.

f. How Have You Prayed? (Gen. 24:42-44)

Genesis 24:42–44 KJV 1900

And I came this day unto the well, and said, O Lord God of my master Abraham, if now thou do prosper my way which I go: Behold, I stand by the well of water; and it shall come to pass, that when the virgin cometh forth to draw water, and I say to her, Give me, I pray thee, a little water of thy pitcher to drink; And she say to me, Both drink thou, and I will also draw for thy camels: let the same be the woman whom the Lord hath appointed out for my master’s son.

g. How Has the Lord Answered? (Gen. 24:45-47)

Genesis 24:45–47 KJV 1900

And before I had done speaking in mine heart, behold, Rebekah came forth with her pitcher on her shoulder; and she went down unto the well, and drew water: and I said unto her, Let me drink, I pray thee. And she made haste, and let down her pitcher from her shoulder, and said, Drink, and I will give thy camels drink also: so I drank, and she made the camels drink also. And I asked her, and said, Whose daughter art thou? And she said, The daughter of Bethuel, Nahor’s son, whom Milcah bare unto him: and I put the earring upon her face, and the bracelets upon her hands.

h. What Can You Praise Him For? (Gen. 24:48-49)

Genesis 24:48–49 KJV 1900

And I bowed down my head, and worshipped the Lord, and blessed the Lord God of my master Abraham, which had led me in the right way to take my master’s brother’s daughter unto his son. And now if ye will deal kindly and truly with my master, tell me: and if not, tell me; that I may turn to the right hand, or to the left.

Eliezer gives a simple account of his journey, but his speech is an example of great wisdom. When the Spirit of God guides a man’s human affairs, his speech indicates not human shrewdness, but the frankness of Divine skill. Ever note that we must be ready to discover the Divine designs anywhere. [Oswald Chambers, Not Knowing Where (Grand Rapids: Discovery House, 1996).]

C. The Lord's Will Manifested (Gen. 24:50-60)

1. Parental Approval (Gen. 24:50-51)

Genesis 24:50–51 KJV 1900

Then Laban and Bethuel answered and said, The thing proceedeth from the Lord: we cannot speak unto thee bad or good. Behold, Rebekah is before thee, take her, and go, and let her be thy master’s son’s wife, as the Lord hath spoken.

2. The Price to Be Paid (Gen. 24:52-53)

Genesis 24:52 KJV 1900

And it came to pass, that, when Abraham’s servant heard their words, he worshipped the Lord, bowing himself to the earth.

3. The Parting to Be Made (Gen. 24:54-60)

a. Leaving Leads to Cleaving (Gen. 24:54-58)

Genesis 24:58 KJV 1900

And they called Rebekah, and said unto her, Wilt thou go with this man? And she said, I will go.

This was the simple decision which Rebekah made, fully convinced in her own mind that she was doing the thing which was right. Permit me to remind you what it was that Rebekah was asked to do. There are just three things which stand out in the narrative:

1. She was asked to go with a person she never knew before.

2. She was asked to marry a man whom she had never met.

3. She was asked to leave her home and go to a country she had never seen before, and from which she might never return.

Despite these three conditions, she said, “I will go,” and that settled it. It was faith, simple, absolute, trusting faith in the word of Eliezer which was supported by the treasures of Isaac which Eliezer had brought along.

So, too, the only way that sinners can be saved today is by that same simple faith in the Spirit’s Word, and in the treasures of God’s wonderful Book. God asks us to believe the Holy Spirit and His testimony and the Word of God, though we have never known Him before; to put our trust in the Saviour whom we have never seen and never met; and to trust our destiny to this Guide who will take us to a heaven where we have never been. Salvation is by simple faith, and faith alone. How wonderfully Peter expresses it in 1 Peter 1:8:

Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory. [M. R. De Haan, Adventures in Faith: Studies in the Life of Abraham (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 1996), 187.]

b. Family Blessings (Gen. 24:59-60)

Genesis 24:60 KJV 1900

And they blessed Rebekah, and said unto her, Thou art our sister, be thou the mother of thousands of millions, and let thy seed possess the gate of those which hate them.

Application:

10 "Never's" to Keep the In-laws from Becoming the Outlaws: [PCC Marriage Seminar, 2003]

1. You Never Marry One Person, You Marry the Family.

2. Never Stop Honoring Your Parents.

3. Never Try to Change His or Her Family.

4. Never Compare Families!

5. Never Live With In-laws.

6. Never Tell Bad Things About Your Spouse to Them.

7. Never Borrow Money from a Family Member.

8. Never Take Sides in a Family Feud.

9. Never Attack Family Members.

10. Never Forget that Generational Sin Can Stop With You.

Application:

Believers must give priority to completing God’s work (28–60). [Ross, 420.]

This servant seized the opportunity to testify for God when he had the chance. Have you ever sat down and written out your own testimony of what the Lord has done? If so, when was the last time you had a chance to and did share that with someone who needed to hear about the Lord? Will you deny yourself if needed to be able to give witness to the Lord? What if it requires skipping lunch?

Transition:

This servant was committed to his commission and the Lord prospered his way; we now close by seeing:

IV. The Servant's Completion of His Ministry (Gen. 24:61-67)

The "Happily Ever After..." Well, Almost...

A. The Journey Back (Gen. 24:61)

Apart from all the details of the far-away land we have a beautiful picture of an ideal marriage. It is that of the union of a man and woman upon the basis of identity of principle. By faith Isaac waited, and by faith Rebekah obeyed. It was, moreover, a union of opposites. In Rebekah, faith was adventurous and bold; in Isaac, it was meditative and meek. Two lives were made one upon the basis of response to a common principle. Two natures, utterly different, yet complementing each other, were made one in order to the fulfilment of Divine purpose. Alas! that in the days to come, through failure, each will be seen degenerating through response to the purely natural within them, ungoverned by the principle of faith; [Morgan, 157–158.]

B. The Meeting of Isaac & Rebekah (Gen. 24:62-65)

Genesis 24:62–65 KJV 1900

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. And Rebekah lifted up her eyes, and when she saw Isaac, she lighted off the camel. For she had said unto the servant, What man is this that walketh in the field to meet us? And the servant had said, It is my master: therefore she took a vail, and covered herself.

C. The Marriage of Isaac & Rebekah (Gen. 24:66-67)

Genesis 24:66–67 KJV 1900

And the servant told Isaac all things that he had done. And Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah’s tent, and took Rebekah, and she became his wife; and he loved her: and Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death.

The bride is home at last, and we leave them in the tent by themselves. One of these days, our Lover, our Bridegroom, the Lord Jesus, will behold the camels coming and come to meet us, and take us to the place He promised when He said,

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.

In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also (John 14:1–3). [M. R. De Haan, Adventures in Faith: Studies in the Life of Abraham (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 1996), 190–191.]

Application:

The Seven Laws of Perfect Dating (Dr. Schettler)

1. Better to Wait & Know It, than Date & Blow It!

2. Don't Look for the Right One, Be the Right One, & You'll Get the Right One!

3. How You Get Them Is How You Keep Them!

4. Dating Should Be a Delight, Not a Duty!

5. What They Are Now, They Will Always Be!

6. Every Date Is a Possible Mate (so only date spiritual believers)!

7. Postpone ALL Possibilities Until Parents Are Perfectly Pleased!

Conclusion

Summary/Review:

"I being in the way, the LORD led me..."

Are you in the Way? Are you IN CHRIST who said, "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life..."

If so, how is your personal conversation with Him? Are your prayers being answered? Is there any area where the Lord might be leading you to trust Him more?

How is your public conversation about the Lord? When was the last time you really showed someone else what God has done for you? When was the last time you just stopped to praise Him?

God Wants You To:

God knows the end from the beginning, so you're not responsible for that; but you are accountable for how you converse both WITH Him personally and ABOUT Him publicly along the journey.

Related Media

Related Sermons