Title [Genesis 24:61-67] Isaac's Marriage
Genesis 24 records the details of the marriage of Isaac, the son of Abraham. Unlike Jacob's love marriage (Gen. 28:, 29:), Isaac married Elimelech, Abraham's servant, as a matchmaker, and he was 40 years old (Gen. 25:20), three years after his mother's boss. Today, focusing on the main text, we will introduce the problems of marriage and receive grace.
1. The family system is one of the most blessed systems God has given to mankind.
The two oldest institutions in human history are the Sabbath system and the family system. The Sabbath system is for people to enjoy true happiness in their relationship with God, and the family system is a system given to enjoy true happiness in their relationship with humans. When these two are in balance, you can enjoy true happiness and live. We hope that by consecrating the Lord's Day (the Sabbath), we can maintain a deep relationship with God and at the same time maintain a beautiful relationship with our families through the family, so that we can become happier members. As I think about the problems of the family, I would like to give you a few lessons.
① We must do our best to help each other. In Genesis 2:18, God said, “It is not good for a man to be alone, so I will make a helper for him.” God made Eve to be married to Adam. If we don't help each other, we're not really a family. A good couple can be a good couple when they know and fulfill each other's needs. To do this, there must be a serious conversation, and it is better to sincerely respond to the request.
② We must strive to become one with each other. A couple is essentially one. That is why Eve was made from Adam's rib (Genesis 2:21,24). Jesus also said, “Therefore, they are no longer two, but one flesh. What God has joined together, no man can separate” (Matthew 19:6) Families should always strive to become one. In any case, sharing is against the will of God. Some people live in the same household, but actually live as a south-south. They have different opinions, different ideas, and different goals, beliefs, and methods. And yet we shout out loud that we don't get divorced. Splitting doesn't mean completely splitting up. If we are not united in everything and conflicts continue, it is no different from what has already been shared. Even now, we must strive to become one.
③ There must be no hiding from each other. We must show each other naked (Genesis 2:25). It takes courage to show everything you are. Some people are not sincere because of their pride. Some people are not sincere for fear of being ignored by their family. The important thing is that you should not ignore, turn away, or be ashamed even if you reveal this truthfully (Genesis 2:25). That's family. This family is really happy. When we find a way to help, pray, and cooperate with this sincere confession, problems can be solved and our happiness can double.
2. Exemplary Marriage
Isaac's marriage is considered the most religious and exemplary marriage.
① I valued bloodliness. Abraham commanded Eliezer, his servant, to choose a wife for Isaac from his own people, not from the Canaanite women. That's how important lineage was. Even today, this lineage cannot be ignored. However, in this lineage, physical things are important, but spiritual things are even more important. It is forbidden by God to marry someone of a different faith. It is an artificial and at the same time a marriage that begins with misfortune. Even if everything else is correct, if you have different beliefs, you will never be happy and you will suffer a battle against Satan. We must become believers who value both spiritual and physical lineage.
② I asked for God's will and help through prayer. When Elimelech arrived at the city of Nahor, he prayed to meet him safely (12:44), and Isaac also prayed to God about it (63). Those who are about to get married, their parents, as well as matchmakers, should pray to God. If there is one thing that is most important to us when we are born into this world, it is to find a good husband and a good wife. Meeting great parents is good, meeting good friends or teachers is good, but above all, meeting a good husband or wife is important. That is why we must pray diligently to God. As a result of prayer, Isaac took Rebekah as his wife
③ You must obey when you know that you are a matchmaker appointed by God. Rebekah's father Bethuel and her brother Laban, who confirmed the fact that God had appointed them through Abraham's servant Eliezer, said, "This is from the Lord, we cannot say whether it is good or bad. Let her be the wife of your master's son as commanded" (50:51), and Rebekah without hesitation said, "I will go" (58). While we cry out for God's will, in reality we pray with conditions set forth according to our own will. If the conditions are right, I like that God has set it for me. We must pray for a matchmaker whom God has appointed, transcending all conditions, and when we have the conviction that God has appointed us, we must become obedient believers. I hope that all the members of the church will follow the example set forth in this chapter to establish a family and enjoy true happiness.