Bring Back The Bride | Genesis 24

Church of The Word | Sunday Sermons

Bringing Back a Bride: A Reflection on Divine Appointments and Covenant Faithfulness

In Genesis chapter 24, we are presented with a profound narrative that encapsulates themes of trust, obedience, and divine providence, which resonate deeply within the Christian faith. This passage offers not just a historical recounting of a servant's mission but serves as a profound metaphor for the church's divine commission. The title of this sermon, "Bring Back a Bride," might initially seem straightforward, yet it embodies a significant theological and missional challenge.

The Divine Commission

Abraham, now well advanced in age, entrusts his servant with a critical task: to find a wife for Isaac from among his own kindred rather than the Canaanites. This directive isn't merely about preserving cultural purity but about maintaining the covenantal lineage through which God promised to bless all nations. Abraham’s insistence on finding a bride from his own people underscores a deliberate fidelity to God's promises, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness in our commitments.

The servant's journey to Mesopotamia is marked by a profound reliance on divine guidance. His prayer for success and a specific sign demonstrates an active engagement with God’s will, a model of seeking divine affirmation in our decisions. When Rebekah arrives, fulfilling the conditions of his prayer, it is clear that God orchestrates events far beyond human planning.

The Role of the Church

This narrative parallels the church’s mission in the world. Just as Abraham’s servant was sent to bring back a bride for Isaac, the church is commissioned to go forth and invite souls into a covenant relationship with Christ, the ultimate bridegroom. The servant’s reliance on God's guidance mirrors the church’s dependence on the Holy Spirit in its mission. The church is to actively engage in this mission, trusting that God prepares the hearts of those who are called to be part of the eternal covenant through Jesus Christ.

Divine Providence and Human Responsibility

The interaction between divine sovereignty and human action is vividly illustrated in this story. While the servant sets out with a clear mission, he continually seeks God’s direction, acknowledging that the successful completion of his task hinges on divine intervention. This reflects a balanced view of our role in God’s plans—we are to act, to go forth, but always in a posture of dependence on God to accomplish His purposes.

The Response of the Called

Rebekah’s willingness to leave her home and family to marry Isaac, a man she had never met, speaks volumes about the nature of discipleship and the response to God’s call. It is a decision marked by faith and a willingness to be part of God’s larger plan. Similarly, the call to follow Christ requires a relinquishment of familiar comforts and a trust in God’s greater purpose for our lives.

Implications for Today’s Church

This passage encourages the contemporary church to persist in its mission with confidence in God’s sovereign plan. It reminds us that God is actively involved in preparing a people for Himself, and our role is to participate in this divine orchestration. The church must continue to extend the invitation to the ‘bride’—the community of believers—to join in the eternal covenant through Christ.

In summary, Genesis 24 is not just a story about fulfilling a patriarchal duty but a profound illustration of God’s involvement in the minutiae of our lives to fulfill His redemptive plan. As we reflect on this passage, let us embrace our role as servants sent to bring back a bride for Christ, relying on God’s guidance and provision, and celebrating every divine appointment that leads someone to say, "I will go."

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