Where is Isaac? – Looking for Love.
Where is Isaac when Abraham’s servant returned from the east with Rebekah? In a field praying! Mark Hillis completes his series about love.
Isaac’s Location
Where is Isaac???
This is the final episode of this series, and perhaps this is the question you have been asking all the way through as we have been looking at the story of how Isaac met Rebekah in Genesis 24. It’s a good question. As we have worked our way through this drama, I have pondered myself, “how does Isaac not being present realistically teach us anything about finding Mr. or Mrs. Right?”
How can this relationship work if they have never met? They don’t know what the other person even looks like, they don’t know their character or personality… how can this sensibly apply?
May I suggest that we see this story for what it really is?
Object, Prospect & Goal
Stepping back, we see that Isaac is the object, Rebekah is the prospect, and marriage is the goal.
“Faith in God,” is the overarching theme; allowing God to be in full control of the situation.
- Abraham loves his son so much, recognizing his own limitations, he willingly gives Isaac’s future over to another.
- The servant stands as a mediator between his master and God; as an expression of unwavering love and faith.
- Rebekah is the one who God has prepared for Isaac; she is the answered prayer of Abraham and the servant who stands as his representative.
Although the story is centered around Isaac, it’s not about Isaac. The focus is on who God had prepared to be his wife and how it came about.
God Can Do the Same For You
If you are listening or reading this, and you are in the pre-marriage stage of your life, do you believe that God can do the same for you?
We have no idea what tomorrow holds, what God has planned for us! If you are a believer, you can trust in the fact that God is working behind the scenes, right now, preparing your future!
Isaiah 64:4 says that,
since the creation of the world, no ear has heard, nor has any eye seen the great plans that God has for those who patiently wait and trust in Him.
Isaiah 64:4
God Has Big Plans
This truth speaks of a coming time, assuring all believers that God has big plans instore for us into eternity; we will not be disappointed, and we should be excited in the prospect of His future for us – I don’t think it’s wrong to apply this truth to our lives now!
God wants the best for us in this world also! That includes the marriage partner best suited for us. He instituted marriage. It is important to Him. So, it is a significant part of your life to Him.
If you are asking, “where are Mr. or Mrs. Right, now?” – may this story be a revelation to you, that God is working His will in your life if you have allowed Him, and in faith we must patiently wait.
God Is Our Best Partner
When looking for love, God is our best partner. Walking hand-in-hand with Him, trusting in His timing, and choices.
The King James Version of Hebrews 12: 1,2 reads
“… let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.”
Hebrews 12: 1,2
The best thing is to let the Lord be the “author of your faith,” trusting He will write your love story for you. I know for myself, when I was writing it, it didn’t read right. Learning the hard way, I realized I had to pass it over to Him to edit and clean up my mistakes. He can make things right again!
A Prophetic Perspective
Another way to make sense of this story is to see it from a prophetic perspective where the characters are types; Abraham represents God the Father, who is seeking a bride; the church, for his beloved son Isaac; depicting Jesus Christ the Son of God. The Father sends his trusted servant, the Holy Spirit, to obtain her. He brings her home; this symbolizes the union of Christ with the Church, who will be together in everlasting joy.
When you see it from this perspective, the love portrayed here goes even deeper and becomes more meaningful!
The Climax of the Story
This is the point we have been waiting for! The climax of the story when Isaac finally meets the wife who God has prepared for him!
Genesis 24:62-67 (New Living Translation)
Meanwhile, Isaac, whose home was in the Negev, had returned from Beer-lahai-roi. One evening as he was walking and meditating in the fields, he looked up and saw the camels coming. When Rebekah looked up and saw Isaac, she quickly dismounted from her camel. “Who is that man walking through the fields to meet us?” she asked the servant.
And he replied, “It is my master.” So, Rebekah covered her face with her veil. Then the servant told Isaac everything he had done.
And Isaac brought Rebekah into his mother Sarah’s tent, and she became his wife. He loved her deeply, and she was a special comfort to him after the death of his mother.
Genesis 24:62-67
Unfailing Love
The task of finding a bride for Isaac was complete. Without a doubt, God had shown “His unfailing love to Abraham.” 1 John 4:16 tells us that “God is love.” Why do we doubt Him? May the characters portrayed in this story be examples we can learn from; marvelous testimonies of unfailing faith. I’ll emphasize my point from the first session again here… The faith of Abraham, the parent, started this story, and it ended beautifully.
A New Day Begins
The Hebrew day ends at sunset, and a new day then begins – how fitting that both Isaac and Rebekah’s lives changed at evening time. God is all about new days and new beginnings.
This couple met for the first time, not knowing each other, never having seen each other, and spent the rest of their lives together. It worked, because God was behind it, and no-one got in His way.
Where Was Isaac?
Where was Isaac when his father’s servant returned home with his wife? There was no searching for him; he was the first person they saw on their return. He is out walking in a field, spending time with God. Would the same be said of you when God brings your spouse into your life? Will you be with the Lord, spiritually prepared? Don’t be caught off guard.
Isaac had no idea that evening as he wandered in communion with God, that his life would be changed. Likewise, Rebekah could never have conceived in her mind that on the evening she went out to the well to get water, that in less than 24 hours she would be leaving home and on her way with a stranger to a distant foreign land, all because of her ethics and integrity.
Spiritual, Emotional, and Volitional Maturity
Working on your spiritual, emotional and volitional maturity is especially important before meeting that special someone. Our society trends towards younger people being immature in character well past adolescence. It seems that many today are afraid to grow up and take on the responsibilities of adult living.
Marriage is not intended for children; it needs mature attitudes to help it work well. It requires humility, self-denial, patience, gentleness… This is one reason why many marriages don’t last, these characteristics are missing, they didn’t approach the alter with an adult mind – when the trials and tribulations of life arise, the response will be that of selfishness, with-drawn independence, which will lead to friction, bitterness, distance and potentially divorce.
Is Your Future Committed to God?
Have you committed your future hopes, dreams and ambitions to God?
Do you pray that He is preparing your future spouse for you right now?
Has the story of Isaac meeting Rebekah helped you see that when God is involved, patiently waiting on Him is best?
Have I convinced you that there is much from this story we can apply to singleness, dating, engagement and marriage today? Don’t underestimate the wisdom and knowledge we can glean in these Old Testament stories. There are many treasures we can find in them that will direct us out of a lot of wrongdoing.
Looking For Love
As you look for true love in your life. I hope this series of programs has been a help to you. First and foremost, remember to keep looking to the One who loves you the most; our God and Saviour Jesus Christ.
He is the perfect standard of what real love is!
He came as a servant, putting others first, giving His life for us, and wanting to share all He has in eternity!
May these thoughts encourage you to grow in Christlikeness and become the best for whoever God has planned for you!
Did you pray for help in finding your spouse? We would love to hear from you. Comment below or contact us at HopeStreamRadio.
Mark Hillis
Mark lives in the small rural village of Fenwick, Ontario with his wife Michelle and three boys.
He joined the FBH International team in February 2022, coming from the business world with a design and art background.
Mark is particularly interested in seeing people come to Christ and grow in their faith. He recently produced the series entitled: Sow to Grow.
Mark serves as an elder at Brockview Bible Chapel in St.Catharines , Ontario.
Visit Mark’s contributor’s page here.
More Podcasts to Enjoy:
More Blogs
What Does the Bible Say About Love?
Images Courtesy of:
Man Praying – Xan Griffin
Dating – Josh Hild
Couple – Tibor Pápai
Sunset Couple – Alireza Helmi
Paul F Davis says
Thank you for discussing this important topic as more than ever people are struggling with mental health issues, money problems, insecurity, anxiety, various fears, troubled relationship and some sadly are becoming prescription drug addicts as they try to numb and escape the emotional pain within. Meanwhile the unhealthy side effects of drug use are causing many premature deaths. We need the supernatural power of God Almighty more than ever to set the captives free, heal the hurting within and bring total transformation in people’s lives. The supernatural power of God with prophetic insight to heal and empower humanity is readily available as I’ve experienced around the world. Let’s join hearts in prayer to believe God to touch, save, change and transform our generation and lift us up to where we belong in Him. ~ Paul F. Davis from https://DreamMakerMinistries.com/
Ray Marshall says
Hi Paul. Thanks for your comments. There is no doubt that an increasing number of people have been suffering from mental health issues – particularly during the last few years of the pandemic. Ultimately, the Lord will put everything to right. Blessings!