Sunday Evening, May 18, 2008,

This afternoon, we conducted services at Forest Glen Health Campus, a nursing care facility. These meetings are held every first and third Sunday of the month. We had a real good turn out, particularly with the saints. The residents always seem to be appreciative.

This evening, we gathered for meeting at the Courtyard Marriott in downtown Springfield, Ohio. Sis Becky Laywell led a very interesting discussion on the symbolism behind the story of Gen 24, Abraham finding a wife for Isaac. She showed how that Abraham represented God, Isaac / Jesus, the servant / The Holy Spirit, and Rebekah the church.  It was a beautiful picture of how much God loves His church and what he has done for her freedom.

Here are some of the conclusions that she drew… 

• Abraham was exceedingly wealthy, just like Our Father in heaven.

• Both had to sacrifice their son.

• Isaac was the only begotten son of his father, just like Jesus.

• Both sons had a miraculous birth

• Both were obedient to their father’s will, even unto death.

• Both Isaac and Jesus were to inherit all things

• Abraham had a servant that did his master’s bidding.  He went out to find the wife.  Today, the Holy Spirit is sent out to call us to Jesus.

• Rebekah left all she had to follow the servant.  Her old way of life was cast off.  This typifies Christians who leave the old life behind to follow God.

Truly the stories of the Old Testament were written for our learning so we can better understand God’s divine purpose in this world.  Many times, Jesus used stories to relay spiritual meaning.  Clearly in this story, we understand what is required of us to be Christ’s bride – we must forsake all to follow him.