Genesis 24:58

‘FORGET THINE OWN PEOPLE!’

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

Genesis 24:58

Many Christians believe the great end and aim of life is that they may obtain salvation. But God never created us merely that we might be saved. Had that been His object. He would have answered His purpose best by placing us beyond the reach of moral evil. God calls us to prepare for the bridal union of eternity. In one sense we are united to Christ now, because His Spirit dwells in us. But by the long discipline of life our will is subjugated and brought into conformity with the Divine will, so that God’s will and man’s will become identified; and out of the two there is made one in the bridal union of eternity.

I. What is the first condition of discipleship if we are called to be the Bride of the Lamb? We are called to leave all and follow Christ. Rebekah knew nothing of Isaac, except what Eliezer told her; she had to judge of his position and wealth by the steward’s testimony. It seemed a great deal to ask, that she should leave home and friends and give herself over to a stranger. Yet she went, and she never regretted her choice.

II. A great deal had to be given up by Rebekah, and a great deal will have to be given up by us. She had to leave her nearest and dearest friends; we may have to make no less real a sacrifice.

III. As Eliezer encouraged Rebekah by giving her the jewels from Isaac, so God encourages us by the promises in His word.

IV. No time was lost in starting. Laban suggested a delay of ten days, but Eliezer said, ‘Hinder me not, seeing the Lord hath prospered my way.’ Rebekah was no stranger to woman’s weakness, but she would not risk delay, and when the question is put, the answer is decisive, ‘I will go.’

—Canon Hay Aitken.

Illustration

‘Decision of character is essential to all noble life. There are innumerable failures and innumerable evils attendant upon its absence. They who lack moral strength are open to all manner of evil inducements and temptations. The fierce conflicts of the flesh can only be maintained through resoluteness. To hesitate is to be lost. Will you go to the scene of appointed duty? is a Divine question often asked. Will you go to the sacred assembly of the good? Will you join yourself to God’s people? Will you be a Christian, indeed, one who can be depended upon to hold up and to defend the sacred banner, and to maintain resolute fidelity even unto death? If you hesitate—if you are half-hearted; if you feel afraid, you cannot be His faithful soldier and servant; you cannot win the crown of life. Decision—earnest, thorough, complete—is the essential condition of victory.’