Genesis 24:50-58

VI. The Servant Enriches the Bride's Family

"Then Laban and Bethuel answered and said, The thing proceedeth from Jehovah: we cannot speak unto thee bad or good. Behold, Rebekah is before thee, take her, and go, and let her be thy master's son's wife, as Jehovah hath spoken. And it came to pass, that, when Abraham's servant heard their words, he bowed himself down to the earth unto Jehovah. And the servant brought forth jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment, and gave them to Rebekah: he gave also to her brother and to her mother precious things. And they did eat and drink, he and the men that were with him, and tarried all night: and they rose up in the morning, and he said, Send me away unto my master. And her brother and her mother said, Let the damsel abide with us a few days, at least ten; after that she shall go. And he said unto them, Hinder me not, seeing that Jehovah hath prospered my way; send me away, that I may go to my master. And they said, we will call the damsel, and inquire at her mouth. And they called Rebekah, and said unto her, Wilt thou go with this man? And she said, I will go."

The servant bestowed rich gifts upon Laban and upon Rebekah's mother, but he insisted that an IMMEDIATE departure to the country of Isaac was imperative.

Note the sacrifices that Rebekah made:

1. She did not plead for time to make up her mind.
   
2. She would say goodbye to her home and relatives, with the near certainty that she would never see them again.
   
3. She believed the messenger completely, an incredible act of faith.
   
4. She made the decision, saying, "I will go."
   
5. She followed the messenger to meet her bridegroom.
   
6. She was already the bride-elect, but her actual union with Isaac would not occur until many days had passed, and that final "evening" arrived.
   
7. Then, in the twilight, with her veil upon her, she went forth to meet the bridegroom!
   

SO IT IS WITH THE BRIDE OF CHRIST

Many of the bride's "relatives" are endowed and enriched because of the Church of Christ. Even worldly and sinful communities are blessed by the presence and activity of Christians. Countless church-related institutions are supported effectively because of their connection with Christianity.

Christians, who are, in fact, "The Bride of Christ," must say "goodbye" to home, to loved ones, to all they had previously loved in order to follow Christ. They must, like Rebekah, believe the testimony of the "Messenger," which is the Holy Spirit, specifically, the Bible, which is the testimony of the "Messenger." They must make the courageous decision, without hesitation or delay. To procrastinate is to lose everything. Like Rebekah, they do not find themselves united finally with Christ, until many days have passed, and at last there arrives that final "evening" when they pass through the veil to be with the Lord. Also, they must never leave off following the "Messenger." By such means alone shall they achieve the union with the Bridegroom.