Cleveland County herald., 1918-10-24
LESSON FOR OCTOBER 27
lsAAc,s MARRIAGE TO REBEccA.


 LESSON TEXT-Genesis 24. l GOLDEN TEXT-Let not mercy and truth forsaks thee: So shalt thou find favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man.-Proyerbs 3:S-4
 DEVOTIONAL READING-Ephesian 6:22-33; l Thessalonians 4:13-1S. | ADDITIONAL MATERIAL FOR TEACHERS-Genesis 25:19-34; Proverbs 31 :10-31
 |. Abrahan's soIicitude for Wife for Issac (vv. 1-9).
 He knew that Isaac's success in life would much depend upon what kind Of a wife he should have. Mans welfare this life and that to come largely depends upon his wife. For Isaac to have an idolatrous, Canaanitish wife would be fatal to his posterity, would subvert the plan of God as expressed in his covenant with Abraham. It would have been perilous to Isaac him. self. To have married a woman in that land would have made him in a sense an heir to the land through mar rfage, and would have tended to di- vert his mind from the heirship through the covenant promise.
 i. The Servants Oath (vv. 2-4). Abraham committed to his trusted servant the matter of securing a wife for Isaac; therefore, he made him swear that he would go to Abraham's country and kindred to get wife for him. He doubtless regarded his serv- ant more competent to select a wife than Isaac was to select one for him. self.
 | 2. The Extent of the Servants Re- sponsibiIity (vv. 5, 8. Before the serv- ant would take the oath he must have clearly defined the extent of his re- sponsibility. If the woman would re- fuse the invitation, the servant would be clear of responsibility. The minis- ter's obligation ends when he has earnestly and intelligently made known to sinners the will of God.
 8. The Servants Helper (v. 8. Abraham assured him that God would send his angel to make the mission successful. The servant found this to be true. God sends his Holy Spirit to | cessful.
 II. The Servants Obedience (vv. 1O749).
 1. He Took Ten CameIs (v. 1O). 1 These were to carry presents to the bride, and to conduct her and her con- panions back to his master.
 2. His Prayer for Guidance (vv. 12- 14. He asked that the Lord would guide him to the woman whom he had chosen for Isaac. Earnest prayer for guidance should be made in the selec- tion of a wife.
 3. His Prayer Answered (vv. 15-27). Before he had done praying, the an- swer was realized to be in the process of fulfillment. The answer was &C., cording to the request, even in the matter of fulfillment. God does defin- itely answer prayer.
 4. The Servants Message (vv. 33- 49). The Lord had prospered the old servants way. He now was face to face with Rebecca. Supper was ready, but the delivery of his message was more important to him than eating when he was hungry. He said, q will not eat till I have said my errand." Good were it if all ministers were as much interested in delivering the good news in Christ. CD His master was rich (v. 35). God the Heavenly Father is rich. The silver and gold and the cattle upon thousand hills are all his. (2) All his riches have been given to his son (v. 36). All the riches of heav- en, God the Father has given to Jesus Christ, his son. (3) Opportunity was given Rebecca to become the wife of Isaac (v. 49). He not only gave the cept the invitation.
 III. Rebecca's Relatives Beauing for Postponement of Action (v. 55).
 They did not object to her going sometime, but they desired that she postpone action for time. What folly to remain and water sheep when she had the opportunity to become the bride of a rich mans son.
 What folly for sinners to remain servants in the world when they have the privilege of becoming the bride of Christ.
 W.-Rebecca's Glorious Decision. (v. 55).
 When the decision was referred to Rebecca she said, "I will go." Good Judgment would not allow her to re- fuse nor delay.
 V. The Meeting of Isaac and Re- becca (vv. 64-67).
 Isaac was waiting for the return of the servant with the woman who was to be his wife. Isaac was joined to her in marriage, loved her, and was comforted in her after his mothers death.
 Spirit of Christ.