0169. Abraham's Desire Toward Isaac
Abraham’s Desire Toward Isaac
"Thou shalt take a wife unto my son Isaac" (Gen_24:4).
1. Abraham had a great desire to see his son Isaac married. Immediately the question arises, Is it the best thing for a Christian youth to marry? We cannot answer that only as we examine certain things.
(1) If the youth has a yearning to marry, and cannot contain himself, let him marry, it is no sin (see 1Co_7:28).
(2) If one desires to be his best for God, there are times when it is best not to marry (see 1Co_7:32-35).
The one who is married "cares for the things of his wife, how he may please her."
(3) If one does marry, the Word says: "Such shall have tribulation in the flesh" (1Co_7:28, l. c).
(4) In speaking to younger widows, and particularly to those who wax wanton against Christ and wish to marry, Paul says: "I will that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, giving no occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully."
Now the above admonitions are all important and all have their place, for those who are seeking to give their whole life to God.
Some one will ask–why, then, did Abraham desire that Isaac should marry? In answer, it is necessary to remember that God had given to Abraham the promise that in his seed all the nations of the earth should be blessed. This promise was to be fulfilled in Isaac. How important then, was the marriage of this son. No wonder Abraham was concerned.
Young people should look beyond the "honey moon" of married life. Marriage is vital because of posterity. Marriage should always be considered in the light of the home that is to be formed and of the succeeding generations that will follow.
2. Abraham took the lead. He chose Isaac a wife. It is not so done today. Nor would we say that it should be so done. Certainly it seems eminently wise that both the bride and the bridegroom should have the privilege of choice in a matter so vital to themselves. Yet we insist–both parties had better ask "dad."
Many a girl would have been saved hours, months and years of anguish, if she had only asked her father to look carefully into the character, the disposition and the integrity of the young man who was seeking her hand.
3. Abraham sought a marriage only in the Lord. He said unto Eliezer, "Thou shalt not take a wife unto my son of the daughters of the Canaanites among whom I dwell." "Thou shalt go unto my country and to my kindred" (Gen_24:3-4).
It is permitted unto a woman "to marry only in the Lord." It is forbidden that we should be "unequally yoked together with unbelievers."
Of course, the unbelieving youth will promise most anything before the marriage takes place. But just wait until the marriage is over. Then what?
God said to Israel, His special people: "Neither shalt thou make marriages with them (the Canaanites); thy daughter thou shalt not give to his son, nor his daughter shalt thou take unto thy son; for they will turn away thy son from following Me, that they may serve other gods."
4. Abraham and Eliezer both prayed and sought God’s leadings in the matter of Isaac’s bride. Certainly this was right. No one needs to dread to talk to God about His will in their marriage.
"The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord." God hath surely mapped out a plan for every life. To miss that plan must prove fatal. He Who honored a marriage festival at Cana of Galilee; He Who said: "It is not good for man to dwell alone," will certainly hear the prayer of the one who seeks guidance in this most important step in life.
"O child of God, wait patiently,
When dark thy path may be;
And let thy faith lean trustingly
On Him Who cares for thee.
"O child of God, He loveth thee,
And thou art all His own;
With gentle hand He leadeth thee,
Thou dost not walk alone."
Whatever else is done, do not go at the "getting married" proposition in a prayerless, reckless fashion. Marriage is an institution established and honored of God, and God will lead every young life in its vital choice if the life is only yielded to Him.
Autor: R.E. NEIGHBOUR