Here Comes The Bride

HERE COMES THE BRIDE

Perhaps the story of how you and your sweetheart met and fell in love is similar to mine. When it comes to meeting, dating and marrying that special someone

(in our American culture) – we don’t do. Things quite like they did in Genesis 24.

Actually our parents (probably) had very little to do with our finding that special someone to share our lives with…But a lot of couples in other countries do meet their future husband or wife very much like what we see with Father Abraham…

This morning – my hope is that all of us will see the comparison with the relationship that Father God has with His Son’s bride. According to God’s Holy Word –

The church of all believers is the bride of Christ. There is coming a day…

Our Heavenly Father has already decided who will be the bride for His only begotten Son. God knows what is best for His Son and He knows what is best for His church. We the church are the bride chosen for His Son – Jesus Christ.

God sees – the beauty of His bride…

- the spiritual potential

- the spiritual beauty of His church

Don’t allow yourself to become discouraged by the negative things said about the church – it is still the Bride of Christ.

Now then – there is another important person in our story we need to know. This person is not to be over looked with His role in finding the Bride…

Father Abraham spoke to his “oldest servant of His house, who ruled over all…” This servant was his

most reliable and faithful. Father Abraham gave to this servant the complete responsibility of finding the bride for his son.

Father Abraham was convinced that not just any – woman would be suitable for his son.

And there would only be one requirement expected of the woman if she would become the bride.

Notice vs. 8 – “And if the woman is not willing to follow you…” There was a possibility that the woman would not want to commit to becoming the bride for Father Abraham – this was a risk.

There was a lot at stake here…After all, Father Abraham had been promised by the Lord God Jehovah that He would have many descendants. As many as “the stars in the sky”. Father Abraham was referred to as the “Father of many nations.”

But “if” the bride decided not to follow the servant, there would not be a wedding…And “if” there was no wedding, there would be no descendants…

As you can see it all hinged on what the servant would do to attract the bride to follow him.

TRANSITION:

What I find interesting is there is no mention of the servant’s name. He is just a servant at the beck and

call of Father Abraham. He will get very little attention for all of his hard work.

But there is nothing more important for him than to accomplish what Father Abraham has sent him to do. Find the bride! Bring the bride back to the Father’s house! If the son were to ever be happy, he would need the servant to do his all important job…find the bride!

Question: Why do you suppose this story that is thousands of years old is so important to us living in the 21st century?

The Church, i.e. the Bride of Christ, is in the same situation this very day. The Church must be convinced to understand how important it is for her to follow God’s oldest most faithful servant – the Holy Spirit!

Once again – “IF” the Holy Spirit cannot convince you to follow Him, all will be lost. There are eternal consequences at stake here…for Father God…for His Son, Jesus Christ…and for the Church (the Bride of Christ).

The Holy Spirit has an enormous responsibility. He is trying to woo you and I into the awesome presence

or our Heavenly Father. God’s desire is for you to be in His House! There is a wedding planned for the

Bride of Christ.

Vs 8 – “And if the woman is not willing to follow you, then you will be released from this oath…”

Listen – the Holy Spirit will not beg you to come to the Father’s House. This is a decision you have to make

for yourself, but the consequences are very real:

The result of your not following the Holy Spirit is devastating:

1. The church will be barren there will be no children and no conversions to Christ. The church

will wither and die.

2. The church will be empty and lonely on the inside…hopelessly lost without her husband, the Son of God.

3. There will be no gifts given by the Holy Spirit. No healings, no prophecies no word of knowledge, no word of wisdom, no working of miracles, no