Using Old Testament Analogies In Cross-Cultural Evangelism

Although a Westerner would not understand the necessity of such practices, Africans can draw analogies to this and the benefits of belonging to the family of God through Jesus Christ. (John 1:12) In similar fashion, many African tribe offer payment for bride prices as did those in the O.T.. In Gen. 24 we learn how Abraham sent his servant to find a wife for Isaac. When the servant arrived at the well outside the city of Nahor, he asked for a sign that he might make the proper choice. When Rebekah came with her pitcher, she offered to draw water for him and his camels. He took this as the requested sign. Her response indicated that she was generous, hard-working (Those camels needed lots of water), and hospitable. He then gave her expensive presents that he had brought from Abraham. When he asked for lodging, he refused to stay until he met with the father to explain his mission. When Rebekah’s father and brother heard the request, they allowed her the choice if she would accept. This indicated that she came from a wealthy family of an upper class background. She left her home and became Isaac’s wife . All of this without ever laying eyes on Isaac.

In like fashion, African regard anyone who fails to get married under normal circumstances as one who has rejected society and society will reject him in return. Marriage is an institution that brings the best and worst of economic, social, political, and religious aspects together. Also without procreation, marriage is incomplete. Without children the marriage is not perpetuating the family line. It is for this reason that the father will go to great lengths to see that his sons are married and have children. I have heard many Africans say, "Without children no one will be able to remember you. To die without getting married is to become disconnected. It is to become an outcast and lost all links with one’s family."

A cross-cultural minister can use this comparisons to show the importance of marriage to Christ through faith in Him. Not only by showing the ideals of a spiritual life in ones’ own family life, but also through the spiritual analogy of becoming united with Christ through the marriage of faith for admittance into His family. Without membership in his family we are cut off from our links of power, salvation, and security. A person who stands alone is one who is vulnerable to all sorts of evil. It is for this reason that Paul emphasizes devotion to the Lord even before marriage in I Cor.

By emphasizing the preparation for marriage, the importance of family posterity, even the price that had to be paid for the union to be possible through Christ’s sacrifice comparisons can be great teaching tools. By comparing the strengths of unity through one’s earthly family and that of God’s family, greater understanding can be achieved.

Compare and contrast some of the African conceptions of God with those of the men of the O.T.. Granted, many Africans view God as an impersonal force like that of the Kaka tribe of Cameroon. William Reyburn says, "Historically, the Kaka conceptualizes God in the symbol of the spider. There is obviously a great gap between the spider God who silently busies itself weaving its web upon which the stars delicately hang in the heavens. The Old Testament provides a vital bridge from man impersonal force, a spider, to the personalized God of Israel. This is made possible since the Yahweh is concerned with the people of Israel and the smallest details of their lives." (Reyburn, p. 101)