Bible’s focus is on God’s loving redemption

A type is a foreshadowing of something to come. There are many types in the Old Testament that give a glimpse of the New Testament. Sometimes it’s clear, as in, “This (Noah and the ark story) prefigures baptism which now saves you (I Peter 3:21),” or “Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness so the son of man must be lifted up that whoever believes in him might have eternal life (John 3:14-15).”

Studying Old Testament types offers a satisfying fullness as we grow in grace and in the knowledge of our lord and savior Jesus Christ. All of the old stories center on the chief theme of creation: God’s loving redemption of humanity.

The Israelites are our elder brothers in the faith and their holy books are more than a collection of sensational tales to brighten Sunday school felt boards. St. Augustine explained it thusly: “the new is in the old concealed; the old is by the new revealed.” The entire chapter of Genesis 24 is an ancient account that illustrates some broad themes of Christianity, which is both enlightening and encouraging.

Elderly Abraham dispatches his chief servant to return to his family’s land and bring back a bride to the promised land for his son Isaac. When the servant arrives, he does not hold a beauty contest, but instead prays, “Lord, God of my master Abraham, let it turn out favorably for me today and deal graciously with my master Abraham.” He then puts out a fleece: “If I say to a girl, ‘Please lower your jug that I may drink,’ and she answers, ‘Take a drink, and your camels too,’ let her be the one whom you have decided upon for your servant Isaac.” He knows that a kind woman makes a good wife.

Rebekah is the first maiden at the spring and she responds exactly as the servant prayed. Plus, she was lovely to behold! The servant showers her with golden bracelets and a ring, relays the entire tale to her, then falls down in worship of the Lord while Rebekah runs home to tell her mother.

“Blessed be the Lord, the God of my master Abraham, who has not forsaken his lovingkindness and his truth toward my master. As for me, the Lord has guided me in the way to the house of my master’s brothers.” Genesis 24:26-27

Although her family initially resists, they put the decision to Rebekah. She agrees to leave immediately with her nurse and the servant for her promised new home of Abraham’s to marry his son. Isaac, watching and waiting, “took her into his tent; he married her, and she became his wife. In his love for her, Isaac found solace after the death of his mother Sarah.” Genesis 24:67 They are comforted and happy. The end.

But let us look closer. Abraham is a picture of father God. The thought of a bride for his son originates with the father — how wonderful.

The servant is a picture of the Holy Spirit. He has all the authority of the father as he actively searches, prays, leads, and gives gifts for the journey — how precious.

Isaac is a picture of Jesus. He is awaiting the arrival of his beloved to take into his home and love — how safe.

Rebekah is a picture of the church. She heard the servant’s words and responded so she was chosen, blessed, helped, and travelling — how beautiful.

The home, of course, is heaven, what we were made for — how fulfilling.

Isn’t it a delightful surprise to see history and theology intertwined like this? We can never grasp all the “lovingkindness and truth” about God, but we need not cease learning, for he is infinite. Our souls can never be too full of God.

There is a connection between the very beginning of written Scriptures to the very end; it is woven like a great ball of yarn in the father’s hands. My story, your story, their stories, all of our stories are part of God’s creation. It was his idea to send out the comforter to bring us to heaven, to give us gifts of blessing, and to walk with us all the way. It is our place to be always on the lookout for chances to respond to his call like Rebekah.

From the words of Elizabeth Barrett Browning: “Earth’s crammed with heaven, and every common bush afire with God.” Let us look for God’s fire right here on earth. He’s here. He wants people home with his son and he sends his spirit to find us, decorate us, and travel with us to the arms of Jesus!

Rebekah’s family sent her off with these words:

“Sister, may you grow into thousands of myriads;

May your descendants gain possession of the gates of their enemies!” Genesis 24:60

Yes Lord, we pray this for your grateful Church.

Allison Howell and her family are longtime residents of the Valley. They are Catholic converts and keep a hobby farm full of animals and children.

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