From Eternity to Here: Rediscovering the Ageless Purpose of God

by Frank Viola

Let’s now turn our attention to one of the most beautiful portraits of the bride of Christ in all of holy writ, Rebekah. Rebekah depicts the bride of marital preparation. Revelation 19:7 (NASB) says, “Let us rejoice and be glad … for the marriage of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready.” Genesis 24 is a heartwarming narrative teaching us how the Spirit of God woos the bride to Jesus and makes her ready for heaven’s ultimate wedding. The four main characters in this tender love story are as follows: • Abraham. He portrays God the Father. Abraham is wealthy and rich beyond measure. In the Bible, riches speak of money; wealth speaks of possessions. Abraham has both in great abundance. He illustrates God the Father, who owns the cattle upon a thousand hills (Ps. 50:10). • Isaac, the son of Abraham. Isaac is a wonderful picture of the Lord Jesus. Jesus and Isaac are the only two people in all of Scripture who are referred to as “the only begotten son” (John 1:18; Heb. 11:17). Both Isaac and Jesus are referred to as “the promised seed.” Both have a rich father. Both had a miraculous birth. Both were obedient unto death. Both were offered as a sacrifice by their fathers on a mountain. Both inherit all things from their fathers. • Rebekah. She is a digital image of that beautiful girl, the bride of Christ. • The servant. This man plays a fascinating role in the story. He represents the Holy Spirit and is sent by Abraham. The Spirit was sent to earth by God the Fa...