TYPES AND SHADOWS | 01 | The Bride
Types and Shadows is a new series I’m writing examining old testament stories and passages that reflect principles and themes that are found in the new testament. Essentially, it is a series that is geared towards showing that the Bible is consistent in its claim that the old covenant was a shadow of the new covenant that we now enjoy in Christ Jesus.
In this first part, we will be examining a story in the book of Genesis Chapter 24. Usually, I would paste the scripture in the article but the entire chapter contains 67 verses in total. All the verses are relevant to the story, so I’m going to place a link HERE (opening a physical Bible also works).
From this point, I’m going to assume you have read the passage. Okay? Good.
This is the story of the wedding of Isaac and Abraham’s quest to find a bride for His son — the heir to the promises of God and the one chosen to give birth to Israel (Jacob) who would eventually start God’s chosen nation.
In this story, there are 4 major players and they all represent four personalities in the new testament/under the new covenant.
They are:
- Abraham: A Picture of God
- Isaac: A Picture of Jesus Christ
- The Servant: A Picture of the Holy Spirit
- Rebekah: A Picture of the Church
Abraham: A Picture of God
Abraham sent his servant to go out and search for a bride for his son Isaac. In our present (western) culture, this is often frowned upon. But, in those days — and some parts of the world today — arranged marriages were the norm.
The fascinating thing about Abraham’s request was the conditions that He gave his servant (see verses 3–4). Abraham specifically wanted a woman that was from his hometown and family and not any woman that was from the surrounding cities. Abraham did this in obedience to God’s instructions to Him.
For I feel a divine jealousy for you, since I betrothed you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ. — 2 Corinthians 11:2 (English Standard Version)
For your Maker is your husband, the Lord of hosts is his name; and the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer, the God of the whole earth he is called. — Isaiah 54:5 (English Standard Version)
In the same vein, the only people who qualify to be the bride of Christ are those who are a part of God’s family. Those who have accepted Jesus Christ into their hearts and have become members of the body of Christ. These are the ones referred to as the church.
God, just like Abraham, has no greater standards for marriage to His Son than this.
Isaac: A Picture of Jesus Christ
One of the more fascinating aspects of this story is how Isaac does not seem to have much to do. The main task was left to the servant who was following the instructions of Abraham.
Today, the church is completely under the jurisdiction of the Holy Spirit (we will get to him in a bit). Jesus came to this world, took on the form of man, died on the cross, rose on the third day and ascended unto heaven to be with His Father. When He said, “it is finished” on the cross, He meant it.
This does not mean that our Jesus is docile or inactive. He is alive! And He has told us what He went to do — to prepare a place for us (see John 14:3).
However, everything that concerns the church thriving on earth and preparing her to meet with her Bridegroom is completely in the hands of the Holy Spirit.
The Servant: A Picture of the Holy Spirit
Like I have already stated, the majority of the work lies in the hands of the servant. It was his job to find her and to prepare her for life with Isaac.
To make his choice, the servant first had to prove her character to determine that she was worthy of his master’s son (see verses 12–25). He tested her selflessness, care, understanding and willingness to sacrifice. When he was satisfied, he adorned her with gifts to set her apart as the betrothed of Isaac (see verse 30).
Today, these are the same jobs that the Holy Spirit does in the church today. By dwelling in us, He transforms our character into the likeness of Jesus Himself. He sanctifies us and makes us suitable for our Bridegroom. He also gives us spiritual gifts to set us apart as the ones who belong to Jesus.
Most importantly, the servant was the one who led her to Isaac. Rebekah could not get to Isaac on her own. She did not ask for a map or request for another guide. She simply followed Him.
Jesus gave us the Holy Spirit for a reason. The Holy Spirit, the blood of Jesus and the word of God are necessary for the believer’s life and eternal glory.
Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendour, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. — Ephesians 5:25–27 (English Standard Version)
Rebekah: A Picture of the Church
Rebekah’s introduction is a staggering one because the first attribute that she was identified with beyond her name, family and appearance was her virginity (see verse 16). As the church, Christ is interested in our purity and separation from sin.
The scriptures quoted earlier (Ephesians 5:25–27; 2 Corinthians 11:2) reflect this characteristic of the church perfectly. We need to be sanctified and to live a life free of the works of the flesh (see Galatians 5:19–21).
Some Christians tend to think that receiving Jesus is the end of the story. This is a false narrative. Our new birth experience is the beginning of a new life in which we are to walk with God through the Holy Spirit and fellowship with Him in prayer and by the word. There is no other way to be presentable to our Bridegroom.
The second thing to note is that Rebekah was willing to go with the servant (see verse 58). The Holy Spirit will not force us to do anything. He is always willing to help us but we have to be willing to cooperate with His leading at all times.
To end this lesson, let’s look at a passage in Revelation 19:7–8.
Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure” — for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints. — Revelation 19:7–8 (English Standard Version)
If you have the time, you can read Revelation Chapter 19 & 21. There is a common misconception that the book of Revelation is scary full of doom and gloom. However, this narrative is not true.
At its heart, the book is one of victory for the saints and judgement for those who refuse to worship God. The passage above tells us that marriage with Jesus Christ is going to be an event of rejoicing and glory. We will finally be presented to our Lord and Saviour as His church. This is the singular most anticipated event of the ages!
Yet, we are told that she (the bride) is to ‘clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure’. Thankfully, we are told what the linen is — the righteous deeds of the saints.
The Bible is very clear on this subject. It is our responsibility to live a life of righteousness and perform righteous works. Jesus has given us all that we need to live this life — the Holy Spirit, his word and His blood.
The rest is left to us.
