The Agent

white dove carries a gift for the feast , wild nature

When Abraham was old, he commanded his servant to go as an agent to his homeland to get a wife for his only son Isaac. The servant took ten camels and gifts of gold to Nahor where Abraham’s relatives lived. At the springs he prayed that the woman who gave him a drink would volunteer to water his camels, and she did. Rebekah was beautiful and willing to go back with the servant (agent) to marry Isaac (Genesis 24). The servant’s name was Eliezer, which means “God is the helper.”

Before Abraham began to think about a wife for Isaac, God asked him to do something unthinkable. He asked him to sacrifice his only son Isaac. Although heartbroken, Abraham obeyed. He traveled to Moriah, built an altar and took his son to slay him. God said, ” Do not lay a hand on the boy. Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son” (Genesis 22:12). God provided a lamb caught in the thicket for the sacrifice.

God did not spare His only Son, but gave Him to be a sacrifice for the forgiveness of our sins. Jesus promised His followers a helper, the Holy Spirit, symbolized by a dove. His bride is the church made up of believers, and He gives us the gift of the Holy Spirit to help us live our lives pleasing to Him.

THINK ABOUT IT

Since God gave all He had, His only Son, for His bride, the response of the bride is to devote her life to loving Him and others. That’s challenging in today’s world. It was just as challenging in the world Jesus left to be with the Father. But we have a helper, the Spirit of the living God, who counsels us, comforts and encourages us when we reach out to show love and compassion as He shows love and compassion.

PRAY ABOUT IT

Thank you, Father, for giving us Jesus our Lord. Raise up your people in the church to reach a sick and dying world so those who come to believe in you will not perish but have eternal life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The Bridal Chamber

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In early Hebrew tradition, the bride lived at home until the bridegroom finished preparing a place for her and his father said, “All is ready.” Then the bridegroom traveled to his bride’s home, her bridal chamber.

Christians believe that the Lord Jesus is the Bridegroom and the church is the bride. The place Jesus is preparing for us is in Heaven. Until He comes to take us to be where He is, our bridal chamber is here on earth.

Are you living with eternity in mind? If so, do not hold tightly to things of this world. You won’t need any of it. Spend your time preparing for the wedding.

You may ask, “How do I prepare?” The answer is, “Make yourself beautiful.” Fill your life with things above. Everything you do here is preparing you for your eternal life. The things of this world will pass away but everything you do for the Kingdom of God now will last forever.

THINK ABOUT IT

“Finally, brothers and sisters whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me–put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you” (Philippians 4:8-9).

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2).

PRAY ABOUT IT

Heavenly Father, this place on earth is not our home. We long to be where you are. Show us your way. Lead us along your paths. Prepare us to be ready when Jesus comes. In His great name, Amen.