Isaac and Rebekah
I have not heard many teachings focused on Isaac as an adult. The stories of Abraham and Jacob occupy more space in scripture. Even the terrifying, pivotal story in which Isaac is placed on the altar centers on Abraham’s faith rather than Isaac’s. But Isaac was no helpless infant in that drama. He carried the wood for the sacrifice on his back. He submitted to his bonds though he could have overcome his elderly father in a fight. Isaac could have parted ways with Abraham after the ordeal, but he did not. He loved his father to the end of his days, even as Jesus loved His father unto death.
Though scripture says little about Isaac as an adult, we know two things with certainty.
1) Isaac was in the habit of meditation, so we can assume he cultivate a rich inner life.
2) He loved his wife Rebekah. Even when Isaac lied about his wife to Abimelech (as Abraham had done with Sarah), he could not keep away from her. Now it came about, when he had been there a long time, that Abimelech king of the Philistines looked down through a window, and saw them, and behold, Isaac was caressing his wife Rebekah. - Gen 26:8
I find the account of Isaac and Rebekah’s first meeting profoundly beautiful, both as a human love story and as a prophetic picture.
Now Isaac came from the way of Beer Lahai Roi, for he dwelt in the South. And Isaac went out to meditate in the field in the evening; and he lifted his eyes and looked, and there, the camels were coming. Then Rebekah lifted her eyes, and when she saw Isaac she dismounted from her camel; for she had said to the servant, “Who is this man walking in the field to meet us?”
The servant said, “It is my master.” So she took a veil and covered herself.
And the servant told Isaac all the things that he had done. Then Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah’s tent; and he took Rebekah and she became his wife, and he loved her. So Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death.
(Gen. 24:62–67)
Isaac was alone when he met his bride. He had gone out to the fieldto meditate, as Jesus often left the crowds to seek You, Father, in solitude. Isaac was staying in the desert, at Beer Lahai Roi, where Hagar named You the God Who Sees. Isaac knew Your mercy just as Hagar did. You spoke from heaven to spare them both. But Isaac knew there was a reason for the mercy that stayed Abraham’s hand. His life held a purpose that could only be fulfilled in marriage.
When Rebekah saw the lonely figure, she asked Abraham’s servant who he might be. Upon learning it was Isaac, she got down off her camel and veiled herself. She did homage to the one who would be her husband.
Jesus, I cannot wait for the day when I meet You face-to-face! I long to see You in the fullness of Your glory, surrounded by the host of heaven singing Your praise. But first I hope to meet You alone, as Rebekah met Isaac, or as the Samaritan woman found You at the well. I want to come dressed in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. I want to bow low at Your feet. And though this sounds too bold for human desire, I hope to see in Your eyes that my love brings You some measure of joy, some comfort or vindication for Your suffering—both on the cross and in union with Your people.
I am touched by the fact that Isaac brought Rebekah into his mother’s tent. Sarah was the first woman he had loved. She was the woman who had given him life and nurtured him. She was the one who had taught Isaac all he knew about feminine love; but she was gone, and he missed her. Scripture tells us that Isaac kept Sarah’s tent and her belongings close to himself. Isaac opened his heart to Rebekah by bringing her into the space reserved for his mother; but Rebekah would expand his heart, loving him in ways that Sarah could not.
I wonder, Father, if there is not some parallel here with your own Son? Israel, Mary, and the church are all mothers of the Messiah, each in her unique way. Israel carried the seed that led to His birthand was entrusted with the Law and the Prophets that prepared His way. Mary gave birth to Your Son in the flesh and instructed Him in the ways of Your people. The church has borne witness to Jesus throughout the world, giving birth to many souls. In this way she is also a mother of the Messiah. Jesus said that all who do His will are His mother (see Mark 3:33-34). And yet, our relationship will change.
Mothers welcome sons into their world. They nourish, nurture, and teach their boys within their own homes. Brides, on the other hand, go to live in their husband’s house. Abraham would not permit Isaac to return to Haran. Neither will You, Father, allow Jesus to live on this earth again, at least not in its current state. Rather, You call the Bride to the New Jerusalem where we will eat at His table and walk in His ways. Someday all of us, Jews and Gentiles, “will come from east and west, and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 8:11). We will finally see your Son face-to-face. Then “we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is” (1 John 3:2), and the transformation will make us fit to live with Him.
On that day, when faith becomes sight, the mission of both Israel and the church will be accomplished—not forgotten but fulfilled. The earth as we have known it will change. The old will pass away. A new reality will dawn in which Your people, both Jew and Gentile, are transformed into one Bride for Your Son.
No one’s uniqueness will be lost. Our stories from earth will never grow dim. Rather, each one’s history will be seen in the full vibrancy of its color, the full weight of its import. Our stories are inseparable from Your Son’s story. To lose any of their particularities would diminish His glory. The names of Abraham’s great-grandsons will be inscribed on the foundations of the New Jerusalem. The names of the apostles will mark its gates. Sarah, Rebekah, Ruth, and Mary will always be honored as mothers. Abraham will forever be Yeshua’s father, just as he will be mine.
Soon Your Son will ride forth from heaven as a Bridegroom in all His glory. The cave of Machpelah will open and the patriarchs will ascend. All their children, numerous as the stars, will rise with them. We will be seated at the Marriage Supper in our wedding garments, waiting for the Bridegroom to appear. When He does, we will fall on our faces and bow at the feet of our Lord. On that day His joy will be complete and all will laugh together in wonder.