Redeemer Reformed Church of Oklahoma City

They said, “Let us call the young woman and ask her.” And they called Rebekah and said to her, “Will you go with this man?” She said, “I will go.” So they sent away Rebekah their sister and her nurse, and Abraham’s servant and his men. And they blessed Rebekah and said to her, “Our sister, may you become thousands of ten thousands, and may your offspring possess the gate of those who hate them!”—Genesis 24:57-60

Just before this passage, there is some disunity among Rebekah’s family. First off, Laban, Rebekah’s brother and apparent spokesman for Bethuel’s house, is more than a little excited about shipping off his sister in exchange for the riches Abraham’s servant is offering as the bride price. But then mom would like the customary waiting period of a couple of weeks to take place. Abraham’s servant gives an implicit warning that they shouldn’t act against Providence: “Do not delay me, since the LORD has prospered my way. Send me away that I may go to my master.” (v. 56)

So then picking up on the passage above, they ask Rebekah an unethical question—unethical because they had already consented to the marriage. With Jacob many years later, Laban’s greed is foreshadowed here. She gives the only decisive comment in the entire narrative, “I will go.” Instead of trying to please her family, she follows the Lord’s direction, just like Abraham did when he left much of his family in that same land over 60 years before.

Perhaps, though, the most beautiful part comes with the poetry of their blessing, “Our sister, may you become thousands of ten thousands, and may your offspring possess the gate of those who hate them.” What’s really beautiful about it, of course, is that it speaks of Christ. We already saw in the blessing of Abraham in chapter 22, these same words following his obedient submission to bind Isaac. Indeed the ultimate offspring of Rebekah, Jesus Christ, will possess the gate of those who hate him and his people.

In this Easter season, this should remind us to rejoice in the victory wrought by Christ. There is so much focus in Christian interests today about “victorious Christian living.” Five steps to… whatever. Purpose driven this, purpose driven that…with what goal? “Victorious Christian living!”

But when are we going to learn that victorious Christian living comes from being a Christian? Christians are victorious because Christ was. Your life may be full of hardship and pain from the first day to the last day of your life in this world, but that has nothing to do with victorious Christian living. That’s because Jesus has conquered and possessed the gate of those who hate him and his people.

And that’s the gospel! Come hear it preached and enacted in baptism and in the supper with Jesus this Sunday.

The related hymns we’ll sing are:
Christ is Alive!
Baptized in Water
Rejoice Ye Pure in Heart

This Sunday (April 11) is our Community Lunch following the worship service. All are welcome. Click here to request more info.

Sunday school for children (in Genesis) and adults (in Galatians) is up and running! Coffee and other treats are served at 9:15, teaching begins at 9:30, and we break to get ready for worship at 10:15. 

Visitors are always welcome!