06/08/2013 - FORBIDDEN TO RETURN

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But Abraham said to him, “Beware that you do not take my son back there.”

Genesis 24.6

Abraham was around 140 years old when he felt he should send his servant to his land and seek a bride for his son. He had obeyed the Lord, but life was not easy to him, nor to his offspring, which shows that the trajectory of a servant of the Lord is always filled with challenges. But those who fear God must wait for directions from heaven, which surely will come in due time.

In his heart, Abraham kept God’s order to leave his country and family. God wanted his servant to be far from the evil things that people in his homeland were doing, so that he would not be contaminated. Abraham, a friend of God, was supposed to follow the path laid down by the Lord and never go back. If he did, he would displease the One who had entrusted him with a noble mission. In addition, his obedience was in line with the redeeming plan of the Lord.

The order not to return extended to Isaac as well. Going back to the land they had left could be a trap. Many people had lost their faith because they went back “to their family”. Those who relapse in faith are displeasing the Most High; on the other hand, those who are called must press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3.14b).

God’s orders are never cancelled nor revoked. Therefore, Abraham understood that he should never return to his country, and the same rule was valid for his sons. Those who have been called to be part of God’s people (as well as their descendants) must watch out not to relapse into the practices that the world considers “normal”. The Lord requires from his servants obedience to his commandments.

We are partially responsible for the marriage, education, profession and behavior of our children. Abraham knew that Isaac should not marry a Canaanite woman; still, he did not break God’s law: he sent his servant to his country to find the right woman to be part of his family and share in his blessing. Those who are saved must not marry a person who does not belong to God’s family (2Corinthians 6.14).

Abraham told his servant to be careful, because that was a mission of faith. He should follow God’s directions, which would lead him to the chosen one – Isaac’s wife-to-be would also be part of God’s plan.

Until today, he who obeys the Lord will see that He never fails to fulfill his Word. So those who believe in God should never act hastily. They must stand firm and follow God’s direction until their mission is accomplished.
Abraham’s servant brought Rebekah, who – after seeing Isaac from a distance, because he had gone to the field to pray – felt he was the one chosen by God. It is so nice when two hearts feel God’s direction to love each other! They became husband and wife, honoring the call of the Lord.

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares