INTRODUCTION - EACH GREAT MAN LEAVES HIS LESSON FOR US T0 STUDY, THIS ONE IS STRANGE, BUT NEEDED

• Isaac lives out a great message in his marriage, and in the digging of wells-both ignored
• His system of finding a wife may be strange by today's standards, but his worked- ours?
• There is a deep picture in symbol form of Evangelism our going soulwinning for Jesus-

Some have failed repeatedly, so do not oppose the pastor in trying to help the kids

I. GREAT MISSION TRUSTED TO UNNAMED SERVANT

According to Gen 25:20 Isaac was already 40 years old-WOW, some of you turned off already

A. ABRAHAM, THE PATRIARCH, GAVE INSTRUCTIONS TO HIS SERVANT CONCERNING HIS SON'S MARRIAGE - v1-8

1. At 140 years, he had some wisdom- and used his best for the Son of Promise-do not despise old age
2. The Servant Swore-"By the Lord "v. 3- the redemptive name of God- spiritual man- God cares
3. He did not want his son to take a wife from the World- He had special reasons- parents do!

B.  THE UNNAMED SERVANT SOUGHT THE BRIDE THAT THE ANGEL (7b) WOULD GUIDE HIM TO - 9-14

1. The servant took the means of accomplishing his task- 10 camels & wealth, Custom is important
2. He expected God's help- Prayed for it- v.12, and allowed God to show His will to him.
3. Too often today kids are too emotionally involved to make a decision -or follow God's will

C.  GOD LISTENED TO THE SERVANT'S PRAYER, AND GUIDED HIM IN THE WAY TO SUCCESS IN HIS MISSION - 14

1. When the servant asked for help- he had a plan, no doubt well thought out- prayed about?
2. He thanked God ahead of time for God's appointment! Has God a plan for your marriage? life?
3. God has given many helps, but our own stubborn way keeps us from the good helps-

We have experts in every area- but leave this vital job to rank amateurs!

II.  THE GREAT DECISION INVOLVED MANY PEOPLE

Many people think that their marriage is just a private matter- it is very much public-

A.  THE SERVANT WAS INVOLVED, AND HE HAD TO BE SATISFIED THAT THIS WAS GOD'S LEADING - 15-27

1. The girl met his conditions- she was kind, hospitable, a hard worker, very courteous
2. He still wondered- v.21, and tested her further not telling her of his plans-
3. But v.27, before he would sit down to eat- he thanked God, & told his mission- v.33

B.  THE FAMILY OF THE GIRL WERE INVOLVED, AND THEY WERE SATISFIED THAT GOD WAS IN IT ALL- v.28-51

1. They listened with courtesy to the entire story- 34-48, note that her brother -Laban
2. They could not speak against God's plan- and left the final decision up to the girl
3. When the servant wanted to go back early,- 54 they accepted it as God's will

C.  THE GIRL WAS VERY DEFINITELY INVOLVED, AND SHE WAS SATISFIED THOUGH SHE SAID LITTLE - 52-61

1. It was a sweet worshipful experience- v.52 I would that all courtship were such!
2. Her few words- "I will go"-v.58b opened the door to adventure, commitment, line of Christ
3. When she met Isaac- she put on a veil-v.65b, a sign of humility, modesty, & met Him

If you think this adventure of romance is strange, They should read some of ours!

III. THE GREAT DECISION BY ISAAC - v.66-67

There might not be much said about the boy's part, but it is still important!

A.  ISAAC LOVED HER, TOOK HER INTO HIS MOTHER'S TENT AND THEY WERE MARRIED v. 67

1. This is an unusual marriage ceremony-not a church, pastor, license, -HIS MOTHER'S TENT!
2. This marriage occurred without a date, romantic ride, trial at necking, or anything like!
3. Isaac accepted God's will, and found that the Lord could lead better than he could!

B.  IS OUR METHOD TODAY SO MUCH BETTER THAN HIS? HIS METHOD WORKED, OURS DO NOT!

1. 3/4 marry the wrong person- decisions made in fit of rebellion against parents not real love
2. Many miss the excitement of youth-wanting to be adults- then at 35-45 become teens again
3. I counsel as best I can- try to guide, some refuse - what should I do- refuse is easy! got one years ago! What should I say to young people?

C.  GOD CERTAINLY HAS A BETTER PLAN THAN MANY PEOPLE FIND TODAY!  HE HAS AN APPOINTMENT!

1. I'd say start with prayer - patience - choose your love- then love your choice
2. Note the 10 worst faults found later by husbands & wives - too late then!  you shop earlier
3. If you want a heaven on earth- use the 10 rules for a happy marriage- if not- Wow-

But don't get in a rush- have fun in youth- good wholesome fun- Paper-The Dating Game

CONCLUSION - THE REAL SECRET OF FINDING A WIFE IS IN GEN 24:27-  "Being in the way-the Lord led me"

1. Do you want God's will, or do you want -lust of flesh? Your choice-heaven or hell!
2. If you can't choose to go God's way- Satan will trap you into His way!
3. Settle your relationship with God first- then you can have a chance at a happy home!