Being Led by the Holy Spirit

Genesis 24:52-26:16 This Genesis passage gives a beautiful picture of how the Holy Spirit seeks us, chooses us to be the bride of Christ and leads us. The servant who sought a bride for Isaac is a type of the Holy Spirit. The servant was given the assignment to find a bride for Isaac. He found Rebekah, but before he could take Rebekah to Isaac he had to have her permission. When the servant knew Rebekah was the chosen one for Isaac, he wasted no time. He presented gifts of gold, jewels and raiment to Rebekah. Then he asked Rebekah’s parents for her to go with him to marry Isaac. Rebekah’s parents were hesitant and asked if Rebekah could remain with them at least ten days. The servant shared how the Lord had prospered him in his way, and now he was ready to take Rebekah home with him to meet Isaac. The parents then said they would ask Rebekah. Rebekah’s reply was immediate and positive. “And they called Rebekah, and said unto her, Wilt thou go with this man? And she said, I will go” (Gen. 24:58, KJV).

The Holy Spirit seeks and chooses us. His first act toward us is to give us gifts. Remember the account in Acts when the 120 gathered together, and they received the gift of speaking in tongues and the sevenfold anointing (the spirit of wisdom and understanding, might and counsel, the fear of the Lord and knowledge and the spirit of the Lord). Those gathered together on that great day when the church (the bride of Christ) was birthed received gifts and were empowered by the Holy Spirit to be witnesses in this world. They could have chosen to remain within closed doors and use and exercise these gifts among themselves. The whole purpose of this empowering, however, was to equip those early disciples for ministry and to be witnesses. They not only received the gifts, buy they also were willing to go into all the world to share the gospel and to make disciples of many. Notice in this story Rebekah’s immediate and quick response of “yes” to the invitation of the servant, even though her parents wished she could stay with them for a period of time. She also took all of her damsels and servants with her.

What would have happened if Rebekah had decided to wait the ten days her parents desired? She still would have been Isaac’s bride, but she, by her own choice, would have delayed the marriage. We have been chosen to be the bride of Christ. We have been given gifts by the Holy Spirit. Now the Father asks us this question, “Will you go with this servant (the Holy Spirit)? Will you let the Holy Spirit lead you?” We have a choice. We can delay that wedding day by refusing to be led by the Holy Spirit, or we can hasten the day of that wedding by our obedient readiness to be led by the Holy Spirit. Could it be that the Lord has not come for His bride yet because there are those who are not following the commission found in Matthew 28:19-20. “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you-.-.-.-” (KJV).

READ: Genesis 24:52-26:16; Matthew 8:18-34; Psalm 10:1-15; Proverbs 3:7-8