MAKING ARRANGEMENTS FOR ISAAC

“ Put your hand under my thigh, and I will make you swear by the Lord, the God of heaven and earth, that you will not get a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I live but will go to my country and my kindred and get a wife for my son Isaac.” (Genesis 24:2-4)

Undoubtedly Isaac was a mummy’s boy who cared and loved him. But now Sarah was gone and who would fill the void in Isaac’s life? Isaac is a kind of colourless character and everything had to be done for him. He is not a Jacob or an Esau. And now Abraham looks into the affairs of his only son Isaac. If Abraham had not looked into the affairs of Isaac, it is doubtful if Isaac had any of the social skills to woo even the Canaanite women. Something had to be done on his behalf. And after the death of Sarah, when the loneliness had set in, and Isaac spends more and more time out in the field meditating by himself, Abraham gives the instructions to his servant Eleazer in the matter of Isaac’s marriage.

Some people are the life and soul of the party and they need no help in breaking the ice or venturing into new territory. For others it’s an uphill battle and they become the wallpaper in the background- and they need help. It is these people who get joked about and get the least attention. These are the plain Jane’s and the introvert John’s- usually from the lower income group- children of the taxi drivers and the food hawkers with very modest means. As a lecturer, I have many students and the temperaments are very varied. In one particular class, there were a few models, and they oftentimes come sensually dressed. And a strange silence descends on the class and I can sense that some of the young men are yearning to break the ice. It is the handsome Romeo with his dyed golden hair, fake Rolex watch and his borrowed car who seems to be the hero and the loudest in the class.

I think the most saddest case history was in the USA when a Korean student was laughed at mercilessly by his classmates because of his poor English. He left the class and in a few moments returned with a gun, shot many students to death and finally shot himself. Some people can take severe provocations, for others, the tolerance level is limited. And it is prudent to be aware of your own sheep. The tragedy-nobody befriended him and spoke out on his behalf to save him from those humiliations.

If you look around in the church or at the working place, you will always find some unassuming characters. These are usually people who lack the social skills but yearn for company. May you have the spirit of father Abraham in looking out for others- especially the unassuming. I am not asking that you put your hand under my thigh and take some kind of mysterious nomadic oath and find a wife for these people. Get to know them – don’t wait to be introduced- go and introduce yourself. God can use you to be a witness for these people. Why do you think God put you there? Per chance you can speak a word on his behalf.

May I say this word for all believers- do not demean anybody by commenting on their looks or their appearance. After all you do not have the looks of Tom Cruise or Julia Roberts either. And if you ever find these characters being disrespected in your presence- speak up on their behalf. I have time again been in the company of people who don’t seem to have a heart or a conscience. It just dosen’t bother them that they have ruined somebody’s day. These are the real devils in our midst straight from the pit.

I have noticed that there are many young people in church . The next generation of believers is rising ups fast. Watch out for these people. Without doubt you have much to offer to these young people in terms of example, advice and guidance. May you be blessed of the Lord and use you greatly.