Eliezar the Evangelist

This is one of the most wonderful seed-plots in the whole field of Revelation. It is an epitome of the scheme of salvation, and an outline history of the Church of God. May our eyes be opened to behold these wondrous things. Here we may see-

I. Abraham; or, The Father's Purpose. "Thou shalt go and take a wife unto my son Isaac" (Gen_24:4). The thought of a bride for Isaac originated with the father. It was the outcome of his love for his son, and a desire to bring into great blessing one who was as yet a great way off. What a picture of Christ and the Church (Eph_5:32). God the Father saw that it would be good for His Son to have a Bride with Him in the glory of His Father's presence. This purpose was declared, and the covenant made before the world was formed. The Church, as His Bride, was chosen in Him before the foundation of the world. O the unsearchable riches of His grace! O the unfathomable depths of His kindness toward us!

II. Isaac; or, The Son and Heir. "Unto him hath he given all that he hath" (Gen_24:36). Isaac, like Jesus, came into possession of his inheritance after passing through the bitterness of death (Gen_22:9-10). In the experience of both father and son Isaac virtually died and rose again. Now he becomes heir to all. Jesus Christ "humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death;... wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him" (Php_2:8-9). Now it hath "pleased the Father that in Him should all fulness dwell" (Col_1:19). "In Him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead" (Col_2:9). Unto Him hath the Father given all that He hath, that all the wants of His happy Bride may be fully satisfied. "Though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich" (2Co_8:9). He emptied Himself that He might get into touch with the poverty of His Bride. Ye are complete in Him.

III. Eliezer; or, The Spirit's Mission (Gen_24:2). This old steward of the house of Abraham is a perfect type of the Holy Spirit.

1. He had Authority in the House. He looked after the domestic affairs of Abraham. The Spirit is One with the Father and the Son. He attended to the home affairs of this world (Gen_1:2).

2. He was Sent by the Father. "The Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send" (Joh_14:26).

3. He was Sent in the Name of the Son (Joh_14:26).

4. He did not Speak of Himself (Gen_24:33).

5. He Revealed the Things of Isaac (Gen_24:53; Joh_16:14).

6. He Witnesses for his Master (Gen_24:35).

7. He Guides all the Way Home (Gen_24:61). "The Comforter may abide with you for ever" (Joh_14:16).

Every act of this servant seems instinct with deep spiritual teaching. He would not eat bread until he had made known his errand (Gen_24:33). The Holy Spirit cannot have fellowship with us until He has revealed to us the character of the Father and of the Son. He said, "Hinder me not" (Gen_24:56). If the presence of Jesus Christ is to be enjoyed we must be obedient to this Holy Messenger.

THE LACK OF EVANGELISM