Prophecy in reflections and types

Prophecy in reflections and types

Prophecy provides a means by which we can become aware of what God is doing. Loving God should stimulate an interest in these things, as love always stimulates interest in the interests of the object of love; and for God to clue us in is a gift. Being in a relationship with God is all important, he is our father. Being in a relationship with Jesus is central to our existence as Christians; otherwise the term Christian is misapplied. To be Jesus follower is to have been called by the father and chosen to be the bride of Christ; and of course, having answered the call in the affirmative.

If prophecy becomes our focus instead of a relationship with Jesus, then even this becomes an idol. Knowing anything about prophecy is not a salvation issue, but it is a courtesy, extended by God, that can promote faith, and it serves as evidence of the validity of Gods word for anyone who is interested. It is a communiqué that tells us that the message that has been delivered, he has maintained in spite of all attempts to bury it in false gospels, and a snowstorm of misinformation composed by its opponents over the centuries.

If knowing what God is doing only promotes fear, then where is the faith in the bridegroom and anticipation of the bride; where is there any relationship at all with the Lord.

The Prophecy in the story of Isaac and Rebekah (Gen 24)

There are an amazing number of prophetic types in scripture; I’m often surprised to learn of a new one in an event that I just took at face value. The reflections in type are always debatable when there is no absolute statement to confirm their meaning, but interestingly the picture of the whole can be seen in the fractals within fragments. Most bible readers catch the clear message in Abraham as being symbolic of the Father, and Isaac as the Lord Jesus, and the implications of Abraham nearly sacrificing Isaac. Isaac must have lay down on that alter without a fight, a strong young man not being able to escape seems unlikely. Correspondingly, Jesus went to his death willingly at his fathers bidding.

The nation of Israel itself is a prophecy of the Kingdom of God in that Israel is the product of the union of Isaac (Christ) and Rebekah (the church, bride of Christ). Rebekah, like the Lords bride, was not Isaacs’s choice, but was the choice of his father. Abraham didn’t go and personally call Rebekah to be his son’s wife, but sent his chief servant to a far away place, just as the father sends the Holy Spirit to call those who should become a part of the Lord’s church. And like Isaac, the Lord remains with the father while his bride is being called.

When Abraham’s servant was shown which young women was Gods choice, it wasn’t a done deal until permission was obtained; the family gave it, but wanted Rebekah to remain for ten days, Rebekah didn’t want to wait and chose to go immediately, demonstrating her willingness. When the Holy Spirit calls some one to come and be the bride of the Lord, those who are willing respond with anticipation, as you could imagine Isaac did, and as Jesus did, Heb 12:2 “Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross.”

The bible doesn’t elaborate on what Abraham’s servant had told Rebekah, but I can imagine when he was finished describing Isaac to her, about the kind of person he was, she was convinced that although she had never seen the man, he was the man for her, she was anxious to go and meet him. In the same way, we hear the word of God describe the Lord Jesus, and without seeing him, we love him (1Pet 1:8). Rebekah knew that Isaac was the heir of his father’s estate, and we know that Jesus is the heir of his fathers; the bride becomes a co-heir by marriage.

A wife in the Hebrew custom was property of the husband, and a dowry was paid by the husband, Gen 24:53 tells of gold being given to Rebekah’s family. The metaphor of the dowry was lived by the Hebrews without understanding what it portrayed in how the Lord would purchase his own bride i.e. Rev 5:9 “with your blood you purchased men for God.”

David

King David is an interesting metaphoric type of Jesus. David was rejected and scorned by his brothers, but it was he who was anointed king. Jesus was the stone rejected by the builders that became the capstone (Ps 118:22); and Act 4:11 “He is 'the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone”.”

When David was anointed king, he didn’t immediately take his rightful place on the throne, while Saul continued to rule. Jesus is the right full king of the earth, yet Satan remains its ruler. Luk 4:5 “The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world.v6 And he said to him, "I will give you all their authority and splendor, for it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to”.”

David had only around 600 men who followed him, recognizing him as king (1Sam 23:13) just as in Jesus case, the majority don’t recognize him as the true sovereign. David’s men followed him out into the wilderness just like Jesus church was driven out and persecuted; and one who follows Jesus today must be willing to endure some hardships, and perhaps be looked down upon as a member of a minority of fools, 1Co 1:23 “but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles.”

When David finally became king, there’s no doubt that his men shared in the kingdom, and his enemies were put out. And so shall it be with those who now recognize the true king; and if need be, follow him out into the wilderness and suffer hardship on his account.

Lastly, after David finally became king, it was up to him to conquer the Promised Land just as it will be up to Jesus to subdue the earth for his kingdom when he comes.

In these prophetic reflections, Rebekah and Davids men are the called to Christ; these two illustrate how it can be so 'easy' to qualify for salvation, i.e. say yes and believe Jesus is who he says he is.

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It is important that you understand; Everything on this blog is based on the current understanding of each author. Never take anyone's word for it, always prove it for yourself, it is your responsibility. You cannot ride someone else's coattail into the Kingdom.

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