Will you go with this man ?

Then they called Rebekah and said to her, Will you go with this man?" And she said, "I will go." Genesis 24:58.

The camels are coming! Here is Rebekah well positioned to fulfill divine purpose (Genesis chapter 24 verse 15). With notable attributes, she was beautiful, chaste, and undefiled (verse16). She also possessed godly character (verses 17-20). She drew water not only for Eliezer but for the camels too and she did not know she was fulfilling the heart felt prayers of Eliezer, Abraham's servant (verse 13-14, 21-28). After he drank and the camels were watered, he talked with her and discovered that God had led him to the house of his master's family to get a wife for Isaac. Eliezer gave gifts to Rebekah and she excitedly ran to inform her mother's household what had happened (verse 29-32). Eliezer was invited and he told them how God led him in his journey to the right place and person. However, her parents couldn't hide their worry and concern for their dear daughter, though they seemed to believe the story of the stranger (Abraham's servant) Genesis 24:33-48. Although it was of God, but still with some apprehension they wanted Rebekah who was directly involved to give her word. Even her brother-Laban had concern for his sister and he also asked, "Will you go with this man? They needed to ask her the question. So, Rebekah, Bethuel's daughter was confronted with a serious and pertinent question after she had heard the story of the stranger she met who supposedly and surprisingly turned to be an answer to her future dreams and aspirations. Her joy was momentarily disturbed at the time of her greatest excitement. She was expected to make a choice and her response will be very crucial in determining her future destiny! She had to decide either to follow Abraham's servant (Eliezer) so that she can meet with her future husband (Isaac) or to decline.

In verses 50-51, they concluded that since it came from the Lord they won't tamper with it, "Then Laban and Bethuel answered and said, "The thing comes from the LORD; we cannot speak to you either bad or good. "Here is Rebekah before you; take her and go, and let her be your master's son's wife, as the LORD has spoken." But her brother, Laban, and her mother desired that she should stay at least ten more days because it all happened unexpectedly. They were not ready to release her into the next phase of her life, not expecting her to leave them immediately because they loved her. However, Abraham's servant replied them in verse 56, "And he said to them, Do not hinder me, since the LORD has prospered my way; send me away so that I may go to my master." A very wise man, he was emphatic, and said no more delay. How could I have gone this far journey, undertake all the risks and God been gracious, favourable and kind to me, prospered my journey, granted my request and enabled me to find Rebekah for Isaac, hence, nothing must be allowed to disturb this process. I want to see it to its completion. In the same vein, the Holy Spirit is that Eliezer who is urging the bride (the church) and the bride to be (the unbelievers) to get ready quickly to meet their groom (Jesus) the husband of the church. No more delay! The bible says that (He) the Holy Spirit will convict the world of sin, thus bringing sinners to Jesus. It is the Holy Spirit that convicts sinners as there cannot be genuine conversion without the conviction of the Holy Spirit. And as many who will yield to Him, they must be committed to follow on. Lack of commitment is the genesis of inconsistency. There must be commitment to the cause of Christ!

In Genesis chapter 24 verse 58,"Then they called Rebekah and said to her,"Will you go with man?" And she said, "I will go." She was persuaded by the stranger's story and affirmed her decision to go with him. To an unknown man and future, a lot of things at stake, yet, she believed that there is something more for her. To have been really favoured to have this offer she rightly responded yes! Her answer in the affirmative, and in good spirit she consented and was willing to go with Eliezer. Her decision was a surprise to everyone because it will not take her years, months or days to resolve. And all the fears, worry and anxiety of her brother and parents could not deter her. Her quest for joy and fulfillment in life made her resolute and determined to follow a total stranger (Abraham's servant) to meet another stranger (Isaac) whom she would have to live with forever. Her joy would have been short-lived if she had answered otherwise when asked the question "Will you go with this man? If her response was negative, that may have been an end to the plan and purpose of God for her life. And should she have answered contrarily, it may mar her destiny for life. No second chance, she may not be allowed to have a repeat of the episode because Eliezer would have been cleared of the oath he made with Abraham regarding seeking a wife for Isaac. Eliezer would have been justified for giving Rebekah the opportunity and he may even not be willing to go back to persuade her to marry his master's son.

Everyone comes to a point in life when crucial decision(s) will be taken. Ruth, the Moabitess, heard about the God of Israel through her relationship with her late husband and his family members. Despite the death of her husband, she made a sincere decision to serve the God of the Jews. Her situation being a young widow notwithstanding will not debar her from worshipping the God of Israel. Her mind was made up concerning her choice and decision for life. The God of Israel will become her God and she was even determined to die in Israel. No wonder a whole book of the bible was devoted to her. In the book of Ruth chapter 1 verses 14-16, Ruth insisted on following her mother-in-law to Israel, unlike her sister-in-law Orpah who owed her mother-in-law only a kiss but had no serious commitment. Commitment they say is the mother of consecration. But Ruth said,  "Entreat me not to leave thee.....your people shall be my people, And your God my God." I perceived Rebekah saying the same thing, "It's good to follow this man, it worth giving this marriage offer a consideration."  She must have thought about it that there will be security, good future and fulfillment for her. So, she made up her mind, no one will dissuade or discourage her. A woman of purpose, resolute and determined. A woman of destiny! Her response was I will go with man. At least, it pays off though she may not know what lies ahead but she would not preempt, rather she believed that good and better future is secured for her. And like the wordings of the song, "Follow I will follow thee my LORD, follow every passing day, my tomorrow are all known to thee, thou wilt lead me all the way." 

Solomon, the wisest king made a remarkable statement in the book of proverbs chapter 20 verse 6, "Most men will proclaim each his own goodness, But who can find a faithful man?"  Though a faithful man may be very scarce but there is one man who over the years has been tested, proven and found faithful. His name is Jesus. He can be trusted for He's ever true and He worth following. In Him alone is true joy, comfort, fulfillment, life and life more abundantly. In Christ Jesus our death to sin is a fact, one eternally to be relied on (Hebrews 7:22, 25-26, Romans 6:10-11). Will you go with this man? Now this serious question comes to you as it came to Rebekah and your response is very crucial at this moment judging from the trend and emerging events. Even the Athenians gave Paul the Apostle audience and this affords him the opportunity to share the gospel with them. For they were always curious to tell or know something new and that was their nature (Acts 17:21). So, in Act chapter 17 verse 30-31, Paul told them the new thing they never heard, though some mocked him, yet, some believed and joined him (verses 32-34). Similarly, in Acts 17:3b-4, some were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, "This Jesus whom I preach to you is the Christ. And some of them were persuaded: and a great multitude of the devout Greeks, and not a few of the leading women, joined Paul and Silas." At Berea, according to verse 12, Paul also preached and many believed, "Therefore many of them believed, and also not a few of the Greeks, prominent women as well as men."

Therefore, whenever God stretches out His hands of mercy towards us, our response must be prompt and be always positive. We need to recall that the salvation of our soul is the will of God with promised eternal life (Hebrews 10:36-39). However, if anyone fails to acknowledge and follow this man Jesus, note what the bible says will happen to such in proverbs chapter one verse 32. Many have refuted, rejected and despised; unfortunately, they have done this to their own detriment. You too if you want you can run away from Him now, but if you outrun death then you are a good runner. For many are in hell today because they thought they were alright, they refused God's offer of salvation. And we know assuredly that anyone or anything that opposes the word of God is from Satan, for no one can boast as long as we are on this side of eternity. And that's why the bible says in Proverbs 8:36, "But he who sins against me wrong his own soul: All those who hate me love death."  Therefore, the best thing to do as recommended by King Solomon in Proverbs 9:6, "Forsake foolishness and live, And go in the way of understanding." And the way of understanding is the way of Jesus, for He said I am the way, the truth and the life.

According to Isaiah 59 verse 7-8, as many who will not go with Jesus will have no peace. The fate of sinners is pathetic! Remember, Rebekah had not seen Isaac before but believed all that Eliezer (Abraham's servant) told her. Many have not seen Jesus nor had revelation of His person before but believe what the bible says about Him. We believe what His servants the prophets, pastors, Evangelists, Apostles and so on say about Him. More importantly, we believe the witness of the Holy Spirit concerning Him. Rebekah hastened, she did not hesitate but accepted the offer to become the bride of Isaac as she responded: "I will go." The camels are coming! Will you go with this man? The Holy Spirit is at work now getting the bride ready to meet the groom. Are you resolved to follow Jesus? The wagon is ready (God's provision of salvation through His Son Jesus). Will you join the wagon? You have to join this wagon! Further delay may be dangerous. And we can say as the song writer puts:

I am resolved no longer to linger,

Charmed by the world's delight;

Things that are higher, things that are nobler,

These have allured my sight.

I will hasten to him, hasten so glad and free;

Jesus, greatest, highest, I will come to thee

I am resolved to go to the Saviour,

Leaving my sin and strife;

He is the true one, He is the just one,

He has the words of life.

I am resolved and who will go with me?

Come friends without delay;

Taught by the bible, led by the Spirit,

We'll walk the heavenly way.