Old Habits Die Hard
The fact that Abraham commits almost the exact same error as he did with Pharaoh in chapter twelve is astounding. Or is it? Though Abraham had received the covenant, the outward sign of circumcision and conversed with God deeply he was still, at the end of the day, a flawed man. Despite (or because of) his flaws, God gave Abraham grace and protection, even calling him a prophet. Again though, his sin does not come without consequences. He puts Sarah in harms way again, a mistake that could call into question the legitimacy of her child's lineage from Abraham. Also, his relationship with Abimelek became strained and awkward. What's more far-reaching is that we see his son Isaac and also grandson Jacob commit similar acts of deceit later on in Genesis. Sin is not just a personal matter, but it deeply affects those around us as well. Abraham is sent on his way after the ordeal. As flawed people, we commit errors similar to Abraham's. Though we are promised salvation and a relationship with God, we are not perfected until the return of Christ, thus we falter. It's amazing though that God is still advocating for us and allows us to speak on his behalf. This should cause us to be humble and more reliant upon him.
The Birth of Isaac
The miracle child has finally come. He brings great joy and laughter to Abraham's family, especially Sarah. Here, the Lord's words ring true, 'Is anything too hard for the LORD?' God is faithful to carry out his promise. Moreover, we see his plan of redemption unfolding for eventually Jesus of Nazareth would come through the lineage of the miracle child, Isaac.
The Close of the Hagar Saga
Ishmael and Isaac can no longer co-exist. Sarah had the wisdom to send both Hagar and Ishmael away. If Ishmael is truly going to be a 'wild donkey of a man' then it's best that he not be allowed to compete with the younger Isaac. Abraham is wrought with pain as he sends them away. The cutting of this relationship is extremely difficult because of their familiarity. Yet God reassures Abraham that he will take care of Hagar's family. Indeed, he does as we see they are rescued in the desert. This story is again an instance of God fulfilling his plan through Abraham's family. As a personal application, in moving forward in our relationship with God, we find that it is difficult to part ways with certain aspects of our past. God often gives us wisdom as to when to part, but it is a painful process that requires courage and faith in God's goodness and sovereignty.
Think about how God has led us and cared for us despite our repeated mistakes; how do you view His grace in your life?
How has God led you to forgo specific aspects of your past so that He can become more prevalent in your life?
The fact that Abraham commits almost the exact same error as he did with Pharaoh in chapter twelve is astounding. Or is it? Though Abraham had received the covenant, the outward sign of circumcision and conversed with God deeply he was still, at the end of the day, a flawed man. Despite (or because of) his flaws, God gave Abraham grace and protection, even calling him a prophet. Again though, his sin does not come without consequences. He puts Sarah in harms way again, a mistake that could call into question the legitimacy of her child's lineage from Abraham. Also, his relationship with Abimelek became strained and awkward. What's more far-reaching is that we see his son Isaac and also grandson Jacob commit similar acts of deceit later on in Genesis. Sin is not just a personal matter, but it deeply affects those around us as well. Abraham is sent on his way after the ordeal. As flawed people, we commit errors similar to Abraham's. Though we are promised salvation and a relationship with God, we are not perfected until the return of Christ, thus we falter. It's amazing though that God is still advocating for us and allows us to speak on his behalf. This should cause us to be humble and more reliant upon him.
The Birth of Isaac
The miracle child has finally come. He brings great joy and laughter to Abraham's family, especially Sarah. Here, the Lord's words ring true, 'Is anything too hard for the LORD?' God is faithful to carry out his promise. Moreover, we see his plan of redemption unfolding for eventually Jesus of Nazareth would come through the lineage of the miracle child, Isaac.
The Close of the Hagar Saga
Ishmael and Isaac can no longer co-exist. Sarah had the wisdom to send both Hagar and Ishmael away. If Ishmael is truly going to be a 'wild donkey of a man' then it's best that he not be allowed to compete with the younger Isaac. Abraham is wrought with pain as he sends them away. The cutting of this relationship is extremely difficult because of their familiarity. Yet God reassures Abraham that he will take care of Hagar's family. Indeed, he does as we see they are rescued in the desert. This story is again an instance of God fulfilling his plan through Abraham's family. As a personal application, in moving forward in our relationship with God, we find that it is difficult to part ways with certain aspects of our past. God often gives us wisdom as to when to part, but it is a painful process that requires courage and faith in God's goodness and sovereignty.
Think about how God has led us and cared for us despite our repeated mistakes; how do you view His grace in your life?
How has God led you to forgo specific aspects of your past so that He can become more prevalent in your life?
I knew that God is a God that gives and takes away. What I have in mind is of course death. Whenever a well known person died for example my grandfather, President Regan, Pope John Paul II, and my mother I would return to this thought of God being a giver and taker. However there is a different way of looking at death. Since we are saved through faith in Jesus Christ and firmly believe that He will raise us one day from the cold grips of death, God is really not taking anyone away. Just like Abraham had ressurection faith that God was looking for, it enabled Abraham to believe in the Lord and put Him first. We too can have ressurection faith and this will enable us to worship and believe 100%, for this is what God is wanting in us. If I believe that God is a giver and that He is taking back what He has given me only to be raised and glorified in His name in the afterlife then my sorrow and pain in my heart is comforted. We will all be united once again in the end of days it will be wonderful. Everyone who dies here is not really gone rather they are asleep and will be waken in the Final Judgment when we will all stand as one and praise our great God, The giver and redeemer.
ReplyDelete