Genesis 25:12-18
"Ishmael's Family Records"
Here we have a seemingly random account of Ishmael's family. The only thing is, it's not random. In fact, it serves to show God's faithfulness and trustworthiness.
The first showing of God's faithfulness is the size of Ishmael's descendants - he had 12 sons who then went on to father and found 12 villages with each descended from one of the sons. This was in accordance with God's word to Abraham (Genesis 21:13). God made Ishmael into a nation as He promised.
The second showing is the manner by which Ishmael lived. This passage, in v. 18 says that Ishmael lived "in opposition" with his brothers. Funny that, God mentioned to Hagar that this would be the case (Genesis 16:12).
God kept His word, even when it concerned a side-son who would never be the heir to His plans and whose descendants would antagonize those of Isaac. God kept His word because He is perfect, He is righteous, and He is holy. There's more to the reason than that, but suffice it to say that God id God.
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Friday, January 13, 2012
13 Jan. 2012 - Genesis 25:7-11
Genesis 25:7-11
"Abraham's Death"
Here we are at the concluding passages of Abraham's story. It says that Abraham died old and contented. What was it, though, that made him content?
It was God.
Abraham walked with God. He followed God wherever He told him to go. God made a covenant with him and his descendants. God brought contentment into Abraham's life.
How does God bring contentment? Well, let's look at the meaning of "content" (Defn. 2). Two sub definitions that stand out are "Desiring no more than what one man has," and "Ready to accept or acquiesce." If you were to look at Abraham's life, you would see that these definitions are displayed on multiple occasions.
Back to God bringing contentment, God brings contentment (in the first manner) through the fullness of His character and the reality of His relationship with Abraham. God also brings contentment through us obeying Him and His direction. After all, an omniscient, -potent, and -present God would surely know and have planned the specific direction and plan prepared for each of us. So it's fairly obvious that only God can provide that "perfect fit" that brings contentment with possessions and direction.
"Abraham's Death"
Here we are at the concluding passages of Abraham's story. It says that Abraham died old and contented. What was it, though, that made him content?
It was God.
Abraham walked with God. He followed God wherever He told him to go. God made a covenant with him and his descendants. God brought contentment into Abraham's life.
How does God bring contentment? Well, let's look at the meaning of "content" (Defn. 2). Two sub definitions that stand out are "Desiring no more than what one man has," and "Ready to accept or acquiesce." If you were to look at Abraham's life, you would see that these definitions are displayed on multiple occasions.
Back to God bringing contentment, God brings contentment (in the first manner) through the fullness of His character and the reality of His relationship with Abraham. God also brings contentment through us obeying Him and His direction. After all, an omniscient, -potent, and -present God would surely know and have planned the specific direction and plan prepared for each of us. So it's fairly obvious that only God can provide that "perfect fit" that brings contentment with possessions and direction.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
10 Jan. 2012 - Genesis 24:28-67
Genesis 24:28-67
"A Wife for Isaac" (pt. 2)
Here, Abraham's servant formally asks the permission of Rebekah's family for her to be married. He does this by accurately retelling the events leading up to and the details of their meeting. Note the respectful manner and honesty given to Rebekah's family. It is that type of respect, trustworthiness and honor that, I am sure, most fathers would like to see in their daughter's suitors.
Additionally, the servant made constant mention of how the Lord directed his search (I would not recommend lying about God's direction, before anyone gets any ideas); he mentioned the Lord 5 times during his recounting of events (v. 40-49). He showed his faith in God during the search in his reliance on Him, his manner of turning to Him for assistance, and his worshiping of Him after finding Rebekah. Rebekah's family, in seeing that God had picked her out for Isaac, then allowed her to be married, which, when they arrived back at Abraham's site, they did.
This passage, then is a lesson of two (these are not the only two, but merely the two that have been highlighted here) facets. The first is more obvious, how talk to your prospective wife's family. A greater, deeper meaning, though would be the servant's remembrance and praising of God.
"A Wife for Isaac" (pt. 2)
Here, Abraham's servant formally asks the permission of Rebekah's family for her to be married. He does this by accurately retelling the events leading up to and the details of their meeting. Note the respectful manner and honesty given to Rebekah's family. It is that type of respect, trustworthiness and honor that, I am sure, most fathers would like to see in their daughter's suitors.
Additionally, the servant made constant mention of how the Lord directed his search (I would not recommend lying about God's direction, before anyone gets any ideas); he mentioned the Lord 5 times during his recounting of events (v. 40-49). He showed his faith in God during the search in his reliance on Him, his manner of turning to Him for assistance, and his worshiping of Him after finding Rebekah. Rebekah's family, in seeing that God had picked her out for Isaac, then allowed her to be married, which, when they arrived back at Abraham's site, they did.
This passage, then is a lesson of two (these are not the only two, but merely the two that have been highlighted here) facets. The first is more obvious, how talk to your prospective wife's family. A greater, deeper meaning, though would be the servant's remembrance and praising of God.
Monday, January 9, 2012
9 Jan. 2012 - Genesis 24:1-27
Genesis 24:1-27
"A Wife for Isaac" (pt. 1)
Abraham sent his servant to find a wife for Abraham, but he was rather particular: she must be from his homeland, not Canaan, and she must be a relative. Abraham then made his servant take an oath to fulfill his will.
The servant then went to Abraham's homeland and began to search for the right girl. The first two things he did were to find himself a good position and pray. He prayed for a specific sign from God that would show him which girl was the one whom Isaac was to marry. He had barely finished praying when a girl appeared near him, at the well. He went to speak to her, according to the sign he asked God to provide, waiting for the other half of the sign, which God provided. Immediately, he gave her gifts and asked if there was room in her father's house for him to stay for the night before returning to Abraham. In affirming that, she gave her father's name, which the servant recognized as the son of his master's brother.
Right here, God provided and answered 3 requests:
"A Wife for Isaac" (pt. 1)
Abraham sent his servant to find a wife for Abraham, but he was rather particular: she must be from his homeland, not Canaan, and she must be a relative. Abraham then made his servant take an oath to fulfill his will.
The servant then went to Abraham's homeland and began to search for the right girl. The first two things he did were to find himself a good position and pray. He prayed for a specific sign from God that would show him which girl was the one whom Isaac was to marry. He had barely finished praying when a girl appeared near him, at the well. He went to speak to her, according to the sign he asked God to provide, waiting for the other half of the sign, which God provided. Immediately, he gave her gifts and asked if there was room in her father's house for him to stay for the night before returning to Abraham. In affirming that, she gave her father's name, which the servant recognized as the son of his master's brother.
Right here, God provided and answered 3 requests:
- From Abraham's homeland
- From Abraham's family
- Giving a sign that she would be the one
It is very easy to see God's hand working here, bringing all the requests together to highlight this one girl, Rebekah. God is not aloof from His creation. He cares for us and for our needs and burdens, so offer them up yo God.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
8 Jan. 2012 - Genesis 23:1-20
Genesis 23:1-20
(no title, E-Sword gives no subtitles)
Here we see an example of the effect of one's testimony. Abraham has a reputation of Godliness amongst the neighbouring Hittites. Thus, when Sarah died and it came tie to bury her, the Hittites were more than willing not only to sell, but to give Abraham a plot of land on which to bury Sarah. Now, I'm not saying that a godly testimony will mean everything will go your way, but when you stand with that sort of godliness and integrity, you'll find that you'll gain the respect of others around you.
Notice also how Abraham, when offered the field for free still insisted on paying the full price. This is an example to follow in conducting yourself in a godly manner. Even though his reputation was bearing fruit and paying off, Abraham insisted on maintaining the same witness he had displayed up through that point. Abraham did not compromise his testimony in any way through how he handled the gifts given to him.
Lastly, you can see a good model for making agreements - have many witnesses to hold you to your word and to give assurance of your actions.
(no title, E-Sword gives no subtitles)
Here we see an example of the effect of one's testimony. Abraham has a reputation of Godliness amongst the neighbouring Hittites. Thus, when Sarah died and it came tie to bury her, the Hittites were more than willing not only to sell, but to give Abraham a plot of land on which to bury Sarah. Now, I'm not saying that a godly testimony will mean everything will go your way, but when you stand with that sort of godliness and integrity, you'll find that you'll gain the respect of others around you.
Notice also how Abraham, when offered the field for free still insisted on paying the full price. This is an example to follow in conducting yourself in a godly manner. Even though his reputation was bearing fruit and paying off, Abraham insisted on maintaining the same witness he had displayed up through that point. Abraham did not compromise his testimony in any way through how he handled the gifts given to him.
Lastly, you can see a good model for making agreements - have many witnesses to hold you to your word and to give assurance of your actions.
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