Abraham & Abimelech
- Genesis chapters 20 and 21 are a turning point in the narrative of Abraham. For 25 years, Abraham has believed God for promises of land, and a son, that he has yet to see come to fruition.
- These chapters bring promises into reality. This begins with a covenant Abimelech establishes with Abraham making him more than a foreigner, but someone who belongs and has legal rights in the Canaan territory.
- It is important for us to see the following truths that come from Abraham's encounter with Abimelech..
- God protects Sarah and the legitimacy of Isaac's birth
- Details Abraham's human weakness and inability
- Confirms Abraham as a prophet who blesses others
- Establishes peaceful relationships and early land claims
God Hears Our Cry
- Scripture is very clear that Isaac is the son of covenant promise. — Gen. 17:18-19
- It is through the line of Isaac that the Savior, Jesus, will be born. However, we should look closely and not miss the heart of God toward Hagar and Ishmael. They have been separated and sent away from their home with little provision.
- They wander in the wilderness with no clear direction or purpose.
- Resources begin to run dry and the inevitability of death drives both Hagar and Ishmael to despair. If we are honest, their story is easily the story of every human being at one time or another in their lives.
- Even though Ishmael is not the chosen son, God still loves him and blesses him, just like He promised (Gen. 17:20.)
- Wherever you find yourself today….. God hears you, will provide for you, and most importantly, will STAY with you!
Abraham or God?
- As we move from these chapters into chapter 22 we need to realize a very important reality.
- It is not the faithfulness of man that moves the hand of God. Rather, it is the hand of God that moves man to be faithful.
- When it is time to give credit where credit is due, the answer for Christians is always "PRAISE JESUS!"
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