Passover or Communion?

Passover or Communion? 1Exodus 12:43-51.

The road to Succoth was packed with travelers escaping the slavery of Rameses. God told them to go and changed the heart of the Pharaoh to release them.

These people obeyed God and were faithful to their instruction; but they knew nothing about where they were going. They were leaving their birthplace of Egypt and traveling to a new land. They were like teenagers heading out to face the world that they had only heard stories of.

Prior to the first plague their knowledge of God was passed down to them in the stories of their ancestors Adam, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel.

If the Children of Israel were to survive they must have faith in God which is belief in the unseen. Generation after generation spoke of the great faith of the patriarchs and they proclaimed God’s deliverance; but many died before seeing the mighty hand of God.

From the time God made the promise to Abraham, that his family would be a great nation, it had been four hundred thirty years. It was this generation that would see the power of God as God would strike that land of Egypt with the terrible plagues leading up to the release of the Children of Israel from slavery.

This generation would learn to know the power of God and learn how to respect God as God. They would enter a new world, a world of great blessing for the faithful and terrible consequences to the unbeliever.

How to live godly lives had to come from instruction and the first instruction was how to prepare the Passover meal. Though they received the instruction once, while in Egypt; now they would receive it again, having escaped Egypt. As we study we must remember only the faithful would benefit from the observance of Passover.

And the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, “This is the ordinance of the Passover: No foreigner shall eat it. But every man’s servant who is bought for money, when you have circumcised him, then he may eat it. A sojourner and a hired servant shall not eat it. In one house it shall be eaten; you shall not carry any of the flesh outside the house, nor shall you break one of its bones. All the congregation of Israel shall keep it. Exodus 12:43-47(NKJV)

The Passover was to be an annual event. It was to remember the importance of keeping the ordinances of God; which brought life to those who obeyed and death to those who did not.

Most important to God was that the Passover was not to become a social event that unbelievers were invited to. It was first for the Hebrew people and second it was for those who converted to their belief and dedicated their life to God by being circumcised; a symbol of obedience to God.

This was to be strictly adhered to; even the meat was to stay inside their house so they would not be tempted to share it, for to let an unworthy person eat it would be disrespectful to God.

In addition, the lamb had to be prepared and ate in such a manor not a single bone was to break. This fact draws us to another story in the Bible taught to Christians by Jesus Christ Himself.

John the Baptist recognized Jesus as the Lamb of God; Jesus was unblemished by sin and chosen by God to be a sacrifice for many.

Later we read that Jesus was crucified and our sin placed upon Him by God; He was the sacrificial lamb and His blood spilled for us. We are also told that not a bone on His body was broken.

On the Passover, Jesus met for the last supper with His disciples and instituted a new ordinance which is a completion and perfection of the Passover feast.

Jesus took bread and broke it, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.”

Then he took a challis of wine and said, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you. Which caused the disciples to question why is He doing this?

They too were like young adults being introduced to a new world. He also told them that He would not do this again with them until they joined Him in His kingdom.

This ritual was instituted by Jesus to ensure that they church would observe more than one Passover a year; but that it might continue in churches as a regular observance of the significance of His death.

Inviting Jesus into your heart covers the threshold of your heart with His blood, protecting you from the Angel of Death and the bread is symbolic of the unleavened bread for our lives are to be swept clean of sin.

And when a stranger dwells with you and wants to keep the Passover to the LORD, let all his males be circumcised, and then let him come near and keep it; and he shall be as a native of the land. For no uncircumcised person shall eat it. One law shall be for the native-born and for the stranger who dwells among you.” Exodus 12:48-49(NKJV)

Like the Passover, to partake of the elements of communion is for only those who have committed their lives to God and have had their hearts circumcised. To take communion unworthily is to eat and drink damnation to your soul.

It began with the Passover in Egypt and was to be kept through all generations so they may recognize the perfect sacrifice of Jesus. Now it exists as communion for all who believe.

As with the Children of Israel, Christians are to follow the ordinances of God with accuracy; taking their role in life and the performance of their obligations to God serious.

We need forgiveness, we need a covering for our sin, and we need to respect the God who brought that to us.

Thus all the children of Israel did; as the LORD commanded Moses and Aaron, so they did. And it came to pass, on that very same day, that the LORD brought the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt according to their armies. Exodus 12:50-51(NKJV)

No longer were they slaves, they became the people of God who would enter into a new land and become not only the people of God, but an army to fight for what is right.

The same continues today if you have made Christ your savior. As Christians we keep ourselves according to God’s instructions. We do those things we are instructed to do and we gladly allow those who would join themselves to us, into our congregations.

We partake of communion in remembrance of what the perfect sacrifice means for our life and we await entering the new land, the land of promise which is heaven; the place where we can dwell with God in perfection for eternity.

Into the Future.

Into the Future. Genesis 50:22-26.

The conclusion to the book of Genesis

Quickly the writer, believed to be Moses, skips from the death of Jacob to the death of Joseph. Many years passed in between their deaths; yet, Moses found it best to surmise the life, the attitude, and the godliness of Joseph in a few quick closing comments.

So Joseph dwelt in Egypt, he and his father’s household. And Joseph lived one hundred and ten years. Joseph saw Ephraim’s children to the third generation. The children of Machir, the son of Manasseh, were also brought up on Joseph’s knees. And Joseph said to his brethren, “I am dying; but God will surely visit you, and bring you out of this land to the land of which He swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.” Then Joseph took an oath from the children of Israel, saying, “God will surely visit you, and you shall carry up my bones from here.” So Joseph died, being one hundred and ten years old; and they embalmed him, and he was put in a coffin in Egypt. Genesis 50:22-26(NKJV)

Joseph looked out for his father’s family and though he had to run the affairs of the Pharaoh, Joseph made sure they were fed, had commerce, and were able to live their life in peace. This was a very noble gesture considering the awful treatment Joseph received from his family during childhood. However, Joseph forgave them and allowed their fate to be up to God.

God would have us live so that we do not demand justice for the wrongs people do to us. “Vengeance is mine,” says the Lord; for only He can see the outcome of a person’s existence. If we practice forgiveness, we grant God the opportunity to soften a person’s heart before they die in their sins. However, when endorsing a practice to demand an eye for eye and is carried to a lethal end, that opportunity is forever lost.

Joseph had respect for God and respect for his father. Joseph was a man that God could confide in and a man God could trust to know the future. The faithfulness of Joseph is a faithfulness that God desires from all people and yet, too many people live a life of compromise. So we must ask ourselves, “How can we ask God to bless us if we will not respect the blessings He gives?”

God was able to show Joseph’s father, Jacob, what the future held for his children. Some were scolded and others were blessed; each receiving just attention based upon their respect for life, respect for God, and respect for others.

Now, Joseph was about to pass away and he too had a glimpse of the future. Yet, the dilemma existed that you can tell people what God desires and they will be unfaithful to that desire. Therefore, Joseph placed himself into the equation giving his descendants not only a promise, but a duty to perform.

Joseph challenged his descendants saying, “God will surely visit you.” This communicated to them that God would not only come to them, but watch them and watch over them. Little did they know that these words of promise were going to be the words they cling to as a new, tougher, Pharaoh would rise to power and force the Israelites into slavery.

In addition, they had the remains of Joseph to care for. Joseph wanted his body to lie in the family plot as did his father and grandfather’s. This responsibility was one that would take great effort, time, and pass on to many generations; as would the legendary stories of the lives of these patriarchs.

It was God’s plan revealed to Joseph and Joseph knew that his challenge would have a desired effect on his family. That effect was to remember God, endure hardship, and live a godly life in a world that believes in many Gods.

Revisiting our journey through the book of Genesis, this one theme is constant; God has a plan. He is the only God and He made the earth as a time piece that would keep time until time is accomplished; day and night to be the governing time periods until time comes to an end.

God made the heavens which hold the story of his purpose and the demise of its existence. In His hand the worlds spin and tumble, made from His spoken words to “Let there be.”

Birds, animals, and a complete ecological system, He created so that He might set man in the midst. Everything to sustain the lives of people on the planet was created to the most microscopic degree of accuracy. It is a home, but a temporary home; ever reminding us that we will pass to eternity.

God knew the evil that would befall people. Yet in His plan, He desired to deal with evil and made a place for the devil and demons. Though His creation would be scarred and plummet into the darkness of evil, God made a way of escape, sending His own son to die for their sins.

It is a great plan that defies our minds, but revealed to us in His word, the Bible. God wrote the end from the beginning and set it in motion so that He might achieve a creation that will be faithful, knowing forgiveness, and the price of holiness.

The challenge to us is to carry the death of His’ son with us in our hearts for God will visit us one day. Just as Joseph challenged his descendants, so does God challenge us to not to forget that God is good and we too must be good.

Yet God challenges us to be more than good. He wants us to be Holy, as He is Holy. He wants us to put away the lusts of our flesh to do wrong and become like His own son and serve others; living our lives to help His plan to build His’ kingdom.

We are challenged by the creation and involved in an inescapable way. Some act as if they ignore the plan; they live life without being burdened with the effort it takes to live such a way. They choose pleasure over pain and riches over lowliness.

Our world has forever had those who saw the future through the eyes of God and those who only saw the world through the ignorant desires of their own hearts. People are all the same, until they allow God to fulfill His plan in their life.

You can think of the world as one big organism or you can consider yourself as a unique individual that God loves. Some will live life to the fullest and others will just sit and spin, suffering from the actions of others. It is all how we apply this message to ourselves.

Are you part of the great plan of God? Have you taken off the blinders of sin and sought deliverance from the dark cloud that envelopes the earth and causes humankind to not see clearly? If not, deliverance is one prayer away.

When a person asks God to open their eyes, He reciprocates. This opportunity to see clearly must be sought after. God will come to you, but you also must go to God. He looks for men and woman who will accept His challenge, believe in Him and carry the message to future generations.

All the people we have studied in Genesis had limitations; many started with nothing. We followed the faith of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, as they walked forward believing in God during hard times. They faced the resistance of evil and dealt with family members who succumbed to sin.

At times and we saw God be quiet and then times in their life where God spoke to them. Each person had to take those times and imbed them into their heart. They had to dearly hold them and that is how they sustained their faith.

Every day was not a miracle and these patriarchs did not live their life looking for miracles. They worked hard, struggled, and through it all they held onto their faith. They believed God had a plan for their lives and a plan for their children.

This is the mark for people who believe in God and this study in the book of Genesis has faith building content. However, the question is. “Will you let it build your faith?”

This is the end of The Christian Worker’s Spiritual Food study in the Book of Genesis.

May God richly bless you.

What do you say to your children.

What do you say to your children. Genesis 49:1-26.

And Jacob called his sons and said, “Gather together, that I may tell you what shall befall you in the last days: “Gather together and hear, you sons of Jacob, And listen to Israel your father. Genesis 49:1-2(NKJV)

Jacob was the father of twelve boys and through these sons God promised to build a people that would profoundly impact the world. God wanted to make a people for Himself and that desire, with promise, was first announce to Abraham and passed to his son Isaac.

Having been passed such a large, incredible, challenge could not have been taken serious by Isaac; however, God spoke His desire personally to Him. This passing on of the will of God occurred again with Isaac’s son, Jacob and now it was being passed to the twelve sons of Jacob.

God was building a people for Himself and the nation of Israel exists today as proof that what God desires to happen, will happen. With the hand of God on their lives these men produced a mighty nation that would remain separate from the rest of the world.

In Egypt they would be separate from the Egyptians and that separateness would have to continue to be guarded throughout their existence. This people, this history, this desire of God, were to be taken serious; however, their sin would hold them back or pigeon hole their participation. This was what Jacob would tell his boys.

If you are serious with a task, you will be treated serious; however your actions affect who you are and these men had allowed themselves to commit sins that shaped their future.

Jacob also had prophetic knowledge about these boys and though they were different; he wanted them to remain as one people. He wanted them to continue with the God of their fathers, but also he wanted them to be unique.

“Reuben, you are my firstborn, My might and the beginning of my strength, The excellency of dignity and the excellency of power. Unstable as water, you shall not excel, Because you went up to your father’s bed; Then you defiled it- He went up to my couch. Genesis 49:3-4(NKJV)

Being the first born, the family birthright should have fallen on his head. This was to be his moment before his brothers; however, his sin had left a lasting shadow on the family’s reputation.

Jacob viewed Ruben as unstable as water and those unstable are so because they do not take the actions to correct their faults. Therefore, Ruben would lose his opportunity for the blessing of the firstborn.

“Simeon and Levi are brothers; Instruments of cruelty are in their dwelling place. Let not my soul enter their council; Let not my honor be united to their assembly; For in their anger they slew a man, And in their self-will they hamstrung an ox. Cursed be their anger, for it is fierce; And their wrath, for it is cruel! I will divide them in Jacob And scatter them in Israel. Genesis 49:5-7(NKJV)

These were the two who avenged the defilement of the sister. They became so revengeful they killed the Shechemite men, making it a horrible atrocity. For this Jacob saw that they needed to be divided so they may never collaborate on wickedness again.

Jacob curses their anger together; but he does not curse them as individuals. As individuals, Jacob wanted them to go on to improve the way they lived life and led their off spring. This was their parting call to righteousness from their father.

“Judah, you are he whom your brothers shall praise; Your hand shall be on the neck of your enemies;  Your father’s children shall bow down before you. Judah is a lion’s whelp; From the prey, my son, you have gone up. He bows down, he lies down as a lion;  And as a lion, who shall rouse him? The scepter shall not depart from Judah, Nor a lawgiver from between his feet, Until Shiloh comes;  And to Him shall be the obedience of the people. Binding his donkey to the vine, And his donkey’s colt to the choice vine, He washed his garments in wine, And his clothes in the blood of grapes. His eyes are darker than wine,  And his teeth whiter than milk. Genesis 49:8-12(NKJV)

Judah, whose name means “praise,” was Jacobs’s most intriguing son. Jacob knew that this young man was going to produce an off spring that would claim their territory, without vexing those around them. They would be of strong royalty and of dignity. Which shows the dramatic insight Jacob was given; for a descendant of Judah would be Jesus Christ, the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.

“Zebulun shall dwell by the haven of the sea; He shall become a haven for ships, And his border shall adjoin Sidon. Genesis 49:13(NKJV)

Jacob saw the desire within Zebulun and when praying for his son, a prophesy of the Lord showed him the future. To Zebulun it must have been a relief and a lifting of a burden as he listen to his father speak of such a great future. Zebulun would be a shelter in the storm, a place of refuge, and his commerce would be great.

“Issachar is a strong donkey, Lying down between two burdens; He saw that rest was good, And that the land was pleasant; He bowed his shoulder to bear a burden, And became a band of slaves. Genesis 49:14-15(NKJV)

Jacob knew his sons well and this one was destined to be in debt to others. His birth came after his mother purchased mandrakes in order to enhance fertility. This was a significant event and even his mother helped to predestine the child by giving a name that meant “man of hire.”

Often, how we raise a child is how they will continue in life and for Jacob, the facts surrounding their upbringing coupled with the prophesy of God, gave him the words of destiny. Issachar would continue to raise his family to be workers in the land.

“Dan shall judge his people As one of the tribes of Israel. Dan shall be a serpent by the way, A viper by the path, That bites the horse’s heels So that its rider shall fall backward. I have waited for your salvation, O LORD! Genesis 49:16-18(NKJV)

I find that one of the heaviest prophesies of this passage is about Dan. It seems to have no great impact on the nation of Israel. Jacob knew that Dan would become a leader of his own family; however, trouble would beset Dan and God would deliver him with salvation from his troublers.

“Gad, a troop shall tramp upon him, But he shall triumph at last.”Bread from Asher shall be rich, And he shall yield royal dainties. Genesis 49:19-20(NKJV)

Each of our children will have different courses in life and the contrast of Gad and Asher were completely different; yet mentioned together, it may be that Jacob knew that the actions of one would provide safety for the other.

Jacob reveals to Gad that he should prepare his people to fight; and the promise in this prophesy was Gad would win the battle in the end.

For Asher, his future would pivot on his culinary skills. He would provide pastries and bread for royalty. His family would join him and is efforts would benefit others. Perhaps even Gad who would fight and be victorious was fed by Asher.

“Naphtali is a deer let loose; He uses beautiful words. Genesis 49:21(NKJV)

Jacobs’s son, Naphtali, was beautiful in his sight. He stood tall, with his head up. He could negotiate and speak words that could defuse situations. This talent would go forward to help Israel to be a proud people. With these words of encouragement to continue, Naphtali would raise children to be like minded.

“Joseph is a fruitful bough, A fruitful bough by a well; His branches run over the wall. The archers have bitterly grieved him, Shot at him and hated him. But his bow remained in strength, And the arms of his hands were made strong By the hands of the Mighty God of Jacob  (From there is the Shepherd, the Stone of Israel), By the God of your father who will help you, And by the Almighty who will bless you. With blessings of heaven above, Blessings of the deep that lies beneath, Blessings of the breasts and of the womb. The blessings of your father Have excelled the blessings of my ancestors, Up to the utmost bound of the everlasting hills. They shall be on the head of Joseph, And on the crown of the head of him who was separate from his brothers. Genesis 49:22-26(NKJV)

Lastly Jacob addresses his two most beloved sons. They were Jacob’s pride and joy. In these sons Jacob had much hope and the revelation from God was intense concerning them.

Joseph was the only son of the twelve who God personally directed. Much like Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, Joseph would continue in God’s grace because Joseph honored God. If God be for us, who can be against us?

Joseph had branched out without the help of his family. He made his way from the bottom to the top. He took adversity and turned it to prosperity. In Joseph the promise that the whole world would be blessed had made a way for the development of the nation of Israel and the way for the coming Messiah. Joseph was already blessed by God and Jacob was proud to be a part of his life.

“Benjamin is a ravenous wolf; In the morning he shall devour the prey, And at night he shall divide the spoil.” All these are the twelve tribes of Israel, and this is what their father spoke to them. And he blessed them; he blessed each one according to his own blessing. Genesis 49:27-28(NKJV)

Though Jacob loved Benjamin too, Jacob could not hold back from speaking the prophesy given to him. Benjamin, the youngest of all the boys and the direct brother of Joseph was going to have to fend for himself.

Benjamin would not be happy with following after Joseph and he would have to forge a life of his own. He would have to be strong and crafty; his survival would depend on his ability to out think, out run, and to be stronger than those around him. Benjamin would have to take advantage of situations and increase from that.

The words of their father were direct and held no flowery statements to sooth the hearer. He spoke them with attitude knowing the grief and the joy they had brought to him. Most of all they were spoken as God revealed prophesies of their future.

On his death bed Jacob peered out of his body like a shell for his life was slipping away quickly. Jacob would go to his grave in faith that God will continue his work and in hopes that these boys might listen to the words spoken to the whole. He hopped they would seek for them to be united in desire and for some, calm their ways to be like the admirable.

As parents, it would be a shame to wait until your dying days to speak words of direction to your children. The scriptures have examples of people who never spoke to their children. They never asked them “What are you doing?” and they never reproved them.

Children began to develop and though we cannot change who they are, we can guild them into who they will be. We can be there before they make decisions to act. We can warn them about the pitfalls of life and we can influence them to know that God is real and wants to have a relationship with them.

As parents we hold a crucial role in our families and here we have been given insight to the family of Jacob; a family that would grow to become the nation of Israel.

Driven by Circumstance.

Written in Memory of Michael Jackson. 1958-2009

Driven by Circumstance. Genesis 46:1-27.

So Israel took his journey with all that he had, and came to Beersheba, and offered sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac. Then God spoke to Israel in the visions of the night, and said, “Jacob, Jacob!” And he said, “Here I am.” So He said, “I am God, the God of your father; do not fear to go down to Egypt, for I will make of you a great nation there. I will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also surely bring you up again; and Joseph will put his hand on your eyes.” Genesis 46:1-4(NKJV)

What a great promise from God. Though driven by circumstance, Jacob is given a promise of protection and honoring God he took it.

Then Jacob arose from Beersheba; and the sons of Israel carried their father Jacob, their little ones, and their wives, in the carts which Pharaoh had sent to carry him. So they took their livestock and their goods, which they had acquired in the land of Canaan, and went to Egypt, Jacob and all his descendants with him. His sons and his sons’ sons, his daughters and his sons’ daughters, and all his descendants he brought with him to Egypt. Genesis 46:5-7(NKJV)

The names of the children of Israel are contained in verses 8 through 25 and will be omitted due to space. However, the blessings upon Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel, shows the work of God to build this great nation.

As we have studied, Jacob was not always the best father; neither was his father, Isaac. Because of this Jacob raised his own son’s to know of God, yet many strayed away from godliness. Their sins were terrible and at times tragic. Yet God chose to use these men to build the nation Israel.

Let it be a comforting thought; no matter the sin you have committed, God is willing to continue to work in your life for good.

There are those who were raised by parents who sinned against them. These children were mistreated and grow with character flaws which follow them throughout their life. The pain caused by a parent has a ripple effect that transcends generations and some lose their dignity, feeling less than adequate.

Some children grow to make friends with others who sin against themselves. Selecting to change the course of their own life, they follow others into depravity. Still God loves them and is willing to forgive their sin and restore them.

God has His hand in all situations; whether it is tragedy or trauma, God is able to use those events for good. In our passage there is a famine; however, God made a way to escape. In that escape, God continued His work to build the nation of Israel; a nation that would be His people, a nation that would bring forth a Messiah to save the world from sin.

All the persons who went with Jacob to Egypt, who came from his body, besides Jacob’s sons’ wives, were sixty-six persons in all. And the sons of Joseph who were born to him in Egypt were two persons. All the persons of the house of Jacob who went to Egypt were seventy. Genesis 46:26-27(NKJV)

The promise came from God to one man, Abraham. In faith, Abraham declared to his own son that he would be used by God to build this nation. Abraham’s son, Isaac, told his son, Jacob, the same. Jacob could continue to tell His sons of the great work that the Lord was going to do and the message had to be bathed in faith.

Why would God use sinners to build a nation? That is a question that we must bring to our own selves. Why would God want us to be a part of His kingdom? Why would God consider sinners for such a prominent position as to be heirs to eternal inheritance? What have we done to deserve this?

The answer is that we have done nothing. For God so loved the world that He made the plan and built the nation that would bring His only son, Jesus Christ alive to walk among those who would despitefully treat Him and kill Him on a cross.

God knew that people sin. He knew that they would kill Jesus and He knew every sin that you and I would commit. Yet God loved them and God loves us.

These seventy people who entered into Egypt were not perfect, they were not traveling under their own will; they were forced by famine to leave their homeland. To God be the glory, great things He has done.

Daily we experience the sins of others encroaching into our lives. There is violence in our cities, in our schools, and in our homes. The world is far from perfect, but God seeks these to build His kingdom.

Tragedy, loss, pain, and suffering grip our societies and yet God is faithful to place a light before us so that we might see His work and join our lives to it.

For those lives we have studied in this book of Genesis there are many people who have honored God and would walk into Egypt with praise on their lips and faith in their hearts. Their entry would be a wonderful new beginning as they trusted God with the outcome.

However, there were others that entered scarred from their past, hiding the truth, and fearful of God. It is the position of their heart, the choice of their life, and a tough, rocky road they travel.

The same occurs today and to that I must ask, “How are you today? Are you enjoying the road you walk as you enter in to the place God is taking you by circumstance?”

If today you walk through life allowing emotional scars, the encroachment of sin, and hardness towards God to be the road you walk, then it is your choice.

Jesus Christ came to forgive our sins, repair our lives, and help our emotions to heal. You can be free from sin and the scars of the past if you will turn your life towards God and pray, “God forgive me, a sinner. Come into my life and help me to honor you.” This is the first step down the right road and Jesus will come into your heart and lighten your load. It is your choice; make it a good one.

My Baby, Whoa Baby!

My Baby, Whoa Baby! Genesis 35:16-27.

Then they moved on from Bethel. While they were still some distance from Ephrath, Rachel began to give birth and had great difficulty. And as she was having great difficulty in childbirth, the midwife said to her, “Don’t be afraid, for you have another son.” As she breathed her last—for she was dying—she named her son Ben-Oni. But his father named him Benjamin. Genesis 25:16-18(NKJV)

It was Rebekah that began her life with Jacob unable to have children. Her inability to have children was a source of shame and as she watching her sister Leah have many children. It made Rebekah feel less than a woman; for in their society, to have children was a sign of blessings from God and she felt cursed.

However, God opened up her womb and child bearing brought Rachel much joy; however, the very thing she desired would kill her; for the last child she was to give birth to, twist inside her and she would die.

As she died, she expressed her sorrow in the name she gave the child. Ben-Oni, which meant “Son of my Sorrow”, and was Rachel’s way of showing her regret for conceiving this child.

The child would tear her away from the husband she loved; the husband she watched her sister share because of the greediness of their father. She had gained Jacob’s affection and no matter what life brought their way, they were deeply in love.

They met in a field as she tended her father’s sheep. Jacob loved her strength, her wit, and her loveliness. Jacob committed himself to her, even when she could not bear children and he respected his commitment to her, even to the last second.

In sorrow, Jacob would commemorate her life by re-naming the son Benjamin, which means “The son at my right hand.”

So Rachel died and was buried on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem). Over her tomb Jacob set up a pillar, and to this day that pillar marks Rachel’s tomb. Genesis 36:19-20(NKJV)

The tomb of Rachel can still be seen. The Jews declare it one of the third holiest sites in all of Israel. Tradition says that Rachel wept for the children of Israel as they passed the tomb on their way to exile in Babylon.

In 1620 a building was built on the site and capped with a dome by the Ottoman Turks. Due to a deteriorating structure and security situations in Israel, a building was built around it and now it stands as a barrier to separate it from Bethlehem.

Israel moved on again and pitched his tent beyond Migdal Eder. While Israel was living in that region, Reuben went in and slept with his father’s concubine Bilhah, and Israel heard of it. Genesis 36:20-22(NKJV)

As we now read, the story teller uses the name to which God wanted Jacob to embrace, Israel. The name signified the new man that Jacob had become. No longer would Jacob be the man who carried shame, he would be Israel, the man of God.

When God changes a person’s life, it does not make everyone around them change. Many husbands give their life to God and their wife is slower to follow. It may be their children that do not follow; for people must have their own encounters with God.

This being said, Israel’s son, Ruben, commits an act of sin before him. He brought the sin upon himself and would now have to live with the repercussions of that sin.

Yet the text does not show the emotion of Israel towards this child; but a man of God, who knows the forgiveness of God, would not feel anger, but compassion and sorrow.

Your sin surly will find you out and those things done in secret are seen by God above. Ruben thought he was sneaky, his heart was filled with lust; but Israel found out and the dirty truth and shame would follow Ruben. The fact that there is not much said about Israel emotion shows us that Israel knew God would deal with him in His’ own time.

Jacob had twelve sons: The sons of Leah: Reuben (behold a son) the firstborn of Jacob, Simeon (heard), Levi (joined to), Judah (praised), Issachar (there is recompense) and Zebulun (exaulted). The sons of Rachel: Joseph (Jehovah has added) and Benjamin (son of the right hand). The sons of Rachel’s maidservant Bilhah: Dan (a judge) and Naphtali (wresteling). The sons of Leah’s maidservant Zilpah: Gad (troop) and Asher (happy). These were the sons of Jacob, who were born to him in Paddan Aram. Genesis 35:23-26(NKJV)

Jacob was a blessed man, who had sheep, oxen, cattle, camels, people, tents, and many possessions; however, all of this could not replace the value he saw in his children.

God had changed his name to Israel and though it took many years for him to accept God’s providence, Jacob became the godly man named Israel.

His children would go on to be the fathers of the entire Jewish race and when we meet a Jewish man or women today; their lineage goes back to these twelve children.

Jacob came home to his father Isaac in Mamre, near Kiriath Arba (that is, Hebron), where Abraham and Isaac had stayed. Isaac lived a hundred and eighty years. Then he breathed his last and died and was gathered to his people, old and full of years. And his sons Esau and Jacob buried him. Genesis 25:27-29(NKJV)

Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are the primary chain of fathers that God raised up to be called according to His purpose. What started with faith ended with faith and that faith produced a world changing people that are still being dealt with by God today.

To Abraham, God promised to provide himself a sacrifice and generations later would be born a lion from the tribe of Judah, the Messiah, Jesus Christ our Lord. As promised all the world would be blessed through the seed of Abraham and you and I have salvation because these trusted God.

Any man can be as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God will speak to your heart, change your direction, and make you into a person of great faith; we need only let Him.

Here ends the story of Jacob; and as we follow his children, Jacob will again be discussed as we look into their lives and see our own lives; for God has a message for us all.

Parental Faults.

Parental Faults. Genesis 27:41- 28:10

So Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing with which his father blessed him, and Esau said in his heart, “The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then I will kill my brother Jacob.” And the words of Esau her older son were told to Rebekah. So she sent and called Jacob her younger son, and said to him, “Surely your brother Esau comforts himself concerning you by intending to kill you. Now therefore, my son, obey my voice: arise, flee to my brother Laban in Haran. And stay with him a few days, until your brother’s fury turns away, until your brother’s anger turns away from you, and he forgets what you have done to him; then I will send and bring you from there. Why should I be bereaved also of you both in one day?” Genesis 27:41-45(NKJV)

After studying the dynamics of this family, this action of Esau makes sense. He did not concern himself with God, spiritual life, or family; his only desire was to hunt, kill, and be acclaimed a good hunter. Therefore, when faced with grief his reaction is to kill.

Esau reacted predictably and his mother, Rebekah, knew that Esau had no compassion for others. Esau was self centered, and when pushed into a corner would come out fighting mad seeking his own personal interests.

You may have heard it said, “What you eat is what you are.” The truth goes way past food and can be applied to many parts of our life. When applied to our spiritual life, when trials, struggles, or life’s disappointments arise, you will react according to your faith in God. The question, “What would Jesus do?” has great meaning in our life.

If we walk through life and fail to nurture our spiritual side, then we can never expect to do what is right when the time dictates. You will not be able to give good advice to someone else; and if some how you do, they will not take you serious having watched you live your life. Why should they listen to a person who does not practice what they preach?

In this fiasco of deceitfully ripping the blessing away from Esau, there is a great truth that we must consider. The truth is God never intervened.

God was being faithful to His promise to Abraham and when the blessing was taken, God allowed it to be taken. As did Rebekah, God knew that Esau was not the right person to build the nation that represented God.

Inevitably, God does what is right. Often we have things happen to us and though God does not cause those things to happen to us, God could have stepped in to stop them. However, when needed, He uses those things for good in our life. It was for Esau’s own good that the blessing did not fall on his shoulders; for he could not perform to a standard to please God.

And Rebekah said to Isaac, “I am weary of my life because of the daughters of Heth; if Jacob takes a wife of the daughters of Heth, like these who are the daughters of the land, what good will my life be to me?” Genesis 27:46(NKJV)

Esau’s life was entwined with immoral people. The men he associated had no godliness at all. The women he loved were as treacherous as he. Rebekah felt the peace in her life had ended for now she had to send away Jacob and that left her watching Esau and his ill mannered friends.

Rebekah made a good decision, but the decision cost her greatly. In this we must learn that when we make tough decisions, often we must live with them. To live godly is gain; but it first comes with cost.

Jesus told his disciples’ that a person must lose their life to gain it. Through this we can see that God would have us make decisions to choose hardship over the easy life. He would have us put His interests and the interest of others before our own.

And Isaac called Jacob, and blessed him, and charged him, and said unto him, Thou shalt not take a wife of the daughters of Canaan. Arise, go to Padanaram, to the house of Bethuel thy mother’s father; and take thee a wife from thence of the daughers of Laban thy mother’s brother. And God Almighty bless thee, and make thee fruitful, and multiply thee, that thou mayest be a multitude of people; And give thee the blessing of Abraham, to thee, and to thy seed with thee; that thou mayest inherit the land wherein thou art a stranger, which God gave unto Abraham. Genesis 28:1-4(NKJV)

Once the heat was over and things had calmed down, Isaac seemed to have come to his senses. Jacob was the correct son to bless and he reaffirms it to his face. Isaac spoke about God’s work in Abraham’s life and passes that on to Jacob.

This could have been a redeeming point in Isaac life for he now took the interest of God before his own and as we will see the father’s repentance and humbleness to do what was right had a total family impact.

And Isaac sent away Jacob: and he went to Padanaram unto Laban, son of Bethuel the Syrian, the brother of Rebekah, Jacob’s and Esau’s mother. When Esau saw that Isaac had blessed Jacob, and sent him away to Padanaram, to take him a wife from thence; and that as he blessed him he gave him a charge, saying, Thou shalt not take a wife of the daughers of Canaan; And that Jacob obeyed his father and his mother, and was gone to Padanaram; And Esau seeing that the daughters of Canaan pleased not Isaac his father; Then went Esau unto Ishmael, and took unto the wives which he had Mahalath the daughter of Ishmael Abraham’s son, the sister of Nebajoth, to be his wife. And Jacob went out from Beersheba, and went toward Haran. Genesis 28:5-10(NKJV)

Esau was reproved by watching his father do what was right in God’s eyes and that made Esau feel less than acceptable by his father. Esau was entwined into the people of Canaan and now he saw his father’s disapproval.

Through all the correction Isaac made, he failed to make a correction that could bring salvation to his son. Isaac blessed Jacob and then failed to speak to Esau about his actions. He also failed to talk to Him about God’s purpose in his own life. It was as if Isaac had given up on Esau.

Where Esau saw error in his affiliations to the Canaanites, he only saw it through the displeasure of his father. For a son who grew up in the praise of his father, pleasing his father was all he knew. Therefore, he thought he had to find family to marry into; but he felt that he could not follow his brother, so he went to Haran.

Isaac’s sin would split his children as did his father, Abraham. Esau would go to join into the families of Ishmael and not be part of the movement of God to produce a holy nation. Jacob would go on to carry the torch and pass it on to the next generation; eventually forming the nation of Israel; yet, how tragic to lose a child from your own error. This is a parents fault.

The Fateful Crossroads.

The Fateful Crossroads. Genesis 27:30-40.

Now it happened, as soon as Isaac had finished blessing Jacob, and Jacob had scarcely gone out from the presence of Isaac his father, that Esau his brother came in from his hunting. He also had made savory food, and brought it to his father, and said to his father, “Let my father arise and eat of his son’s game, that your soul may bless me.”
And his father Isaac said to him, “Who are you?” So he said, “I am your son, your firstborn, Esau.” Then Isaac trembled exceedingly, and said, “Who? Where is the one who hunted game and brought it to me? I ate all of it before you came, and I have blessed him—and indeed he shall be blessed.” Genesis 27:30-33(NKJV)

Esau made light of his birthright and sold it. He did not pursue a relationship with God and sought after earthly pleasures. He did not apply himself for Godliness; but now on his father’s death bed he wants a blessing so that he might continue to live as he pleased, but it was too late.

This happens to people who seek to gain their life on earth, rather than give it to God so that He might flourish it in godly ways. Waiting to enjoy their life and seek God’s blessing later in life, many miss the opportunity all together.

Isaac was none the better, he was not a godly leader of his family; therefore, Esau married Canaanite women who were cursed and sold his own birthright for food.

Jacob, his brother, had a form of godliness, but resorted to deceiving his father to bless him over Esau. This was a family in turmoil.

When Esau heard the words of his father, he cried with an exceedingly great and bitter cry, and said to his father, “Bless me—me also, O my father!” But he said, “Your brother came with deceit and has taken away your blessing.” And Esau said, “Is he not rightly named Jacob? For he has supplanted me these two times. He took away my birthright, and now look, he has taken away my blessing!” And he said, “Have you not reserved a blessing for me?” Genesis 27:33-36(NKJV)

Think about the recession here; as Isaac had children, he gave more attention to Esau than he did to Jacob. He encouraged Esau to think and live as a hunter and to only care for his own physical needs. Feeling ignored, Jacob felt like they were fools; therefore, he treated them the same and as Jacob planned, they fell into a foolish trap. Who was the great hunter now?

Esau was reduced to nothing. He had no birthright, he had no blessing, and he was losing his father to old age and death. Because he did not develop his other family relationships, Esau would soon be alone with his Canaanite family. He and Jacob would part and Esau would no longer be a part of the plan of God to grow a great nation. Esau lost everything of substance so that he might have earthly gain.

Then Isaac answered and said to Esau, “Indeed I have made him your master, and all his brethren I have given to him as servants; with grain and wine I have sustained him. What shall I do now for you, my son?” And Esau said to his father, “Have you only one blessing, my father? Bless me—me also, O my father!” And Esau lifted up his voice and wept. Then Isaac his father answered and said to him: ” Behold, your dwelling shall be of the fatness of the earth, And of the dew of heaven from above. By your sword you shall live, And you shall serve your brother; And it shall come to pass, when you become restless, That you shall break his yoke from your neck.” Genesis 27:37-40(NKJV)

The godly will always be a part of the great plan of God. He probably did not give it much thought before now, but Esau chose not to be a part of that plan. He wanted to do his own thing, achieve his own greatness, and reached the crossroads of his life.

Many people think they will live life the way they want and when they are old, they will get right with God. However, they can show up at the crossroads and there they are judged for life.

The crossroads are not always later in life. Just last week a young major league baseball star was escorting friends to a late night party. He had just pitched six innings of his very first major league baseball game and celebrated with his family after the game. He came to his crossroad at a literal street intersection.

Also involved in this fateful meeting was a twenty-two year old man who had struggled with alcohol and drug abuse. He was driving, though his license was revoked. He was on parole, having served a prison sentence. His blood alcohol content was three times the legal limit and he came to the crossroads driving twice the legal speed.

It all happened so quick that no one had time to reconsider their plans in their life to repent before God. What was done in the past was now going to be judged. The cars intersected merging metal with metal. Like turning out lights, eyes closed as life left bodies. When it was over, what was done was done.

The pitcher and his three passengers were killed. The drunken man ran away from the scene, later to be caught, sentenced, and held for the murder of four people. Fifty-five years are destined for the twenty-two year old man’s incarceration. Yet, they all were judged at the crossroads.

Crossroads are not always as horrific as the story just told. For some, like Esau, what they wanted eludes them. They had a chance for salvation from sin and a life serving God; but on that day, they said they would wait and they passed through the crossroads, never to get back their again.

This whole family sat on a pile of blessings. They had more riches than most; yet they did not put their hearts to seeking God fully. Now they were in turmoil and never to be the same.

Does this message find you sitting on blessings? You have the opportunity to enact them and make them a reality, but you are not taking advantage of them?

Some people have access to learn the word of God, but they do not take it serious. They are passing by extreme blessings that could shape their life.

All these, who are sitting on blessings, are heading towards a crossroads. Once at the crossroad, it may be too late to make a decision; therefore, it is of the utmost importance to make your answers today.

What do you want from life? Having answered that, now get to it. The opportunity to know God and to seek salvation from sin is now. Grow to be the person of God that has a great family. Become their guide to draw them closer God. Do your work as God would want and do not sit on your opportunities. Live your life to honor God.

The Good Side of Deception.

The Good Side of Deception. Genesis 27:17-29.

Then she gave the savory food and the bread, which she had prepared, into the hand of her son Jacob. So he went to his father and said, “My father.” And he said, “Here I am. Who are you, my son?” Jacob said to his father, “I am Esau your firstborn; I have done just as you told me; please arise, sit and eat of my game, that your soul may bless me.” Genesis 27:17-19(NKJV)

Isaac and his wife, Rebekah, were split on who should receive the blessing of the firstborn. Naturally the firstborn should get the blessing; yet Rachel contended that they were actually born at the same time, one grabbing hold of the other. However this was only a minor argument that Rebekah had with Isaac, for Isaac’s favorite son, Esau, had caused the family much grief.

Esau would go on long hunting trips and come back with more experiences than the kill. He was crossing over into other nation’s camps and intermingling with their women. He found favor in the Canaanite women, they gave him what he wanted. However, Esau knew his parents would not approve, for the Canaanites were a cursed people and they did not honor God.

Esau was a man torn between the love of his parents and the love for the girls. So in trying to rectify the situation, Esau married the women as if to be a moral man. Yet all of this only brought grief to Isaac and Rebekah.

Rebekah saw Esau as an immoral, pleasure seeking man who did not honor his own family or the God they served. At one point, Esau gave up his birthright to his brother Jacob for the price of a meal. Rebekah knew he could never lead the family; for God could not bless his actions and the promise to Abraham and Isaac of being a great nation would falter under Esau. Therefore, Rebekah would force a situation to rectify all of this and do it in the name of what was right.

Her plan was to have Jacob present a gammy stew to Isaac, that he requested Esau to bring. Esau went out to hunt the meat for this stew and while he was gone Rebekah prepared Jacob to enter into his father’s tent dressed as Esau.

Wrapping him in goat skin and putting him in Esau’s clothes, Rebekah had Jacob enter the tent before Esau could return.

Upon entering, Isaac began to doubt that that was really Esau. His voice sounded different; yet, Jacob continued to say that he was Esau and give his father the food they had prepared.

But Isaac said to his son, “How is it that you have found it so quickly, my son?” And he said, “Because the LORD your God brought it to me.” Isaac said to Jacob, “Please come near, that I may feel you, my son, whether you are really my son Esau or not.” So Jacob went near to Isaac his father, and he felt him and said, “The voice is Jacob’s xoice, but the hands are the hands of Esau.” And he did not recognize him, because his hands were hairy like his brother Esau’s hands; so he blessed him. Genesis 27:20-23(NKJV)

The blessing was far more than words. The blessing was a responsibility before God and to use it wrong had lasting implications. When Noah cursed his son, Ham, the curse followed Ham’s family. They would evolve to be the Canaanites people. Blessings and cursing affected the future.

If you remember, Ham and his family were to be slaves. The curse was administered by God and held them in captivity. Should Isaac have blessed Esau, who married Canaanite women, the meeting of a curse and a blessing would occur. It would disrupt God’s plan and this shows that Isaac was being irresponsible with his blessing.

Rebekah was the only person who saw the truth and her actions were to protect God’s intentions for their family. She knew that Esau was the wrong son to bless; his very actions disqualified him.

Then he said, “Are you really my son Esau?” He said, “I am.” He said, “Bring it near to me, and I will eat of my son’s game, so that my soul may bless you.” So he brought it near to him, and he ate; and he brought him wine, and he drank. Then his father Isaac said to him, “Come near now and kiss me, my son.” And he came near and kissed him; and he smelled the smell of his clothing, and blessed him and said: ” Surely, the smell of my son Is like the smell of a field Which the LORD has blessed. Genesis 27:24-27(NKJV)

Isaac was easily fooled and if easily fooled, he was incapable of making the right decision regarding the blessing. Therefore, what Rebekah did can be justified as a spouse who has to make decisions for their mate that can no longer do so for themselves.

Jacob saw through his brother and saw that his father’s fascination with Esau was purely sensual. Jacob was pushed aside by Isaac and his father’s attention focused on Esau. Jacob always looked at this as being wrong. Therefore, when it came time to do what was right; Jacob felt justified in deceiving his father.

Isaac honored Esau, a man who had taken on the characteristics of the great Canaanite hunter Nimrod. Esau was so enthralled with leaving a legacy of being a great hunter it often drove him to the edge of death.

Esau pushed himself to be like Nimrod and perhaps held Nimrod as someone that he must out do. Esau spent his days with Nimrod’s Canaanite people looking for respect and marrying into their families. Esau was driven by the opinion of others.

Therefore may God give you Of the dew of heaven,   Of the fatness of the earth, And plenty of grain and wine. Let peoples serve you, And nations bow down to you. Be master over your brethren, And let your mother’s sons bow down to you. Cursed be everyone who curses you, And blessed be those who bless you!” Genesis 27:28-29(NKJV)

The blessing was given to Jacob and it could not have rested in safer hands. Jacob would continue in the family’s manors and customs.

The threat of losing God’s respect could not happen now and the family would continue in God’s plan. Yes, Isaac was fooled; however, Isaac was fooled far before the administering of the birthright. Isaac fell for sensual satisfaction unlike his father who sought to please God.

Family Deceit.

Family Deceit. Genesis 27:1-17.

Now it came to pass, when Isaac was old and his eyes were so dim that he could not see, that he called Esau his older son and said to him, “My son.” And he answered him, “Here I am.” Then he said, “Behold now, I am old. I do not know the day of my death. Now therefore, please take your weapons, your quiver and your bow, and go out to the field and hunt game for me. And make me savory food, such as I love, and bring it to me that I may eat, that my soul may bless you before I die.” Genesis 27:1-4(NKJV)

Isaac dearly loved his son Esau from his birth. The moment he laid eyes on the furry red baby boy, Isaac declared in his heart that this was the heir to the family legacy and as it had passed from Abraham to Isaac, the blessing would pass from himself to Esau. Yet, his mother thought otherwise.

When the children were born Rebekah made an issue that they were born together, one holding on to the other; therefore, one was not born first. Though she had to have love for her babies, there was something about Esau that made Rebekah favor Jacob. The parents would remain split on who should receive the birthright of the first born.

If we take the scriptural account of Isaac’s life and compare it with Abraham, we see that Abraham had a higher commitment to the Lord. Isaac had his times where God intervened, but you hear little about Isaac calling on the Lord or seeking God for directions. When it did happen, it was God approaching Isaac.

Now in old age, Isaac is making a decision to pass the birthright blessing onto Esau; which would be a normal occurrence in a family, except the family was not rejoicing with him.

When I view the sadness in the heart of the parents, which occurred from Esau’s actions, I can see some very important truths that would apply. Esau was making wrong decisions and his family knew it.

Now Rebekah was listening when Isaac spoke to Esau his son. And Esau went to the field to hunt game and to bring it. So Rebekah spoke to Jacob her son, saying, “Indeed I heard your father speak to Esau your brother, saying, ‘Bring me game and make savory food for me, that I may eat it and bless you in the presence of the LORD before my death.’ Now therefore, my son, obey my voice according to what I command you. Go now to the flock and bring me from there two choice kids of the goats, and I will make savory food from them for your father, such as he loves. Then you shall take it to your father, that he may eat it, and that he may bless you before his death.” Genesis 27:5-10(NKJV)

The first truth I see is Isaac did not have great honor for his wife. Isaac had treated her such that she could not go to him to be heard and instilled in her an attitude to sneak behind his back.

Another truth I see is Rebekah had little respect for Esau because of the way he lived and his choices in life. Esau had little concern for the birthright and carelessly sold it to his brother for food when Esau was desperately hungry. In her eyes, Esau sold the birthright and it no longer belonged to him.

In addition, they were to become a great nation before God; but Esau threw away the importance God’s blessings to his grandfather by marring Canaanite women. He married outside their bloodline and into the families of people who had a curse placed on them. Esau walked through life trampling everything of godly importance.

I don’t know if we can call it a mother’s intuition, yet Rebecca’s feelings towards Esau began at birth. Those feelings may have influenced the way Esau was nurtured and turned him into the man he was; but there is little scriptural support for that reasoning. However, family dynamics had everything to do with the way these people thought of each other.

And Jacob said to Rebekah his mother, “Look, Esau my brother is a hairy man, and I am a smooth-skinned man. Perhaps my father will feel me, and I shall seem to be a deceiver to him; and I shall bring a curse on myself and not a blessing.” But his mother said to him, “Let your curse be on me, my son; only obey my voice, and go, get them for me.” And he went and got them and brought them to his mother, and his mother made savory food, such as his father loved. Then Rebekah took the choice clothes of her elder son Esau, which were with her in the house, and put them on Jacob her younger son. And she put the skins of the kids of the goats on his hands and on the smooth part of his neck. Then she gave the savory food and the bread, which she had prepared, into the hand of her son Jacob. Genesis 27:11-17(NKJV)

The difference of the boys was night and day and each had their own dysfunction. Esau’s dysfunction we have discussed; now Jacob had his own problems too.

Jacob grew up being favored by his mother and his father favored his brother. We can safely say that Jacob grew up in his brother’s shadows. When Esau learned to hunt, Jacob had to see his dad’ praise for Esau and possibly his father tried to make Jacob hunt too.

Every time Esau returned home, he had caught wild game that he prepared for the family and the excitement of his father was again turned towards Esau.

Then there was the stories about the hunt and the kill; which left Jacob little to say that could match accolades Esau received from Isaac. Yet when feeling low, Jacob could always find a comforting smile from his mother.

Esau was not always successful as a hunter and once when returning home he desperately needed to eat. This caused inner feelings to come out of Jacob and he said, “Sell me your birthright and I’ll give you food.” Esau said, “What good is a birthright?” and agreed. Therefore, Jacob was the rightful person to receive the birthright.

The problems that exist are many. Each person in this family allowed dysfunction to take over their life. I would say that it began at the father and trickled down to every member. This is why we must seek a relationship with the Lord and daily seek to renew it.

Now who deserves the birthright? This we must answer as we go on to study this family of dysfunction. Place yourself in the shoes of a participant and answer the question, “What should they do.” The outcome is in the next study.

Living your Mistakes.

Living your Mistakes. Genesis 26:26-35.

Then Abimelech came to him from Gerar with Ahuzzath, one of his friends, and Phichol the commander of his army. And Isaac said to them, “Why have you come to me, since you hate me and have sent me away from you?” But they said, “We have certainly seen that the LORD is with you. So we said, ‘Let there now be an oath between us, between you and us; and let us make a covenant with you, that you will do us no harm, since we have not touched you, and since we have done nothing to you but good and have sent you away in peace. You are now the blessed of the LORD.’” Genesis 26:26-29(NKJV)

The Philistines, under the reign of Abimelech, recognized they should not mess with Isaac for his God had prospered him even in times of famine. The Philistines were jealous and Abimelech sent Isaac and his herds away. Yet for some of the Philistines, that was not enough; so they enforced the intent of the expulsion by filling in many of the wells that Abraham dug.

Isaac responded to them correctly; he had the wells restored and as he did, the Philistines approached him claiming the rights to the water. Isaac again answered with peace; he went and dug his own wells. With patience, confidence, and the support of God, Isaac prospered well.

Though at this juncture of his life, Isaac is doing well prospering in the Lord; here Isaac slips into a trap that many Christians do also. This slip would change his life and the life of his family. Isaac became a spectator of God’s work

Now at first read, it seems fitting that the Proverb comes true here that says,
When a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. Proverbs 16:7 However, the interpretation of what peace with your enemy is, needs to be carefully considered.

When striving with others, to find a common ground that brings peace is very satisfying. Here Isaac had Abimelech wanting to find that peace by making a covenant. However, Abimelech never repents for what his people did and is only doing this because he fears retribution from God.

So he made them a feast, and they ate and drank. Then they arose early in the morning and swore an oath with one another; and Isaac sent them away, and they departed from him in peace. Genesis 26:30-31(NKJV)

Abimelech was so close, yet the shut mouth of Isaac kept Abimelech from repenting to God. Abimelech feared God, but he did not know that God would have accepted him also. Isaac’s reaction was to make the peace accord, but not allow the love of God flow through him to Abimelech. As you will see, Isaac was like Abimelech in that he acknowledged who God was, but did not take his relationship with God serious unless he was neck deep in trials.

It came to pass the same day that Isaac’s servants came and told him about the well which they had dug, and said to him, “We have found water.” So he called it Shebah. Therefore the name of the city is Beersheba to this day. When Esau was forty years old, he took as wives Judith the daughter of Beeri the Hittite, and Basemath the daughter of Elon the Hittite. And they were a grief of mind to Isaac and Rebekah. Genesis 26:32-35(NKJV)

God was blessing Isaac because of the promise God made to Isaac’s father, Abraham. Isaac rested, feeling assured in God’s work; but never took it upon himself to know God like Abraham did. In fact, it seems as if Isaac may not have listened to well to his father, for some of the same sins his father committed, Isaac did too.

The largest blight on the church is men and women who do not seek their own personal relationship with God. They join themselves to a church for mediocre reasons. They may like the passion of the pastor, they may like the activities or they like the way the church looks. Each Sunday they attend and when they go home, the reality of God’s word does not change their heart. They are intent with knowing about God and are ready to be accepted and prospered; but they do not seek a relationship with God to change their own life.

Isaac, like many Christian men, failed as a father figure to his children. This is seen as his son, Esau, married Canaanite women who were subject to the curse of Noah. In addition, one was not enough; Esau became caught up in a debauchery and it became heart breaking to his parents.

Each of us must take knowing God serious for in that knowledge of Him comes wisdom from above. In a relationship with God, a person who daily comes before God sees themselves like looking into a mirror. The sin in their lives are exposed and willfully expelled in honor of a merciful God.

It is also essential to have a relationship with God to raise children to know the Lord. Knowing how to raise a child is balanced as not to break the child’s will, but so that the Child will know sin and their need for a savior. They can be spared from falling into worldly lives as Esau did.

When raising my children, I would look at their smiling, playful, demeanor and wonder how they will ever know their need for a savior if they first did not know what sin was? The thoughts threatened me. “How could they be saved from sin, unless they fall into it?”

I sought God for this understanding and as I watched my children grow, I watched them change. With care I maintained a relationship with them and encouraged them to seek the Lord without breaking their spirits.

However, it was more than encouragement; when they were of proper age I let them know my own relationship with God. I shared with them my own short comings and when they fell in to various sins, I did not meet them with strong rebuke, but with confident understanding and love.

I prayed for them, was a guide to them, and never let their sin overcome my faith in God’s work in their life. Now as adults, I still walk hand in hand with them through life’s problems.

To a point, Isaac missed seeing that in Abraham; Isaac grew to know of God, but not allow himself to know the love of God and that he should share that with others. It followed him into his own family and his son married Canaanite women who did not worship God.

A Christian life is more than going to church; it is more than about becoming involved with the people. A Christian life is to be like Christ who regularly sat alone, praying to God and finding what he needed to be the man He was.

The pit falls of Isaac’s life will grow in the coming studies. It is really too bad to see this, when he had a God that was willing to appear and speak to him.

Opposition in the Workplace.

Opposition in the Workplace. Genesis 26:12-34.

Then Isaac sowed in that land, and reaped in the same year a hundredfold; and the LORD blessed him. The man began to prosper, and continued prospering until he became very prosperous; for he had possessions of flocks and possessions of herds and a great number of servants. So the Philistines envied him. Genesis 26:12-15(NKJV)

God uses trails for good in our life. Here, in the same year that God drove Isaac and his clan to Gerar, famine turned to prosperity. Because Isaac was faithful to honor God’s leading in his life, God blessed Isaac with many servants and his herds grew in great size. The famine was short, but purposeful; it took Isaac to a place God could do a greater work in his life.

We must remember that God’s work in Isaac’s life was due to a promise that God made to Abraham. God promised Abraham to be the father of a great nation and yet it could only come about by adversity.

We would all like to be in a prosperous situation as Isaac. We cling to God’s word and are faithful to serve Him, longing and waiting for some relief in our daily famines. Yet, our days are different. We are called to store up treasures in heaven and to become servants. We have great riches waiting for us beyond this life, where as Isaac had great riches awaiting him on earth that he might father a great nation.

This does not mean that prosperity is beyond us. God can prosper anyone of us so that we might use God’s riches to build the kingdom. Yet we are not to set on hearts on riches, but put our minds on the task, consuming ourselves in service to others.

Now the Philistines had stopped up all the wells which his father’s servants had dug in the days of Abraham his father, and they had filled them with earth. And Abimelech said to Isaac, “Go away from us, for you are much mightier than we.” Then Isaac departed from there and pitched his tent in the Valley of Gerar, and dwelt there. And Isaac dug again the wells of water which they had dug in the days of Abraham his father, for the Philistines had stopped them up after the death of Abraham. He called them by the names which his father had called them. Genesis 26:16-18(NKJV)

When others prosper a typical Christian response is to be happy for the person who was blessed. Yet, many of those who do not serve God see through eyes of jealousy. The Philistines became jealous and lashed back by destroying what they considered was the source of Isaac’s wealth, water.

Even though they needed water too, instead of requesting to share the water, they destroyed the wells. Their spitefulness over ran their reasoning and their envy overpowered even their own greed. As if to say, “Though we ruin it for ourselves too, we ruin it for Isaac,” the Philistines became so vexed they became an embarrassment to their own people.

Abimelech had only one recourse; since his people could not contain themselves, Abimelech had to tell Isaac to move away. Abimelech knew that the escalation would end violently if he did nothing and Abimelech feared God’s retribution.

This same thing happens over and over throughout all societies. People see Christian people living happy, good hearted, serving, caring, and enjoying life’s every beauty and many hate it. The hate to see others doing well and they act out in ways to ruin it for them.

Because Christians are honest and of good report, they do well in the workplace and there they find others creating passive resistance. However, passive resistance grows and Christians have found themselves lashing back to make it stop. Yet this only accomplishes the intent of the resistance, to rob Christians of their joy.

Isaac recognized the resistance he faced and as they moved to the valley to dig more wells. They also kept their quiet and worked to reopen the sabotaged wells.

Also Isaac’s servants dug in the valley, and found a well of running water there. But the herdsmen of Gerar quarreled with Isaac’s herdsmen, saying, “The water is ours.” So he called the name of the well Esek, because they quarreled with him. Then they dug another well, and they quarreled over that one also. So he called its name Sitnah. And he moved from there and dug another well, and they did not quarrel over it. So he called its name Rehoboth, because he said, “For now the LORD has made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land.” Genesis 26:19-22(NKJV)

The two new wells were named contention and hatred. It reflected the attitude they received as they did their work quietly. Even when challenged, Isaac had his group moved on and dug other wells. Eventually, the Philistines would have to quit fighting and therefore, Isaac’s men worked with passion, honor, and kept a cool head.

The last well they dug was named Rehoboth, which means, “wide places or streets.” This would be sufficient to make room for the Philistines and themselves. Yet the prosperity would still come from the Lord. Never will the enemy prosper against the righteous for should the unrighteous succeed on earth, judgment belongs to the Lord.

Then he went up from there to Beersheba. And the LORD appeared to him the same night and said, “I am the God of your father Abraham; do not fear, for I am with you. I will bless you and multiply your descendants for My servant Abraham’s sake.” So he built an altar there and called on the name of the LORD, and he pitched his tent there; and there Isaac’s servants dug a well. Genesis 26:24-25(NKJV)

In all the adversity we encounter, the Lord is watching. He sees our weaknesses, our frailties, and will never test us more than we are able. Yet as He looks, He longs to see us do what is just, honest, and righteous.

Daily, when we come before the Lord, let us take our cares and concerns to Him and never let us lash out at those who oppose us. Let Him be our strength and the reason to keep quiet to do our work. There is no need for us to take control of situations to fight for resolutions, for our God works in our behalf.

God is looking for men and women to be like Isaac, and not as his brother Ishmael who grew up to cause contention. Ishmael was a wild man, but let us be like Isaac who God can bless and enrich to do His work in this world.

God uses Trials.

God uses Trials. Genesis 26:1-11.

There was a famine in the land, besides the first famine that was in the days of Abraham. And Isaac went to Abimelech king of the Philistines, in Gerar. Genesis 26:1(NKJV)

It had been many years since the famine God used in Abraham’s life; in fact, it was the first famine that Isaac had seen. Yet it was used by God for Isaac’s good to test him. This trail was used to help him become the man he should be. God uses trial in our life to make us better.

There are times in our life that God wants to begin new works. When being guided by the winds of trial, many new situations come our way. For Isaac, he now was to meet the Philistines and learn about faith in God.

He knew of the Philistines and at some point met a few who journeyed through his area; yet what he saw of them caused him to think cautiously.

Because of the famine, Isaac traveled to the place of his birth, Gerar. It was here that the Philistines centralized and it was here he met Abimelech.

Abimelech was not the same Abimelech as his father encountered in his time of trial. The name Abimelech was a common name to call a Philistine leader; much like the Caesars of Rome.

Then the LORD appeared to him and said: “Do not go down to Egypt; live in the land of which I shall tell you. Dwell in this land, and I will be with you and bless you; for to you and your descendants I give all these lands, and I will perform the oath which I swore to Abraham your father. And I will make your descendants multiply as the stars of heaven; I will give to your descendants all these lands; and in your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed; because Abraham obeyed My voice and kept My charge, My commandments, My statutes, and My laws.” Genesis 26:2-5

Now with any trial, it is important to know that the Lord is behind us. To know His control of the situation and the power of His might will bring ease to any person who is in trial.

Many Christians pray waiting to have God appear or see a sign that shows God’s commitment; yet in our day there are large differences in our need to have God appear to us. The difference is the Bible.

We had the Lord appear to us and He came that we might be delivered from sin. He walked with men and talked with men, teaching them the essentials that all men will need and it was recorded to guide all men until the end of the world.

These words were written for our instruction, our comfort, and for our wisdom. From the scriptures God can lead any man without having to appear or speak. We must remember that God is not a sideshow who appears as a magician to make things better. He is a God that wants us to have faith and believe.

As Isaac, God wants to bless us and help us care for our families; for one day we will be with Him in heaven, live for eternity, and be co-heirs with His son Jesus Christ. So why should we expect to have more than faith? We are a gifted prosperous people who need to live as such.

So Isaac dwelt in Gerar. And the men of the place asked about his wife. And he said, “She is my sister”; for he was afraid to say, “She is my wife,” because he thought, “lest the men of the place kill me for Rebekah, because she is beautiful to behold.” Genesis 26:6-7(NKJV)

Talk about the apple falling not too far from the tree. Isaac had like fears and concerns when it came to his own beautiful wife, Rebekah. Seeing the way Philistines acted, fought and lived in their barbaric habitats, brought fear to Isaac.

This story, enacted again and recorded for us to read has much significance for us. It communicates that while we are trusting and following God, at times we will fail. Yet as you will see, the reproof again comes from an Abimelech and not from God. The reproof of the world was enough for God.

Now it came to pass, when he had been there a long time, that Abimelech king of the Philistines looked through a window, and saw, and there was Isaac, showing endearment to Rebekah his wife. Then Abimelech called Isaac and said, “Quite obviously she is your wife; so how could you say, ‘She is my sister’?” Isaac said to him, “Because I said, ‘Lest I die on account of her.” And Abimelech said, “What is this you have done to us? One of the people might soon have lain with your wife, and you would have brought guilt on us.” So Abimelech charged all his people, saying, “He who touches this man or his wife shall surely be put to death.” Genesis 26:8-11(NKJV)

It is amazing how the unbelieving world can exhibit a high concern for what is decent and right when some Christians do not. Then to see them grant grace and forgive is as salt on a wound.

Christians are to be above board in their dealings with the world and with each other. Never should fear cause us to lie, cheat, or steal. Isaac was wrong in what he did; however, there is the fact that Abimelech had to put out a strong warning to his people, for without a strong warning his people would have not respected Isaac.

Yet, it all worked together for good. Isaac and his wife were protected while they stayed and God had grace towards them.

Our Bibles are the most important words we can read and if we want to know God and His will for our life, we must read them.

Through the Bible we can find comfort in our trials, understand our situations, and give God glory for the hardships we face. Yes, we can find good in the hardships we face. We need only look.

A Godly Life is no Accident.

A Godly Life is no Accident. Genesis 25:27-34.

So the boys grew. And Esau was a skillful hunter, a man of the field; but Jacob was a mild man, dwelling in tents. And Isaac loved Esau because he ate of his game, but Rebekah loved Jacob. Genesis 25:27-28(NKJV)

In studying the typology of Genesis we have shown that Abraham enacted the future, where God would sacrifice his own son. In the marriage of his son Isaac, Abraham’s servant was a type of the Holy Spirit bringing the bride to Christ. These types bring to us promise and hope. In this scripture, we have more typology to learn from.

When studying Biblical typology there have been and are those people who try to apply this to all scripture; however, not all things in the scriptures can be used in this manner. For instance you should not try to use typology to interpret the future events of the Book of Revelation. To do so could lead a person to misinterpret and miss the coming of the Lord.

Yet in our passage there is a definite type depicted here for us to consider. This is a type of our split personalities; our struggle to be godly.

The babies, Esau and Jacob, came out basically at the same time. In telling of the birth, the parents described a struggle to be born first; however, it is safe to say that this was a parental struggle, for in their society the first born was the child responsible to carry on the family name and that was called the birthright. In this family the parents were split on who should do this.

Now Esau was a red hair baby with a lot of hair and for some reason that displeased his mother, as she became partial to the second born, Jacob. It was no doubt that she made up the story that the Jacob had a grasp on Esau’s leg, thus they were born together at the same time. In her mind she wanted them to share the birthright.

This became an internal family struggle where parents each took sides. Isaac favored Esau, the first born, and Rebekah favored Jacob.

The following passage describes typology of mans respect to the opportunity to be a Christian, forgiven of sin and given a sure future. Where some hold dearly to this wonderful second chance, others discard it as nothing.

Now Jacob cooked a stew; and Esau came in from the field, and he was weary. And Esau said to Jacob, “Please feed me with that same red stew, for I am weary.” Therefore his name was called Edom.(Red) But Jacob said, “Sell me your birthright as of this day.” And Esau said, “Look, I am about to die; so what is this birthright to me?” Then Jacob said, “Swear to me as of this day.” So he swore to him, and sold his birthright to Jacob. And Jacob gave Esau bread and stew of lentils; then he ate and drank, arose, and went his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright. Genesis 25:29-34(NKJV)

Esau was a hunter and had been on an excursion that was not successful. He returned hungry and defeated. His passion to be a successful hunter was damaged and with that he suffered depression. Esau had hit bottom, nothing was working for him.

Now his brother saw this as a chance to profit from his brother’s defeat and offered him food in exchange for his birthright. The act was cold hearted, it was underhanded, and he was content with trying to gain the inheritance underhandedly.

Esau was tired of the whole family tiff. He did not care about the possessions; he did better in the field anyways. Therefore, he carelessly discarded the inheritance of his father and in despise, he gave up the birthright.

In our lives, God has given us the promise of great inheritance, but some grow weary from the struggles of life. They give up and quit on Christianity so they can have some earthly satisfaction. They settle for sin for a season, but it is a temporary satisfaction.

Some people get so tired of the politics and attitudes that develop at church that they too cast it all aside and give up. Yet our Father in heaven desires us to press forward and come to Him when we are low. Esau never went to his father.

Now his brother Jacob became so greedy for the birthright and inheritance that he pitched his moral obligation to the family to steal away the birthright from his brother. This too happens in Christianity, where some feel they can live as they please and be dishonest in their dealings.

These come to church and try to make it work to their advantage. Some seek to be noticed and be recognized by others. Some know they need salvation and do what they think they must do; but they go home to live dishonest and ungodly.

Is not our salvation worth our undivided attention? When we do struggle, should we not go to our Father for the answers, so we are not like Esau, alone in our misery?

God is our loving heavenly Father who will not test us beyond what we can handle; therefore, we can make it through every situation and we must not give up.

Then, we too must live integrity. No person can live on both sides of the fence. You cannot be crafty, dishonest, and misrepresent the truth, if you want salvation from sin.

Some think that they can commit sin and it is all forgiven. Well, it is true that if we are faithful to confess our sins, He is faithful to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness; but the cleansing should keep us from sinning.

These two men are poor examples and here in our scriptures that we might consider our own motivations. Are we living as sons with a birthright because we are born again? Are we respecting our positions in life or are we heading out on ventures that will tire us and push us to compromise?

Do we lay in wait to take advantage of others and are we seeking to put an end to family disputes that they may not separate us? A godly life is no accident, it came at a price that cost God His only son and He died a terribly excruciating death so that we might be born into the family of God. Therefore, let us examine ourselves that we might be faithful children.

The Difference in People.

Genesis 25:11-27. Genesis 25:11-27.

And it came to pass after the death of Abraham, that God blessed his son Isaac; and Isaac dwelt by the well Lahairoi. Genesis 25:11(NKJV)

Now we will see the events that occurred in the life of Isaac. However, before the author enters this account, he closes the page on another person we have read about, Ishmael.

Now these are the generations of Ishmael, Abraham’s son, whom Hagar the Egyptian, Sarah’s handmaid, bare unto Abraham: And these are the names of the sons of Ishmael, by their names, according to their generations: the firstborn of Ishmael, Nebajoth; and Kedar, and Adbeel, and Mibsam, And Mishma, and Dumah, and Massa, Hadar, and Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah: These are the sons of Ishmael, and these are their names, by their towns, and by their castles; twelve princes according to their nations. Genesis 25:12-16(NKJV)

As God had promised, Ishmael sired twelve princes. They settled in the country between Egypt and Syria called it Arabia.

These princes built cities and castles. Like all people, they had wars and they developed their cultures by force. They built dynasties and even developed their own worship of God called Islam.

And these are the years of the life of Ishmael, an hundred and thirty and seven years: and he gave up the ghost and died; and was gathered unto his people. And they dwelt from Havilah unto Shur, that is before Egypt, as thou goest toward Assyria: and he died in the presence of all his brethren. Genesis 25:17-18(NKJV)

Ishmael was like a King and his respect transcended all of kingdoms of the princes. As God promised, Ishmael was bless; blessed with many children and blessed with a long life. This concluded the account of Ishmael.

And these are the generations of Isaac, Abraham’s son: Abraham begat Isaac: And Isaac was forty years old when he took Rebekah to wife, the daughter of Bethuel the Syrian of Padanaram, the sister to Laban the Syrian. And Isaac intreated the LORD for his wife, because she was barren: and the LORD was intreated of him, and Rebekah his wife conceived. And the children struggled together within her; and she said, If it be so, why am I thus? And she went to enquire of the LORD. Genesis 25:19-22(NKJV)

As promised to Abraham, Isaac would carry the bloodline and the responsibility to teach the true worship of God. Yet, as all of us know, God allows trials to draw us to Him. In prayer Isaac and his wife, Rebekah, went to the Lord to lay their problems before Him and God blessed.

Isaac held on to God with patient for Isaac was a patient man. His patience is seen in that he waited until forty years old to marry and his children were born when he was sixty. In patience, Isaac did well by not following his father’s mistake by going into his handmaiden.

Let this be an encouragement to you, that God is not slack in answering your prayers. Yet in His timing everything comes to pass according to his wonderful plan for us.

Here the goodness of God is seen in that He not only answers the prayers of people, but he multiplies the blessing far more that we ask. Isaac and Rebecka would have two children.

And the LORD said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger. And when her days to be delivered were fulfilled, behold, there were twins in her womb. Genesis 25:23-24(NKJV)

It is interesting that God shows early in His word that two groups of people can be so different, but still posses the favor of the Lord. In this we can build a case for those who gave their life to accept the Messiah and those who refused to believe, but are still kept in God’s plan. God can have love and intentions for both to be saved from sin.

Yet, this also builds a case for the need for diversity in God’s kingdom. Some need to be athletic, strong, cunning, and others need to be somber statesmen; educated and able to lead with knowledge.

These two brothers were destined for different lives, different desires, and most different attitudes. Beginning in the womb, Esau took on different characteristics than his brother and the two struggled as Rachel moaned her pregnancy.

And the first came out red, all over like an hairy garment; and they called his name Esau. And after that came his brother out, and his hand took hold on Esau’s heel; and his name was called Jacob: and Isaac was threescore years old when she bare them. And the boys grew: and Esau was a cunning hunter, a man of the field; and Jacob was a plain man, dwelling in tents. Genesis 25:25-27(NKJV)

Do you struggle being different from others? In God’s kingdom there are many needs for people just like you and God has given every person different abilities and different demeanors.

In this passage, God is telling us that it is okay to be different. It is okay to be second and not everybody will be a leader. For some my words are grievous, for inside is a desire to envy others. Yet, no matter how hard you try to be like someone else, you are you and to find peace you must learn to honor what God has done in shaping you to be whom you are.

Married then Died.

Married then Died. Genesis 25:1-10.

Abraham again took a wife, and her name was Keturah. And she bore him Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah. Jokshan begot Sheba and Dedan. And the sons of Dedan were Asshurim, Letushim, and Leummim. And the sons of Midian were Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abidah, and Eldaah. All these were the children of Keturah. And Abraham gave all that he had to Isaac. But Abraham gave gifts to the sons of the concubines which Abraham had; and while he was still living he sent them eastward, away from Isaac his son, to the country of the east. Genesis 25:1-6(NKJV)

Abraham lived thirty-five years after the marriage of Isaac and his years are summed up in these few verses. It is amazing how we have some key moments in our life that define us; they will live as a tribute to us, while the details of the rest blow away with the sands of time.

The marriage of Abraham to Keturah was common for an aged man, with no wife. She was probably bought with money and goods for allegiance to helping Abraham fulfill his later years. A nurse and a governess for the family, Keturah’s role was important.

It was also a man’s role to be fruitful and multiply. It was a sign of blessing and a mindset that young men grew up with. If you were to be a great man, you would have many children; so to keep up with the times; Abraham continued to sire children late into his years.

One thing we do notice is that there are no mentions of God’s interventions, trial, or tests. Therefore, we conclude that God’s work in Abraham’s life was completed in his earlier days; however, Abraham’s faithfulness to God continued and that is seen in the management of the inheritance he would leave behind.

He gave his complete inheritance and the land of Canaan to Isaac; to the other sons he gave gifts. Abraham recognized the importance of the work of God and brought his family up to respect it, for they willingly departed to the Eastern Arab nations.

Abraham was a good father; he did what was right before the Lord by insuring the inheritance went to Isaac. Abraham also blessed his other children with a blessing that God would greatly honor. In Judges, chapter 6, it speaks of these children, who traveled eastward, and says they greatly multiplied. Because of Abraham, God blessed them too.

This is the sum of the years of Abraham’s life which he lived: one hundred and seventy-five years. Then Abraham breathed his last and died in a good old age, an old man and full of years, and was gathered to his people. Genesis 25:7-8(NKJV)

It should be every person’s goal to live to a good old age and be full of years. Abraham was obedient to God, which brought blessing to him and his families. Yet not everyone who loves God lives a long life.

The number of your days is not as important as the quality of your days. I don’t mean wonderful happiness; I mean days that God is able to forward his plan in building the kingdom by using you to help.

To honor the Lord we must be willing to listen to God and act on His directions. Like Abraham, we must be willing to leave the comfort of home and head to an unknown country, should God call us to do so.

As Christians we are instructed to teach, preach, lead others to accept Christ into their hearts and be baptized as a commitment to live for Him. Daily we have work that can be done and we are to pray as Jesus intercede our prayers to the Father.

The most important thing to remember is that God is a miracle working God. He wants to increase our faith and do things to overcome our adversities. He brings trials to mold and shape us and strength us to endure them. He readies us to do great things.

As God moved in only a few situations in Abraham’s life, we must be ready and willing for Him to do so in ours. Christians will not see miracles everyday and those times in our lives that we see God’s hands manipulating our situation are few. That is why we must be ready, submitted, and faithful watching.

And his sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah, which is before Mamre, in the field of Ephron the son of Zohar the Hittite, the field which Abraham purchased from the sons of Heth. There Abraham was buried, and Sarah his wife. Genesis 25:9-10(NKJV)

Abraham was one of the most influential people in our Bibles. He made his mistakes, he sinned, he had lapses of faith, yet Abraham had a greater balance of godly actions that we remember and are worthy of honor.

As they do of Abraham, may people speak about our life’s events and godliness when we pass. Great works of God are nothing you can force; they come through a daily relationship with God and faithfulness to Him.