Genesis 17:17 (ESV) —
17 Then Abraham fell on his face and laughed and said to himself, “Shall
a child be born to a man who is a hundred years old? Shall Sarah, who is ninety
years old, bear a child?”
NOTE: The name
"Isaac" means, "He laughed." Abraham (newly renamed)
laughed and Sarah (also a new name) would laugh a little later. Abraham and
Sarah initially laughed in disbelief, but later would laugh in joy. They were
99 and 90 years old respectively. They were out of options to get an heir. And
previous schemes had not turned out well. Abraham did not even want to go
forward with God's plan and was quite content if Ishmael would be the child of
promise (as Muslims insist). But God said no to Ishmael. The blessing to all
nations would come through Isaac. Ishmael would be a wild donkey who would be
everyone's enemy. Isaac's birth led to Jesus, the author of life and the new
covenant. Ishmael's life led to the Arab nations, Islam, and world war against
everyone else. Isaac is the one. The true promise of God, not the result of
man's scheming.
PRAYER: Father,
thank you that I am a recipient of the blessing. I do not deserve to live in a
country where the gospel is freely preached. I am blessed because of many
other's sacrifices. My prayer is for those in the dark countries where the
gospel is actively opposed, even to death. Open the eyes of people to truth.
May they see and understand the good news that gives real life. Thwart the
plans of the enemy in this world.
No comments:
Post a Comment