15 - Isaac is born to Sarah and Abraham

Kathleen’s thoughts

Lot’s daughters, I struggle with this sleeping with their father in order to get pregnated… anyhow Moab was born to one and Ben-ammi to the other and so the Moabites and Ammonite tribes were born.

It’s amazing how God tells Abraham to listen to Sarah in regards to her slave Hagar and Abraham’s son Ishmael and then God promises are again spoken that his offspring will make a nation from him because he is his son. Here in Genesis 25:16 we read about the 12 leaders from Ishmaels 12 sons. Nebaioth, Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam, Mishma, Dumah, Massa, Hadad, Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah. This was promised in Genesis 17; 20 Will multiply him greatly. He will father 12 tribal leaders and will make him into a great nation.

I can’t imagine having to take one of my kids for a sacrifice. Abraham’s fear of the Lord and faithfulness was vastly great. But then you hear God talking to Abraham through this trial which must have been very calming to him. I note that Abraham seemed to have had that assurance that God would provide a lamb for the sacrifice because he told his young men “we’ll come back to you” and then he told Isaac too that God will provide a lamb! As scripture says God will provide all our needs according to His riches in Glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

The birth of Isaac and Sarah’s words were “God has made me laugh”

Sarah died at the age of 127 years and was buried in a cave of a field at Machpelah near Mamre (Hebron) The field with its cave passed from the Hittite’s to Abraham as a burial place.

Blessings

Kathleen

15 - Forsaking All I Trust Him

Abraham Sacrificing Isaac, by Laurent de La Hire, 1650

Chareen's Thoughts:

Genesis 22 The thought of being asked to offer up one of my children as a sacrifice makes my skin crawl. I wonder what Abaham's thoughts were ?  His feelings as he walked with his son and servants ? I wonder if they suspected Abraham's intentions after all he did live in a time when offering ones children as a sacrifice was fairly common.  I did some extra reading (see footnotes) and realised the faith that Abraham had.  As a prophet had God given him a foreknowledge ? I don't think so because the beginning of Chapter 22 it says After these things God tested Abraham. Why did He need to test Abraham ?
Genesis 22:4 On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance. As I read this I thought about how this is a foreshadowing of Jesus. Three days in the grave for Jesus, three days for Abraham to walk with his son.
Genesis 22:5 Abraham prophesies that he and Isaac will return together.
Genesis 22:8 Abraham prophesies that God will supply the sacrificial lamb.
Genesis 22: 11-14 God provision and affirmation of covenant with Abraham.

What an amazing story. Reading it again has left me with a deeper appreciation for the faith that Abraham walked in. 

Forsaking All I Trust Him a simple acrostic with a very deep message. 

These words are so simple yet their ramifications run deep and wide.
Blessings
Chareen

Footnotes Curtesy of Bible Gateway:

1. Genesis 22:5 Abraham was not lying to his servants or trying to deceive them. He believed God, Who had promised him that this young man's posterity was to inherit the promises made to Abraham (Gen. 12:2, 3).
2. Genesis 22:8 We must not suppose that this was the language merely of faith and obedience. Abraham spoke prophetically, and referred to that Lamb of God which He had provided for Himself, Who in the fullness of time would take away the sin of the world, and of Whom Isaac was a most expressive type (Adam Clarke, The Holy Bible with A Commentary). For Abraham was a prophet (Gen. 20:7). Jesus said Abraham hoped for "My day [My incarnation]; and he did see it and was delighted" (John 8:56). 
3. Genesis 22:9 Isaac, who was perhaps twenty-five years old (according to the ancient historian Josephus), shared his father's confidence in God's promise. Was not his very existence the result of God keeping His word? (Gen. 17:15-17.)
4. Genesis 22:11 See footnote on Gen. 16:7.
5. Genesis 22:18 We have the authority of the apostle Paul (Gal. 3:8, 16, 18) to restrict this promise to our blessed Lord, Who was the Seed through Whom alone all God's blessings of providence, mercy, grace, and glory should be conveyed to the nations of the earth (Adam Clarke, The Holy Bible with A Commentary).

14 - Abraham and Lot talking to angels

Kathleen’s thoughts

Genesis 18 –20

Do not forget or neglect or refuse to extend hospitality strangers, for it some have entertained angels without knowing it. Hebrews 13:3 This scripture has always made me realize that one’s home should always be open and people greeted with open arms. God sends people into our lives always for a reason and it’s our choice to embrace it or not. Take a look at the scripture where Abraham entertains 3 men and I love the part where Abraham first reaction was “let a little water be brought, that you may wash your feet and rest yourselves under the tree” 

I immediately thought of Jesus washing His disciples feet John 13: 3-25 and then A woman brought into the house a alabaster flask of ointment and began weeping and it landed on Jesus’ feet and she then wiped his feet with her hair then anointing His feet with the perfume. Luke 7:38 Even Lot washes their feet.

Poor Sarah, I think she was in great shock when the angels said she will conceive. Here it makes one realize that all things are possible for those who walk with the Lord.

Lot and his family saved but his wife was disobedient by looking back turning into a pillar of salt when they left their home Sodom. Can you imagine rain of burning sulphur? So from Abraham’s prayer God answered them by saving Lot.

I wonder why Abraham did not trust God to save him when he travelled into the region of Negev then settling in Gerar against Abimelech King of Gerar. I could not imagine being married then my husband gives me up to save his own life. Ummmmm! Sarah truly must have been one very special lady of understanding.

Blessings

Kathleen.

14 - Is anything impossible for the LORD ?

Abraham and the Three Angels (watercolor circa 1896–1902 by James Tissot)

Chareen's Thoughts:

• Genesis 18:14 Is anything impossible for the LORD?  Jesus Himself reminds us in Matthew 19:26, Mark 10:27 and Luke 18:27  that with God all things are possible.



Mount Sodom, Israel, showing
the so-called "Lot's Wife" pillar.
Photo credit: Wikipedia

• Genesis 18: 23-33 Abraham interceded / pleaded for Sodom. If ten could be found the LORD would spare Sodom. I wonder about the significance of ten ? Was Abraham thinking of the family of Lot ? Lot + his wife + future sons in law (2) + 2 daughters + at least two daughter/son who are married = 10. We read the angels say take your daughters who are here in Genesis 19:15  there is an inference that Lot had more children who were not there in his home. 
• I am shocked each time I read that Lot offered his virgin daughters to the men of the city.  Why would a father do that ? Genesis 19:8
• In Genesis 19:1 we see that Lot is a man of influence because he is sitting at the gate.
• Lot is known as a righteous man 2 Peter 2:6-8
• Genesis 20:2 Abraham lies again about Sarah being his wife.  I wonder why this man of faith was so afraid ?  Genesis 20: 3 - 7 God Himself warns Abimelech not to touch Sarah for she is Abraham's wife.  
• God still required Abraham to pray for Abimelech. Genesis 20: 17-18. God had closed all the women's wombs on account of Sarah.  

I often need to remind myself that with God all things are possible.  I rely on what I know and see far to much I need to trust Him with my whole heart and stop leaning on my own understanding.

Proverbs 3: 5-6
 ⁵ Trust in the LORD with all your heart
   and lean not on your own understanding;
⁶ in all your ways acknowledge him,
   and he will make your paths straight



Blessings

Chareen

13 - Abram and the Covenant God made with him.

Kathleen’s thoughts

Melchizedek, the King of Salem (king of righteousness, and then he is also king of Salem, which means king of peace.)(Hebrews 7:3 Without (record of) father or mother or ancestral line, neither with beginning of days nor ending of life, but resembling the Son of God, he continues to be a priest without interruption and without successor) Salem is later known as Jerusalem, he brought bread and wine. He was a priest to God Most High. Hebrews 7:4 Now observe and consider how great (a personage) this was to whom even Abraham the patriarch gave a tenth (the topmost of the pick of the heap) of the spoils. Jesus is known as Prince of Peace and he too used the bread and wine.

Genesis 17 is where God makes a covenant with Abram and changed his name to Abraham and his wife Sarai to Sarah. God told Abraham that He will make him the father of many nations.

Haggai the servant of Sarai who gave her to her husband Abram so they could have children as she was barren, gave birth to Ishmael, and God blessed him and said he will be fruitful and will multiply him greatly and he will be father to the 12 tribal leaders. And I will make him into a great nation But God will confirm His covenant with Isaac, who Sarah will bear to you at this time next year… When He finished talking with Abraham God withdrew from him. It was after this that Abraham and his household carried out God’s orders of circumcision

13 - Circumcise your heart

Chareen's Thoughts

• Today I read about Melchizedek (means Righteous King). Genesis 14:18 Then Melchizedek, king of Salem brought out bread and wine; he was a priest to God Most High.  This priest is quite a significant man.
• Interestingly enough his name is translated by Paul in Hebrews. Hebrews 7:2 and Abraham gave him a tenth of everything. First, the name Melchizedek means “king of righteousness”; then also, “king of Salem” means “king of peace.”  Jesus is known as the Prince of Peace Isaiah 9:6
• Hebrews 6: 20 says: Where Jesus has entered in for us [in advance], a Forerunner having become a High Priest forever after the order (with the rank) of Melchizedek. I wish the bible had more about this man. 
• Upon research on Bible Gateway I discovered that his name appears eleven times through out the scriptures. Once in Genesis, once in Psalms, nine times in Hebrews.
• There are three priestly orders.  The line of Aaron (Levitical Priesthood Order [Numbers 3:10]) and the line of Melchizedek (Melchizedek Priesthood Order) and a third priesthood.  The Royal Priesthood (1 Peter 2:9) which we are grafted into through Christ.
• Genesis 14:20 Abram tithed to this priest.The command to tithe is confirmed in Leviticus 27: 30-33
• Genesis 14:19-20 Melchizedek pronounces a blessing upon Abram.
• Genesis 15:6 Abram believed the LORD, and He credited it to him as righteousness. Abram's faith must have been monumental.  There have been seasons in my life where I know but do not believe God because the physical evidence is not there.  My LORD has been ever patient with me in these seasons of my walk.  Our belief is credited to us.  Think about it.  Abram believed when the physical evidence was so contrary to what he had been told.
• Genesis 15: 1-21 is the story of the unconditional covenant that God made with Abram. 
• Genesis 16: 11 - 12 As I read here about the prophecy God spoke over Hagars son Ishmael I thought to myself that this has continued through the ages to all his decedents.  His hand will be against everyone, and everyone's hand will be against him. Interestingly Ishmael means: God hears.
• Genesis 17:1 ... "I am God Almighty. Live in My presence and be devout. Being devout is defined as: Yielding a solemn and reverential attention to God in religious exercises, particularly in prayer. To live in His presence and be devout.  What does this mean for you and me ?
• Genesis 17:5 Your name will no longer be Abram, but your name will be Abraham, for I will make you the father of many nations. Genesis 17:15 God said to Abraham, "As for your wife Sarai, do not call her Sarai, for Sarah will be her name. A new beginning for both.  God Himself renamed them.  A few years ago I watch a video series where I learned that God put His own name into their names. The 'AH' is the breath/life of God. He inserted this into each of their names. Sarah became known as Princess. She was 90 and he was 99 and God breathed of Himself over them so that they could be renewed before His covenant with them could begin it's fulfillment. So they became known as: Abraham the exalted father of many and Sarah the princess the daughter of the King.
• Six (Ishmael, Isaac, Josiah, Solomon, John and Jesus) were named before their conception and Solomon was given a second name at birth (Jedidiah) by God and Isaac is the second. Genesis 17:19 But God said, "No. Your wife Sarah will bear you a son, and you will name him Isaac. ...  For some reason I always thought that Isaacs name came about because Sarah laughed but now I realise that God named him before he was even conceived and not only Sarah but Abraham laughed too. Genesis 17:17 Abraham fell to the ground, laughed, and thought in his heart, .... Genesis 18:12 So she laughed to herself: ...
• Genesis 17: 9-14 God required circumcision as a sign of the covenant between Himself and His people. 

The LORD your God will circumcise your hearts and the hearts of your descendants, so that you may love him with all your heart and with all your soul, and live. 

 Deuteronomy 30:6

 Blessings

Chareen

For Further Reading:

• Stephen Haskell, Priests & Cross and it's Shadow.
• The different covenants in the bible.
• Got questions.org What is the Abrahamic Covenant ?

12 - All the peoples on the earth will be blessed through you

Abraham's Departure, by József Molnár

Hebrews 11:8

[Urged on] by faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed and went forth to a place which he was destined to receive as an inheritance; and he went, although he did not know or trouble his mind about where he was to go.

Chareen's Thoughts:  

• Abram (Exalted / High Father) and Sarai (Argumentative). One of my pet interests is the meanings of names.  I think that in general we under estimate the value of the meanings of our names.  When we speak a name we speak a blessing or a curse. This in turn made looking for names for my children a bit of a challenge!  Looking at Abraham and Sarah's original names I noticed that Abraham had a name with a positive meaning.  Do you know the meaning of your name ?
• Genesis 12:3 ... and all the peoples on the earth will be blessed through you.  To think that because of the faith of one man ALL the people of the earth are blessed.
• Genesis 12:11-15 Sarai a beautiful woman.  She must have had an amazing beauty at the age of 60 that even the Pharaoh wanted her. I am not so sure I would have submitted to my husband and lived as a wife to a king :'( She must have had a strength of character few know today.  She must have loved Abram very deeply to forgive him and move forward in their relationship.  It intrigues me that God placed His hand against Pharaoh when it is Abram that sinned by omitting that Sarai is his wife. 
• Genesis 13: 14-17 God renews the covenant with Abram.  This is the second time He speaks this blessing over Abram.

This is my favourite verse in relation to the Jewish nation and it is a verse that holds a very special place in my heart.  It is a verse that was spoken in prophecy over someone special in my life.

Genesis 12:3 And I will bless those who bless you [who confer prosperity or happiness upon you] and ^[a]curse him who curses or uses insolent language toward you; in you will all the families and kindred of the earth be blessed [and by you they will bless themselves].

Blessings
Chareen

From Bible Gateway:

Footnotes:

1. Genesis 12:3 To look with disfavor on the Jews was to invite God's displeasure; to treat the Jews offensively was to incur His wrath. But to befriend the Jews was to bring down upon one's head the rewards of a promise that could not be broken.