Good Morning.
And Abraham said to God, “Oh, that Ishmael might live before You!”Then God said: “No, Sarah your wife shall bear you a son, and you shall call his name Isaac; I will establish My covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his descendants after him.” (Genesis 17:18-19)
Why did Abraham petition God on Ishmael’s behalf? Did he fear that something would happen to him one Isaac came into the world? Or maybe it was because he was having doubts as to whether his wife could actually conceive and give birth in her old age. Whatever the reason, God determined that the promise made to Abraham would not come to pass through Ishmael but through his yet-to-be-born son. His name would be called Yitzhak (Isaac) because Abraham “laughed.”
Throughout Israel’s history miracle after miracle has occurred making it possible for there to be an Israel. It was a miracle that Sarah conceived and then delivered a son. It took a miracle for Isaac’s wife to conceive and deliver a son. It took a miracle for Israel to escape Pharaoh’s chariots. It took countless miracles for Israel to survive the wilderness. On and on, the Bible recounts these miraculous events and all occurring in order to bring forth a nation that was to represent the One God to the rest of the world.
Each of us can probably testify to the same; if God had not performed miracles in our life, we might not be here. I can testify that if He had not performed miracles for me that my life would be so much different. The greatest miracle that has occurred in the life of any and all believers is the one that occurred when He made us a new creation. Until the day that He redeems our bodies and mortal puts on immortality, there is no greater event in our life than when He forgave us of our sins and reconciled us to Him. Be thankful today that the “everlasting covenant” promised to the seed of Abraham is still in effect.
Blessings and Shalom,
Bill
Recent Comments