Gen 20 and 21

When my grandparents began to move out of their house, we all came.  (9 grandchildren)  We came at one time or another to get things that held sentimental value, that we always admired, or some such thing.

I went through the barn and picked up a hand drill.  My grandfather used it on the telephone poles as a lineman.  It's a neat little tool, but outdated for today's work.  Today they can carry with them electric cordless drill with great power.  My hand drill is now just a relic of another era.



Many view the Old Testament that way.  Genesis in particular, a great piece of history, but not useful for todays modern world.  But as we have studied the life of Abraham, we see the ups and downs of his life, and see the value it has for our life today. As it points us to Jesus, we are drawn towards God and pulled to the cross for forgiveness.  The story of the birth of Isaac shows us that scripture is "Ancient, but not antiquated" (CH Mackintosh)

Trusting God means we must trust him with not only our eternal souls, but our present bodies.  Abraham received (finally) God's promise in God's way in God's time.  His birth was a miracle, and a picture of God implanting us with a new nature after salvation, not just making the best out of the mess we have.

Isaac to is a picture of Christ to us.  Their births share these similarities:

1. The Promised Birth
2. The wait after the Promise
3. Announcements that come in an incredulous manner
4. Named before birth
5. Born at God's appointed time
6.  Birth was a miracle of nature
7. They were a joy to their Fathers
8.  They were obedient even unto death


Praise God that He gives us new life!  Even (especially) when we can't do anything in our own strength.