January 7 - Genesis 21:8-23:20, Genesis 11:32, Genesis 24:1-67

Good morning everyone,

Today’s reading brings us to a great feast that is being held in honor of Isaac, whose name means he laughs, only there is not a whole lot of laughter going on in the household. Ishmael, the first born to Abraham, is not a big fan of his little half brother. After all, he now has to share his father’s attention and takes to mocking the kid. And Sarah, well, as any protective mother would want to do, she wants the matter eliminated and has Abraham send Ishmael and his mother Hagar away, which wasn’t such a bad deal for them as she would no longer be a slave, and God had plans for Ishmael.

In chapter 22 we read how Abraham was tested. You all know the story, right? God told Abraham to take his only son with Sarah, a boy he desperately loved, up to a place on the mountain then  sacrifice him as a burnt offering. What!? But obediently Abraham gathered wood and fire, did just as he was told, even to the point of tying Isaac down on the alter. Were told, “Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. But the angel of the Lord called out to him from heaven, “Abraham! Abraham!” And the boys life was spared, God provided an ram to sacrifice in his stead.

Oh there are so many lessons to be had from this one little story. Seriously, but the one that comes to my mind this morning is how difficult it can be to let go of what we deeply love. What could be more natural than to love your children or grand children? Gosh you bring them into the world, you love them, you sacrifice for them, you care for them the best way you know how. Right?  But what we all really need to understand is that our “very best” is like a vapor compared to what God can do for them. The spiritual benefits of God’s blessings far out weigh our sacrifices. 

I would encourage us all to trust the Lord our God with the care of our children and our children’s children. Oh sure, it is our responsibility to feed and clothe them but we must also teach them God’s ways because if you don’t teach your children to love God, the world will teach them to hate Him. You know it’s true, so encourage them to know the Bible, memorize verses and love Jesus. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 says, “And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.” Then trust God to take care of them. He will allow hurtful events that will be hard to watch, the same as He will allow joy that will bless you beyond words, but no matter the season of their life, remember God’s plan is perfect. 

Continue to pray for children of all ages. God hears our prayers, and answers them in His timing. Friends, like Abraham, our trust must be in the Lord. Isaiah 12:22 says, “Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.” Amen?

Have a great day and to God be the glory.

God bless you all ….