Day 9

By
The Birth of Isaac

Scripture

January 9—Genesis 21-24: Isaac’s Birth and Sarah’s Death

Observation

After more than twenty years of watching and waiting, the faith of Abraham and Sarah is rewarded by the birth of an heir. Isaac (“laughter”), whose prophesied birth was greeted with a laugh (18:12), now brings laughter and joy to the hearts of his elderly parents. That joy is soon threatened by Abraham’s severest test—the command to sacrifice Isaac as a burnt offering to God. Abraham obeys, thereby learning yet another lesson in God’s faithfulness. Sarah sees her son rise to manhood but does not live to see his happy marriage to Rebekah.

Application

The Sacrifice of Isaac, by Caravaggio, 1603
When you get to chapter 21 in the life of Abraham, it may surprise you to learn he is already 100 years old. And yet, the most important and productive years of his life are still ahead. Before he dies at the age of 175 (25:7-8), Abraham will father at least eight children, face his severest test on Mount Moriah (22:2), and arrange for a godly spouse for Isaac. Clearly, being a “senior citizen” didn’t alter Abraham’s zeal for God! Neither should being senior citizens alter our zeal for God in these days. Life may not begin at fifty, but neither does it end there for the child of God eager to be used by Him. The young generation should encourage the elderly and the elderly should share their wisdom with the younger generation in such a way that it causes them to be more sound in their faith.

Prayer

Dear Lord God help us to draw on the wisdom of the elderly and encourage the elderly to continue being productive into old age bringing new and younger believers to the faith. In Jesus name! Amen!

Rebecca at Well, by Benedetto Luti, 1700











© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business! 2019

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