You can’t teach an old dog & Here hold my knife

Genesis Chapters 20, 21, 22

Abraham’s next journey takes him to a place called Gerar and he meets the King there, who’s name is Abimelech. Again, Abraham is dishonest about his relationship with Sarah to protect himself, still having no concern for his wife above his own self-preservation, forgetting all of GOD’s promises to him, how quickly we forget, myself included. GOD appears to Abimelech in a dream and reveals the truth to him, he professes his innocence to GOD about the situation, but GOD says he protected the man from sinning against GOD. He tells Abimelech to return Abraham’s wife, he will pray for him because he is GOD’s prophet, and he shall live. Abimelech returns Sarah, gives a monetary gift to prove her innocence in the sight of everyone, he gives them both livestock, servants and tells them to dwell, live anywhere they like in his kingdom. Abraham prays for Abimelech and his people and GODS answers.

- Next GOD delivers on his promise, Isaac is born.

- Sarah is still jealous of Hagar and her son; God tells Abraham to listen to Sarah and he sends Hagar and his/her son away. (He is still Abraham’s son)

- He gives them some bread and a flask of water.

I am going to pause here for a second Abraham is a very well off at this point, servants, livestock, he can field a small army at a moments notice. GOD has richly blessed him and will continue to bless. GOD said listen to your wife and send them away. Nowhere, anywhere did GOD dictate the provisions and care that was to be given them, this lays solely at the feet of Abraham. Some bread and a skin of water, sometimes when it comes to our own family, our flesh and blood, we can be hard hearted. Just like Abimelech, it is GOD to the rescue again with Hagar and the boy. Notice closely what verse 20 says, and GOD was with the boy and he grew up. GOD did not just provide for that day alone he watched over them. (He loves them too.)

Lastly the sacrifice of Isaac, this is another test for Abraham and his obedience to listen to GOD. It is also a picture of the future of GOD’s plan of his own son being sacrificed. GOD would not let Abraham hurt Isaac instead he provided a substitute sacrifice. Just like the sacrifice of the cross GOD loves you so much that instead of you, me taking the punishment that we deserve, he provides a substitute his own son, Jesus. He says to Abraham in your offspring all the nations of the world will be blessed. Not some, not a few, not just Israel, but all.

Next – Dispatching, Matching, and Hatching