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traditions, but it is divided even though it’s of the same origin. This is
because they want the firstborn to rule the world, however, the second son
will inherit what the Father promised from the beginning: this is the lesson
of Ishmael.
As we reflect back on their lives, it all seems easy. But to walk in their
sandals would have been very difficult by today’s standards. Reflecting on
our own lives, are we without the same struggles? In many ways, we are the
same except we are much more divided, all the while claiming that we are
unified. Perhaps their lives were more difficult because of the lack of
technology, and many people would suggest that we are better off. Are we?
Consider what Abraham and Sarah experienced in responding to God’s
call—the call or destiny of the prophetic values in the records is yet fulfilled
or completed. We should be thankful, for we are a result of his
faithfulness—a continuation of that mere human seed. We are a part of that
experience because we are their future.
“When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him and
said, ‘I am God Almighty; walk before me and be blameless. I will confirm
my covenant between you and me and will greatly increase your numbers.’
Abram fell face down, and God said to him, ‘As for me, this is my covenant
with you: You will be the father of many nations. No longer will you be
called Abram; your name will be Abraham, for I have made you a father of
many nations. I will make you very fruitful; I will make nations of you, and
kings will come from you. I will establish my covenant as an everlasting
covenant between me and you and your descendants after you for the
generations to come, to be your God and the God of your descendants
after you.’”
(Genesis 17:1-7)
It must have been very difficult for Abraham to hold on to what he heard,
and as with Noah, only time would prove if the inspirations were accurate.
Who else believed that Abraham actually heard God? Doubt is a very heavy
weight, demanding proof or instantaneous results. Abraham did as God
asked, and he struggled with the promise. He also struggled with sufficient
results in that time. The amount of time in which it might come to pass to
be fulfilled was beyond him and all others during their recorded times of
life.
However, God sent confirmation to Abraham. Remember Melchizedek, the
king of Salem who brought bread and wine to share with Abraham? He was
the priest of God Most High, prepared (anointed) by God. It was unusual,