God's Plan For Man Final
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,
-40-
Made with FlippingBook