Esau and Jacob Presented to Isaac (painting circa 1779–1801 by Benjamin West) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Late Discussion/Devotional Thought of the Day…..

 It was faith that made Abraham offer his son Isaac as a sacrifice when God put Abraham to the test. Abraham was the one to whom God had made the promise, yet he was ready to offer his only son as a sacrifice. ¹⁸  God had said to him, “It is through Isaac that you will have the descendants I promised.” ¹⁹  Abraham reckoned that God was able to raise Isaac from death—and, so to speak, Abraham did receive Isaac back from death. ²⁰  It was faith that made Isaac promise blessings for the future to Jacob and Esau. ²¹  It was faith that made Jacob bless each of the sons of Joseph just before he died. He leaned on the top of his walking stick and worshiped God. ²²  It was faith that made Joseph, when he was about to die, speak of the departure of the Israelites from Egypt, and leave instructions about what should be done with his body. Hebrews 11:17-22 (TEV)

Our Bible Study arrived at this passage this morning, as we’ve been journeying through the Book of Hebrews…a passage well known to my older saints.

It was noted during our study, how the faith discussed in Abraham, Issac, Jacob and Joseph all have to deal with death, and not just heaven, but the future after we have gone.

Of the things Abe could be noted for, it was for the future that he trusted God.  That God would fulfill His promises for the descendants that would come through Issac – even though Abraham was on his way to kill the very son who was to be the one through whom the promise was made.   Issac’s sacrifice would have put an end to that promise… except that Abraham knew God could raise someone from the dead.

Of all the things Issac could be noted for, well actually we don’t know all that much about him… but Hebrews notes the faith demonstrated in not just blessing the son who would inherit, but blessing the son who turned his back on the inheritance…. and his family.  Until Esau realizes how much he’s given up…and so, led by God, and knowing God’s heart for all the world… Issac blesses his prodigal son…and Esau’s descendants are saved in Christ’s death on the cross, for they are among the nations whom will be blessed.

Jacob as well, the one who wrestled with God (setting an interesting precedent for his own descendants..) is not know for that – but again for blessing his grandchildren, and worshiping  God.  He too passes on the promise…

Joseph too – it’s not the trust in God that would see him through kidnapping, or the jail time, or the global famine…..

The prayer is for the sustenance of the people – that they would, as well, be sustained during the promised time of exile, through to the time of the promise land – generations to come..,,,,

Each trusted in God – for a promise that includes us, those who trusted in God for the future, a future that they knew God would fulfill.

Because they knew God, because they walked with Him, because they knew His love.

Can we see our faith in God, yes for heaven, but for the generations that will follow, trusting God. …. can we know the God who blesses us, will bless them….

Lord have mercy on us… and on those that follow…