No.8: Issac's Birth and "Sacrifice"

Website Admin

Feb 15 |00:00 AM

Name & Bio

I’ve been a Christian since I was 16, married to Brian for almost 35 years and a member of the church for 34 years. Our two grown up daughters live in London. I teach full time in a secondary school.

My main church involvements are: Mission Core team—Evangelism strand, church house visitor and co-leader of a pastorate.

I enjoy spending time with family and friends, outings to the cinema or theatre, reading and puzzles, a decent cup of coffee and HOLIDAYS (typical teacher!).

Bible Passage

Genesis 21:1 – 22:19

What did you learn about God today?

What an awesome God! What a packed treasure trove of spiritual riches to explore.

God keeps His promises, whether we believe He will or not!

He thinks outside the box. He chose a 90 year old woman and a 100 year old man to have a baby! He also chose a teenager to be the mother of His Son.

God uses flawed people. Sarah and Abraham had made mistakes in the past but they still heard God speak into their lives.

He’s a God of justice, He’s impartial. God knows our short term and long term needs. He took care of Ishmael and Hagar.

God asks us to obey Him and to be willing to make sacrifices for Him, just as He did for us when He let His only Son die for us. It’s a case of being willing to take up the cross daily.

How is this relevant to you today?

I am challenged and encouraged by reading this passage. It made me reflect on God’s promises and ask some questions.

Abraham threw a big party when Isaac was weaned. Do I celebrate and share God’s blessings with others?

Am I walking closely enough with God so that, like Sarah and Abraham, I can discern between God speaking to me and my own wishful thinking?

Will I still hear from God when I’m 90?

Do I try to fulfil God’s promises for Him and as a result create problems? Or do I trust God to keep His promises His way?

Am I acting justly and fairly in all my relationships, not just to those that I like or favour?

Do I write off people who’ve made mistakes in the past when God doesn’t do that with me?

The Biggest question though is: What sacrifice is my “Isaac”? Am I willing to offer it? What if I don’t, What if I do?

Name & Bio
I’ve been a Christian since I was 16, married to Brian for almost 35 years and a member of the church for 34 years. Our two grown up daughters live in London. I teach full time in a secondary school.My main church involvements are: Mission Core team—Evangelism strand, church house visitor and co-leader of a pastorate. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, outings to the cinema or theatre, reading and puzzles, a decent cup of coffee and HOLIDAYS (typical teacher!).

Bible Passage
Genesis 21:1 – 22:19

What did you learn about God today?
What an awesome God! What a packed treasure trove of spiritual riches to explore.God keeps His promises, whether we believe He will or not! He thinks outside the box. He chose a 90 year old woman and a 100 year old man to have a baby! He also chose a teenager to be the mother of His Son.God uses flawed people. Sarah and Abraham had made mistakes in the past but they still heard God speak into their lives.He’s a God of justice, He’s impartial. God knows our short term and long term needs. He took care of Ishmael and Hagar. God asks us to obey Him and to be willing to make sacrifices for Him, just as He did for us when He let His only Son die for us. It’s a case of being willing to take up the cross daily.

How is this relevant to you today?
I am challenged and encouraged by reading this passage. It made me reflect on God’s promises and ask some questions. Abraham threw a big party when Isaac was weaned. Do I celebrate and share God’s blessings with others? Am I walking closely enough with God so that, like Sarah and Abraham, I can discern between God speaking to me and my own wishful thinking?Will I still hear from God when I’m 90? Do I try to fulfil God’s promises for Him and as a result create problems? Or do I trust God to keep His promises His way? Am I acting justly and fairly in all my relationships, not just to those that I like or favour? Do I write off people who’ve made mistakes in the past when God doesn’t do that with me? The Biggest question though is: What sacrifice is my “Isaac”? Am I willing to offer it? What if I don’t, What if I do?