This week’s devotions are based on this week’s message: Shadows: A Glimpse of a Substitute! (WATCH HERE)
Genesis 22:15 The angel of the LORD called to Abraham from heaven a second time 16 and said, “I swear by myself, declares the LORD, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, 17 I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, 18 and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me.”
The account of Genesis 22 and Abraham’s willingness to walk by faith and live by God’s promises and not human perceptions is a powerful testimony and example of living under the provision and promises of God…always.
As the ram is on the altar instead of Isaac, the angel of the LORD calls to Abraham. What is amazing about this encounter is that more than likely the “Angel of the LORD” is the pre-incarnate second person of the trinity, Jesus himself. Speaking with knowledge of the future and his role as a descendant of Abraham, he speaks with authority as to what God is going to do as he unfolds the years of history following Abraham’s act of faithfulness.
Abraham’s descendants will be many.
Abraham’s Descendant will bless all.
The dominos of salvation history continued to fall in the shadow of God’s faithfulness and Abraham’s faith.
God’s promises are fulfilled through the faithfulness of God’s people. Yes, God would carry out his plan through and inspite of unfaithfulness of his people, but what is important to recognize is that the faithfulness of God’s people is part of God’s plan to fulfill his promises. Along the way he gives them and us opportunities to walk by faith, not sight and live focused on his promises, not our human perceptions.
What happens to the reality of God’s promises in your life and your family tree when you live by them?
Perhaps it’s hard to understand in the moment, but God uses your faithfulness to be a blessing to future generations. I look back in my family tree (as much as I know of it) and I see faithful Christian parents, pastors, and family that have passed on the truth of Jesus’ love and grace, modeled it and shared it personally and professionally as pastors. My family and I get to enjoy the blessings of that generational faithfulness and have the privilege and responsibility to pass that on to the next generation. It gives me joy to see my girls active in their faith, seeking opportunities to share, to use their gifts to serve the Gospel work and witness to their friends. Faithfulness is recognized by the Lord and given reward not only in heaven, but in the current generation in which we live.
Abraham’s faithfulness was one step in the lineage of God’s people that eventually brought his Son into the world through Mary. What would unfaithfulness of Abraham brought about? We will never know, which a good thing.
What will unfaithfulness on our part bring? Let’s pray we never know the spiritual consequences of giving up on the Gospel and walking away from God’s promises, but learn from Abraham and his son Isaac that the blessings of walking by faith, trusting the plan and promises of God always bring blessings far greater than the challenges and tests present in the moment.
Apply: Where is God challenging you to faithfulness today? Ask him for strength to be faithful to him. Give thanks when you see the blessing of faithfulness in your life!
Prayer: Lord, thank you for your certain promises and the ability to live by them each and every day. AMEN.