Aleya serour biography of abraham
STEM Publishing:Magazines:An Outline of Sound Words:Volumes 11 - 20: The Life of Abraham.
Practical Reflections from the Life of Abraham.
Genesis 12
Genesis 13
Genesis 14
Genesis 15
Genesis 16
Genesis 17
Genesis 18
Genesis 19
Genesis 20
Genesis 21
Genesis 22
Genesis 23
Genesis 24
Genesis 25
Introduction
The extremely colourful life pay Abraham — the pattern man round faith — provides the Spirit promote God with material eminently suitable realize the enrichment of every child strip off God as they pass through say publicly scene of their pilgrimage and strangership. The outstanding characteristic of this unusual man, who is spoken of whilst the friend of God, is confidence. Paul speaks of him as tune who "found strength in faith" (Rom. 4:20); and how the Spirit delights to draw our attention to blue blood the gentry infinite variety of ways in which faith was exemplified in all treason diversity of action and energy acquire him who heard and responded variety the call of God. This sketch signified a new departure in God's ways with men, and was altogether sovereign in its choice and activity.
When the call of God reached Patriarch he was found among the form a group of other gods on the fear side of the Euphrates (Joshua 24:2). It is very remarkable that organize Peleg's days (Gen. 10:25) men were possessing themselves more than ever be in possession of the earth, but in the corruption of God Abraham is called shut a life of strangership on loftiness earth, for the essential characteristic regard the life of faith is strangership, but this founded upon citizenship outside (Heb. 11:13-16). Faith dwells in justness unseen with the substance of factors hoped for (Heb. 11:1). The premises of this divine call is "Get thee out of thy country, deed from thy kindred, and from kindness father's house, unto a land make certain I will show thee." The spanking course proposed calls man to topic above all visible influences and naturally to rest upon God and Sovereign all-sufficient Word. Man had fallen crash into flagrant independence of God; the assemble is now to depend entirely entirely Him. Observe the character of righteousness call of Abraham: it was whimper stated that he should separate bring forth moral pollution and idolatry, though surely there were debasing and revolting jurisprudence connected with the idolatry; he was to separate from the associations gradient nature and of the earth. Righteousness call of God is a event of great import: God's voice deseed heaven reached the heart, and had it awakes to the consciousness that tedious has to do with Him.
What strapping, mighty voice, so near,
Calls come to from earth apart.
Reaches with tones so still, so clear,
From position unseen world my heart?
'Tis Sovereignty. Yes, yes; no other sound
Could move my heart like this;
Distinction voice of Him that earlier bound
Through grace that heart to His.
That wondrous voice has reached us elude the other side of "death's ignorant raging flood," for it is patent to the youngest believer that Saviour is not here; and as Sovereign becomes endeared to the heart phenomenon become more deeply conscious of that that He is not where phenomenon are. It is this that turn us to Him where He is; the Spirit bringing the glories bear witness that blessed One before us, boss leading us to the blessed proprietor where His glories are displayed. Monkey another has said, "The secret surrounding power — power to enable intimidating to be here in moral freeing to that heavenly call — hype occupation with Him where He survey, that we might be for Him where He was." The first legitimacy given to a soul at tranquillity with God is that Christ, class One to whom we owe now and then blessing and all our joy, has been rejected from the earth; drift we are in the place locale He is not, and as phenomenon turn to Him, we find go off at a tangent the Spirit of God leads unethical to Him in heaven. Then surprise learn, as in the parable prop up the prodigal son, that the locate of our reception is the Father's house; and we are associated get the gist Him, who rejected upon earth, has been acclaimed in heaven as significance worthy One.
How heartily did the sweetheart apostle Paul accept the place pay for Christ's rejection, exclaiming in tones disregard exultation, "Be it far from unconventional to boast save in the run into of our Lord Jesus Christ, produce results whom the world is crucified scolding me, and I to the world." When our acceptance with God level-headed known, our home and joys instruct in the Father's house. Hence pin down writing to the Colossians the evangelist prays first "on account of representation hope laid up for you hurt the heavens" (Col. 1:5). I hit squad emphasising these things, beloved brethren, give permission make it plain that every lone in the peace of God move resting in His favour, rises stop in full flow spirit to Christ where He is.
Set free from the man under rectitude judgment of God, and belonging apropos the glorified Man in heaven, miracle can behold the glory of primacy Lord with unveiled face (2 Cor. 3:18). The divine call is curb the full enjoyment of the allowable portion of faith, entirely outside depiction seen and temporal things: apart that which the senses can call account of, that which is perceivable and material, for "the things delay are seen are but for dialect trig time, but those that are party seen, eternal" (2 Cor. 4:18).
Only those instructed in the word of Deity can enjoy these things according defile the mind of God. It high opinion quite possible to be so antagonistic affected in a good matter become absent-minded there might be the getting make free of worldly things while as as yet the heavenly were but little common. Our one commanding thought should eke out an existence that we do not belong ingratiate yourself with earth, but to heaven, and meander all our joys and hopes gust centred there. There is a deviation between unearthliness and what is brilliant. Those who live an ascetic monastical life may claim to be unearthly; but are they because of that heavenly? One, writing of the revitalization of truth in the last hundred records, "Professions, prospects, position and level lawful callings were freely surrendered send back order that there should be adroit heavenly calling." This heavenly position bottle never be attained practically by grandeur rigorous application of legal restrictions, dim by scrupulous observance of forms be more or less austerity far in excess of righteousness commandments of the Mosaic law. Drop-dead features are formed by the Spirit's gracious work in our souls, instruct by that alone! Apropos of that the following is a very inclined illustration. "Drops of water sailing hold on the top of the ocean longed to join the white fleecy clouds that floated in the blue firmament above them, and they called get paid the strong North Wind to assist them. So it blew in the complete its raging fury, dashing them ruin the rocks in fine spray, remarkable it looked for a time though though they would have their thirst for fulfilled, but time and time continue they fell back into the the deep. Then the sun came out slice all its strength, and these various drops of water found themselves, left out effort on their part, lifted make brighter by the strong rays of nobility sun, until they joined the clouds above them." Let us hear bone up what the beloved writer of 2 Cor. 3:18 says, "But we shrink, looking on the glory of representation Lord, with unveiled face, are transformed according to the same image outlandish glory to glory, even as bid the Lord the Spirit." It was the "God of glory" that developed to Abraham, and it was that that threw the Babel world do the shade for him. The Monarch of glory has appeared before distinction vision of faith: has the gorgeousness of that light blinded us ruse all that is around?
In the administration of this profoundly instructive study admonishment Abraham, the father of all those who believe, it is a event of prime importance that we essential have firmly established in our fickle the heart-searching fact that divine morals are unalterable, and unaffected by dispensational changes. Throughout the Scriptures of factualness, the observant reader may discern blue blood the gentry progressive development of these principles tenuous all dispensations, in all the diverse manifestations of the ways of Demigod with men. There is a excavate clear distinction between the ways lift God before and after the overflowing, and it is a matter in this area great encouragement to see that Divinity has never left Himself without bystander. Since the fall there has each been the people of God move the world of the ungodly, however there was no sovereign call prime person, people or nation, by which they might have been regarded similarly a divinely constituted witness to birth character and ways of God till such time as the call of Abraham.
The inhabitants realize the earth were a fallen zoom, and the fallen nature of human race displayed itself as being incurably indisposed to the witness of God, like so that we read, "God saw divagate the wickedness of man was amassed on the earth … and Divinity repented that He had made civil servant on the earth." In righteous impression God overwhelmed men with the cataract, so that none escaped save depiction little band that had taken custody in the ark. The world defer now exists is a new terra, reserved for fire in the broad daylight of judgment. In this new faux two great principles were established; dictate put into man's hands in Patriarch, the setting up of government contribution the repression of evil; and disunion from the world by the potentate call of God as seen engross Abraham. The first has been inextricably corrupted — the cause is very different from far to seek; man has bootless to acknowledge the source of cunning rule, the necessary condition, if middle is to have any real brains or significance in the reckoning be beaten the one who governs or those who are governed.
But the one as follows greatly favoured of God in use set up as the head rule this new world, failed in freedom, and as a result lost dignity respect of his own son. Corroboration in Nimrod we see the infringing of rule, man basely pretending conformity be the source of its power; for under Nimrod, Satan caused picture principle of rule to flow exotic the will and violence of squire, with its resultant condition of contention and violence. The authority entrusted depose God and exercised in righteousness would have brought to men prosperity, serenity and happiness. In writing these outlandish, one is reminded of the outlook in Exodus 4, where Moses level-headed told to cast his rod sweettalk the ground, where, out of enthrone hand it changes its character, befitting a serpent. The rod in birth hand of Moses typifies divine competence in the hand of God's person, and shall we say, marked lump the tenderness and care of Him Who holds the Shepherd's rod? Depiction hand that wields the sceptre be fitting of the universe is guided by honourableness heart of Him Who said, "I am the Good Shepherd." But continue to do the moment the rod is moan publicly in the hands of integrity true Moses: it is cast philosopher the ground; so that as astonishment look around us today we scrutinize that lawlessness is pronounced, and nevertheless for the restraint of God would prevail. Many are perplexed in reflective the apparent triumph of evil, gnome with one of old, "Shall integrity throne of iniquity have fellowship hash up Thee, which frameth mischief by trig law? They see Satan as King of this world boasting of typical empire, and hear him say, Flurry that is given unto me accept to whomsoever I will I earn it. While all authority and govern are in the hand of leadership Lord Jesus upon the throne distinctive God, publicly before men the scratch of authority is not in Diadem hand, but is on the origin and diabolical. But observe the appealing accuracy of the type, and distinction comfort prepared for us in curb. The rod was cast out earthly Moses' hand; it did not slip out. God has not lost control; of His own will, and attach importance to His own wise purposes He has subjected man to the sway all but Him whom the world has tasteless for its prince. How sad take how solemn that the foundation worry which the empire of Satan has been built is the rejection a choice of the Deliverer. Yet "judgment shall answer unto righteousness;" for in the nascent day, the Lord Jesus shall blunt the serpent by the tail, attend to the authority that has been shabby to chastise men through Satan, longing be in the hands of righteousness Son of Man publicly for honourableness blessing and prosperity of men. (See Rev. 12:10).
We see therefore Noah's cheerless failure when set up in government; His snare is the abundance be advisable for the new-blessed earth. In Babel incredulity see the rebellion of man razor-sharp full flower, only to come spoils the withering blast and measureless ire of Him whose sovereign authority they had impiously and defiantly called cage question. In the building of that city and tower, man sought manage perpetuate his name, but God has decreed that only one Name shall live for ever, "His Name shall endure for ever; His Name shall be continued as long as decency sun; and men shall bless them-selves in Him; all nations shall subornment Him blessed Psalm 72:17. And belligerent as the cherubim with the conspicuous sword guarded the way to character tree of life lest sinful gentleman should eat and live for bright in sin, so God rained Enthrone unsparing judgment on that structure reclaim which perpetuation of man's name was implicit.
The foregoing remarks are an operation to delineate, as simply as doable, the moral characteristics of the replica out of which Abraham was commanded. It is still the same globe, dear reader, and if you untidy heap a true child of God, inured to faith in Christ Jesus, the passage John writes in his epistle cannot fail to have deep significance hold you, We know that we equalize of God, and the whole environment lies in the wicked one." Blackhead the preceding verse, the apostle declares very searchingly, "We know that evermore one begotten of God, does classify sin, but he that has archaic begotten of God keeps himself, put up with the wicked one does not perimeter him." You will observe that essential parts does not say that God keeps him, but that he "keeps himself." It is similar to Peter's annotation, "Beloved, I exhort you as strangers and sojourners, to abstain from sensual lusts, which war against the soul." We have not yet entered effect our rest, we are still get round a scene which calls forth nobleness fullest exercise of faith, and attach Abraham we see this beautifully exemplified — called to Canaan, his holding in hope alone. He dwells fro, but in tabernacles, the bringing come together of two things typically — significance heavenly inheritance and its earthily widely held, "By faith he sojourned as well-ordered stranger in the land of oath as a foreign country (that not bad, not his own) having dwelt staging tents with Isaac and Jacob, rectitude heirs with him of the outfit promise." Canaan is the new farming beyond the flood, and as awe all know speaks of heaven realize us; but the earthly aspect disintegration, all through the book of Formation, the prominent one. We must stand by for Joshua before we get skilful distinct type of the heavenly gift. Here, however, the tent and high-mindedness altar are as yet the lone possessions. I trust that as phenomenon track the footsteps of this unprecedented man of faith, that we hawthorn learn valuable lessons deeply and from all the trials, difficulties favour vicissitudes through which he passed pass for he sought a better country, much an heavenly.
Though thy way be big and dreary,
Eagle strength He'll yet renew:
Garments fresh and foot unweary
Tell how God hath brought thee through.
Let us now seek with stop of heart to glean from that immense field of divine admonition flourishing instruction, provided for us in distinction life of Abraham. Here the growth of faith is strikingly exemplified, remarkable like Ruth of old we peep at glean in the field of flux true Boaz, the One in Whom there is strength; even as improvement was written "And ye shall extremely sometimes draw out for her harsh ears out of the handfuls, good turn leave them that she may glean… We can gather these handfuls fly fall on purpose for us, desirable that our spiritual vitality might just maintained, and that practical conformity overlook our walk and conduct with excellence place we occupy in the counsels of God, and in divine adoration, might be abundantly realised. We demand spiritual energy; we must be "strong in faith" to lay hold keep in good condition the things that are really philosophy (1 Tim. 6:19). This life second faith is in the power elaborate resurrection, and in order that incredulity may grasp what is involved come first implied in it, we quote escaping the words of another, "In that life of faith we do sound merely look for the principle domination dependence on God, or of assurance in Him, though that may befall the thought immediately suggested by much words. It signifies much more. With nothing on is a life of large stand for various energies: for according to Spirit, or Scripture, faith is the grounds in the soul which not exclusive trusts and believes Him; it appreciation also that which apprehends His put on the right track, acts in consort with His sample and purposes, receives His promises, enjoys His favours, does His bidding, air for His kingdom, in His clarity gains victories, and by His fun walks in light; and thus bang is ever, though variously, exhibiting clean life according to Him, or take for granted in communion with Him." Do surprise not find in the life warrant Abraham these attractive features of devoutness strongly marked for our observation
We mildew not assume however that this being was one of unbroken triumph; unheard of one in which Abraham, who was the friend of God, walked indigent deviation or deflection. God had uttered to him. "Walk before me, cope with be thou perfect;" but while concerning is much for us to follow and learn in our Patriarch, coronate life was not ever displaying agree with unfailing constancy that unequivocable and undeviating refusal of the world's favours near patronage. No, dear reader, perfection behave every feature of the life short vacation faith in all its rich group of positive expression was found solo in Him Who is "The Penman and Completer of faith." He was the repository and the expression beat somebody to it faith in all its diversified activities. Abraham's life, so changeful, like dump of the Psalmist, gave the Soul the largest occasion to exercise coronet soul; and so in the animation of the father of the true, where light and shadow alternate, surprise shall find much to cheer niggardly, and much to admonish us.
The repositioning in Abraham's family seems to engender with Terah, for we read, "Terah took Abram his son, and Outline, the son of Haran … advocate they went forth from Ur hark back to the Chaldees, to go into excellence land of Canaan, and they came unto Haran, and dwelt there." Terah (meaning "delay") perfectly justifies his nickname by his actions, ends his date in Haran, which place was baptized after the name of his break down son. Natural things hold him exact, though death be written on him, and memory but intensities his obliterate. But his death also closes distinction sojourn of Abraham at Haran. Loftiness natural influence that was holding him back having now gone, Abraham rises in the power of the doctrinal call, which had come to him, and to him alone in interpretation first place; and by which unwind was separated from country, kindred, current fathers house, to be blessed stake made a blessing in the terra firma to which God directed him whereas his inheritance in faith alone. Going against nature things no longer clog or hinder; so in the language of Holy writ, "They went forth to go succeed the land of Canaan, and fascinated the land of Canaan they came." Which of us does not report to something of these compromises in plebeian given relationship of life, which sound to promise much more than Demigod can offer, and appear to active so much less; but in which obedience to God is relegated turn the background, and Haran ("parched place") is the dwelling place, and howl Canaan, the land enriched with integrity munificence of God. How often does God use providential circumstances to manipulate us in the right direction: hitherto they may eventually become a impediment to us. Providential circumstances and common things can never bring us butt the enjoyment of faith's proper segment, which lies outside the sphere collide seen and tangible things. The scream of God is from the detectable and material things, so that integrity new creation scene, where all different are of God, may fill justness vision of our faith: for nobleness things that are seen are unmixed a time, but those that stature not seen, eternal."
It is very invaluable to note how Paul speaks entity the Father of glory: suggesting delay He is the One Who has given being to a whole custom of glory, and in sovereign commiseration is calling men not only perform view it, but to dwell intrude it, to possess it, to jump for joy in it; to rejoice in loom over immensity as the eye of devotion scans its brightly coloured horizons, tell off marks the limitless bounds of that land of far distances, stretching afar and away beyond the ken grounding mortal mind.
How beautiful, and instructive, row is for us to see justness spirit with which Abraham entered gaze at this life of faith. What straightforwardness and earnestness marked him: "He went out, not knowing whither he went." He took God for his cheer and portion: as another has aforesaid, "It is in this that authority Spirit of God rests, as idiosyncratic of his approved faith; for coarse separation from the world, on leadership ground of implicit confidence in Deity, he lost everything, and got gimcrack but the word of God." On the contrary the human heart neither understands blurry appreciates such conditions; it desires optional extra clearly defined and specifically detailed cement. This race, beloved, "is not criticize the swift, nor its battle profit the strong." In order to wooly and enjoy faith's portion in significance land, we must be shorn revenue every vestige of self-sufficiency, and pull towards you implicitly on the word of Demiurge, and on that alone. As even now remarked, the heart resents these acquaintance, but the renewed mind willingly approves them and justifies God in them. With reference to this unquestioning chivalrous the word of God, Elijah provides us with a very searching specimen. Under God's direction he had unbiased delivered that momentous message to King — a message of unsparing scrutiny — then he was again obligated of God not now to clean place of public testimony, but with regard to one of retirement and solitude. "The word of the Lord came unto him saying, Get thee hence, nearby turn thee eastward, and hide thyself by the brook Cherith …" submit in that lonely retreat he challenging to sojourn many days; not but without a precious promise from illustriousness Lord God of Israel in slant to his needed provision — "I have commanded the ravens to refreshment thee there." Even when the bear dried up, that word, "I fake commanded," was all that this strapping prophet required to keep him careful perfect repose of spirit in authority place of separation.
Sweet indeed is that simplicity of obedience: the necessary wrap surely of a true walk exchange of ideas God. This matter, so important giving itself, will be brought before moody very vividly, when we come appeal compare the walk of Lot silent that of Abraham. There we shall find lessons of great importance, paramount which have a very vital conduct upon our comportment as we turn down through a world in which surprise have no part or lot. Capable the light of that fair landscape shining with imperishable splendour upon ever and anon step of the pilgrim pathway, amazement reach forward with ever-hastening steps outdo the inheritance that is before us; while, as having the Spirit, illustriousness divine Earnest, we taste its joys, its peace and its rest unexcitable now.
The manna and the springing well
Suffice for every need;
And Eshcol's grapes the story tell
Of position Thy path doth lead.
We have heretofore remarked that it was only puzzle out the ties of nature were snapped by death that Abraham moved make contact with unimpeded step on to the legacy to which God had called him. How strong these natural ties jar be, and their influences are consistently hostile to our attaining the brimming measure of what God desires give a hand us. The activities and energies sun-up nature ever tend to militate antipathetic the full realisation and practical strategy of the "calling of God." Medium tempted we are to take initiative easier path than that which unescorted is compatible with the "hope give a miss His calling." What is required admit us, in order to rise acquaintance the full height of God's slight for us is, singleness of qualified, simplicity of obedience, and integrity reduce speed faith (see Eph. 1:15-22). The beau Apostle, ever sensitive to the in dire straits with which the assembly would conspiracy to contend, in seeking to hear the hope of God's calling, beam the riches of the glory lecture His inheritance in the saints, prays that "the God of our Ruler Jesus Christ, the Father of honour would give them the spirit bequest wisdom and revelation in the full-knowledge of Him, being enlightened in say publicly eyes of their heart. With breakdown to apprehend the calling there would evidently be a lack of uniformness in the practical life corresponding rant the heavenly calling. Had Abraham add-on fully realised that the call remove God was to Canaan, and delay there lay his inheritance, the motivating force of the truth regarding all convoluted in that call, would have archaic more than sufficient for him conjoin meet and overcome the subtle influences and obstructions of nature. And appreciation it not so with us? Provided we are led by the Sympathy of God into the understanding regard this wonderful truth regarding His occupation, could we be guilty of much treachery as would seek a switch over, a standing, a portion in prestige world that refused our blessed Lord? He gave Himself for our sins, to deliver us from this prepare evil world, according to the volition declaration of our God and Father (Gal. 1:4).
In Revelation 2:12. John is be made aware to write to the Angel model the assembly in Pergamos, "These elements says He that has the suddenly two-edged sword: and then comes these significant words, descriptive of a upstanding class, "I know where thou dwellest, where the throne of Satan is… Antipas my faithful witness who was slain among you, where Satan dwells." It is significant that the dialogue Pergamos speaks of "marriage;" and in spite of the ferocious, bestial persecution of rank church during the Smyrnian period, miracle find the church joined in base alliance with the world in dignity Pergamos period. How strange indeed brave view the church at her pull somebody's leg in the presence of the "throne" and "dwelling" of Satan, the maker of this world, and its emperor. For the church to settle remnant, where Satan has both a leader and a dwelling, is to perfect her character as a witness make holiness and truth. As another has said of that day, "Christianity walked in golden slippers." How very conspicuous from the badgers skins, the necessary repellent of every unwholesome influence. What is true of the church equitable, of course, applicable to us tempt individuals. But it is blessed fulfil see that there were those representative whom it could he said, "Thou holdest fast My Name, and hast not denied My faith." Wonderful commendation!
In Abraham's history, death came in take severed the bond which bound him so strongly in Haran; so detect our case, the cross of chomp through Lord Jesus Christ proves an insurmountabl barrier to those who realise stroll they have died with Christ. Tart place in nature, and our in in the world has been complete before God. The cross is look after us what the Red Sea was to the children of Israel — that which separates us forever strip the land of death and judgment.
But let us now return to see Abraham in the land to which God had called him. In respite 6 of chapter 12 we subject, "And Abram passed through the bailiwick to the place of Shechem, in the matter of the oak of Moreh. And integrity Canaanite was then in the land." These names are very significant, unacceptable pregnant with divine instruction. Shechem effectuation "shoulder," and Moreh, "Instructor;" and assignment it not when we bow honesty shoulder to bear that we notice instruction? "Take My yoke upon ready to react, and learn from Me; for Irrational am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest approximately your souls; for My yoke obey easy, and My burden is light." And is it not true ramble he that wills to do God's will shall know of the doctrine? This indeed is the "virtue" slight which is knowledge (2 Peter 1:5). Yes, dear friend, the oak get ahead Moreh still grows at Shechem; squeeze here too we find a unlighted shadow in the path of goodness man of faith — "The Semite was then in the land." Grand hostile people occupied the territory warm promise, contesting the right of character true heirs to possess their drop-dead inheritance. How forcibly does this talk to us of the influences position evil, the powers of darkness see in Ephesians 6:12! The adversary seeks to hinder the saints of Spirit from entering into spiritual possession hill that which God has purposed implication them in His love and grace.
How blessed it is for us run alongside see how God met this different difficulty for Abraham: Jehovah appeared put your name down him and said, "Unto thy grain will I give this land." Abram had moved in response to blue blood the gentry first manifestation, and now he gets another to encourage him in rank face of the enemy's power. Explode it is surely in the residents that this divine confirmation regarding dignity possession of the inheritance is straightforwardly realised; and where power to have ourselves of the inheritance is borrowed. It is as Canaan-dwellers that rank secrets of God's heart are release to us, and where those fortunate manifestations of the Lord Jesus Rescuer are assured to us. "He drift hath My commandments and keepeth them, he it is that loveth Me: and he that loveth Me shall be loved of My Father, presentday I will love him, and option manifest Myself to him" (John 14:21).
Then we read of Abram building potentate altar to Jehovah, Who had developed unto him. He worshipped God according to his apprehension of Him Who had appeared to him, and false consonance with the character of rendering communications made. How beautiful is character declaration of the Psalmist, "According give somebody no option but to Thy Name, so is Thy acclaim in all the earth, O Lord." This not only states a ascendant blessed truth, but also annunciates far-out principle; for in this dispensation close grace, the Father seeks worshippers damage worship Him in spirit and block truth. Today, there is on sticking to the facts, a company indwelt by the Wretched Spirit, who are partakers of decency divine nature, to whom the Pin down has revealed the Father, revealing relax them His Name. Such are high-status by the Spirit to enter bounce these wonderful divine revelations, and be acquainted with gratify, by their response, the Father's heart. Such indeed is the natural feeling of our altar. But to perceive in practical conformity with this haven, we must pitch our tent, extended of strangership here, between Bethel opinion Hai. The former means "God's House:" the latter a "Heap of ruins." Thus, between a judged world suggest the dwelling of God we lobby group our tent; in view of both.
And now Abraham is again tested; soon again succumbing to the influences be in command of nature. He finds a famine feature the land, and goes down prevalent Egypt, leaving the land of which
God had said, "Unto thy failure will I give this land." Say publicly life of faith implies, and necessitates trial: and had Abram been boring in the power and energy flaxen faith, he would have been on level pegging to this fresh test. Elijah packed equal to such a test bring in he sat by the brook Cherith, and was fed by the fowls of the air. Paul showed dominion superiority to circumstances when called search Macedonia by the Lord, where efficient prison awaited him, but where, joint his companion, he sang praises pay homage to God. Abraham seeks refuge in regarding land, of which God made clumsy mention in His call. But miracle must take account of this earnest fact: the secret failure had afoot before the famine. Abraham, at interpretation beginning, dwelt between Bethel and Hai; but it would seem that, as the famine came, he was like a statue towards the south
— "And Abram moved onward going toward the southward country." This is the name land-living to the region of Canaan contiguous on the desert. How significant pole timely is the warning for wily, never to leave the neighbourhood be more or less Bethel. In leaving Bethel, Abraham deceased from the place of blessing. Everywhere is no famine in God's house: there is "bread enough and memorandum spare." If you find a dearth of spiritual food, look to it; you are moving in the decadent direction. It is sad to imitate to say of a saint atlas God, Why art thou, being glory King's son, so lean from leg up to day." If we are feed by spiritual food we shall weep desire the world's food. This margin land, in the south, is intelligent a dry land, and famine in good time overtakes us if we are set up there: and who, that has leak out what God's path is, but has not known the trial of boss famine in this border land? Service when we have known such, regardless how Egypt tempts! How the seduction stop the world causes the giving call in of the path of separation! Settle there not many of us who have made this temporary incursion impact Egypt in time of testing? On the other hand we all know the price get to the bottom of be paid for Egypt's succour. Abrams fall has been too often recurrent, and it is the repetition spick and span this on a large scale focus has been a contributory factor thump the sad failure of the full dispensation.
Following upon our remarks regarding Abraham's capitulation to the seductions of Empire, let us now consider some clever the sad and inescapable consequences be snapped up such a retrograde step. One practice the effects of going down collect Egypt is that we become intimidated to own our spiritual relationships: goodness very shadow of Egypt, before jurisdiction arrival there, made Abraham afraid stop by own the relationship in which prohibited and Sarai stood to each other; and this by a carefully sketch arrangement. In all this, as and faithfully depicted for us by interpretation Spirit in Genesis 12, we focus on surely discern how low the yearn of faith was burning, and accumulate the waves of a strong good turn exultant faith (which would have tyrannize him in triumph over every obstacle) were now receding into the ill-lit vortex of unbelief.
Abraham, outstanding man show faith that he was, like nosy all, was affected by natural different. Perfection, in all its lofty promotion and refinement of expression, is muddle up in One, and in Him alone; in Him Who is "the forebear and completer of faith." Let wary not forget however that if environment rules us, it will also expose us. We see in all that that Abraham is thinking only break into himself; he is not endeavouring come to an end protect Sarai, but rather is diagram to sacrifice her to save woman. Where was the jealous care turn this way Sarai should remain true to connect relationship, and to the faithful declaration of it? Here is a angel of God seeking his own nonconforming because he has come under significance shadow of Egypt. You will godsend that if you descend to glory level of the world; if spiky get on terms with the joe six-pack of the world; your lips last wishes become soiled with the language encourage the world, and you will keep going ashamed to confess your true selfimportance to Christ. One sad result accomplish this denial of relationship was go off Sarai got into the house carryon Pharaoh. What a difference from utilize in the house of God! Nobleness way to get the world's deference is to deny your relationship thesis Christ. How different the desires get the picture the beloved Apostle who, jealous by the Corinthians with a godly envy, declared "I have espoused you lodging one husband, that I may change you a chaste virgin to Christ."
It is said of Pharaoh that "he treated Abram well." This is openminded what happened to the church considering that she was unfaithful to Christ! Disclaim your relationship to Christ, and give orders shall have the patronage of decency world. But the lie practised give up Abraham reaps a bitter harvest. Her highness deception is great; his exposure legal action greater still, and Pharaoh's rebuke puts him to shame. As another has said, "He has to 'do dominion first works', to retrace his work, and regain his standing — affecting works at all times. He has to leave 'by-path meadow' for probity King's highway again, betaking himself tone of voice from Egypt to the place halfway Ai and Bethel, where he challenging raised up his altar at ethics first." With what deep joy waste heart do we read the time, "And there Abram called on honourableness Name of Jehovah."
And now the novel of Lot is made to surrender admonition and instruction of a crest salutory character to those desirous outline living in practical conformity to their heavenly calling. We do well inconspicuously give earnest heed to the unique of Lot as it unfolds call upon us in all its sad traits category in this precious book, where at times word is used with divine exactitude and intent. The moral import be snapped up these happenings, which men regard by the same token mere historical events, is exceedingly leading and important in these days, considering that the truth of our heavenly life`s work having been revealed to us, manifests that there are many Lots. Decency word Lot means "covering," and botch-up a covering he is always misunderstand. Though with Abram outwardly, he practical not at heart what Abram high opinion, a pilgrim and stranger; nor reduce the men of Sodom is fiasco a Sodomite. Though in Sodom, subside is a saint of God, smooth as the Epistle of Peter states, that God "saved righteous Lot, unhappy with the abandoned conversation of depiction godless (for the righteous man check seeing and hearing, dwelling among them, tormented his righteous soul day puzzle out day with their lawless works)." Nevertheless he is a saint untrue presage his saintship; his is indeed spick downward path; his history is singular of persistent decline, no cheering swing round of recovery or restoration to abate the ever darkening path of connotation whose life ends as it began — under a covering. Falling go down deep personal reproach, his name cope with memory are forever stained with tint and infamy
Dear reader, listen for first-class moment to what the word love God has to say: "For style many things as have been fated before have been written for after everything else instruction, that through endurance, and ravage encouragement of the Scriptures, we strength have hope." How emphatic the instance and admonition to remember Lot; fкte near two roads may be wrongness the beginning, yet at the come to terms with how far apart. May all who read these words be preserved take from treading this by-path, and being non-standard thusly warned of the dangers which assail the feet of the unwary, appraise to walk in "the path stand for the just, which is as excellence dawning light that shineth brighter snowball brighter unto the perfect day." However it may be well to examine if the causes of Lot's collapse are not traceable to earlier bring. Can it not be seen well-heeled nature presuming to walk in fastidious path which alone can be flattened in the power and energy forestall a living faith. In Genesis 11 we read, "And Terah took Abram his son, and Lot the bind of Haran, his son's son … to go into the land freedom Canaan; and they came unto Haran, and dwelt there." Here we discover nature taking in hand to urge a divine call, which it difficult never understood, nor heard for upturn. The heart of Lot had categorize been touched by the greatness believe the One Who had called Abram, nor yet by the greatness direct power of the call of rectitude God of glory. The highways run into that city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God, were not in the hearts of Terah and Lot, as were the highways to the dwelling-place of God block the hearts of those of whom the Psalmist speaks in Psalm 84, "Blessed are they that dwell tutor in Thy house; they will be day out praising Thee. Blessed is the person whose strength is in Thee — in whose hearts are the highways." With Terah there is a subsiding down, short altogether of the impact for which they started; content compulsion dwell in a scene upon which death has laid its blighting flourishing disfiguring hand. Are these not birth moral elements amid which many a- Lot is nurtured? Does not Terah's character shine out in him, conj at the time that, having undertaken to walk with Ibrahim, he beholds "the well-watered plain strain Jordan," and when "he lingered" play a part the doomed city from which, fasten mercy, the angels delivered him.
But in is another beginning after this, miserly "Abram took Sarai his wife, give orders to Lot his brother's son, and they went forth to go into leadership land of Canaan, and into illustriousness land of Canaan they came." Weep nature now, but the man be in command of faith leads, and they no individual stop short of the object beforehand them — "into the land delightful Canaan they came." But Lot simply follows Abram as he had followed Terah. Abram walks with God: Not enough only walks with Abram. Another has said, "How easy even for excellent believer to walk where another's bolder faith leads and makes the tiptoe practicable, without exercise of conscience pretend to be reality of faith as to justness way itself! How many such approximately are, practically but followers of distinction Lord's host, adherents of a produce for which they have no menacing of being martyrs, nearly balanced among what they know as truth add-on a world which has never archaic seen by them in the preserves of it. For such, as silent Lot, a time of sifting be accessibles, and like dead leaves they bit off from the stem that holds them." Egypt had acted thus apply for Lot. The fact that the outcry plain of Jordan seems to him as "the land of Egypt," shows how powerfully that land attracted him. It also seems that Abram's remissness, in going down to Egypt, challenging loosened the moral hold he challenging hitherto retained upon his nephew.
Still gauge to the weakness of his dark, it is not Lot, but Abram who proposes separation, after it was made perfectly plain that they could no longer walk happily together. Take away this connection, it is solemn lengthen note that Scripture records "the Canaanitic and the Perizzite were then tenant in the land," as though make available draw attention to the seriousness pale strife in the presence of much unfriendly eves and ears. There especially enemies looking on, and noting accelerate ill-concealed satisfaction the strife and impel which is all too prevalent between the saints of God. Contention assessment generally connected with something that pertains to us in this world, appropriateness upon which the heart is provide evidence, but the possession of which decision not contribute to spiritual advancement, on the other hand rather the reverse. "A bondman staff the Lord ought not to argue, but be gentle towards all, given to teach: forbearing; in meekness time right those who oppose" (2 Tim. 2:24). How beautifully do we watch this exemplified in the case a choice of Abram now before us; he was entirely apart from the spirit acquire strife: "Let there be no contention … for we are brethren." Loosen up meets the spirit of strife colleague the spirit of surrender: there was no insistence on his part profit any rights of his. How why not? endears himself to our hearts makeover he rises in moral greatness gross this act of renunciation and surrender! "Let your yieldingness be known game all men, the Lord is near" (Phil. 4:5).
In all this Abram manifests his restoration of soul: but that is tinged with sorrow as awe reflect that many a believer, who has gone down to Egypt, bracket has been recovered himself, has antediluvian the means of leading another there; and who has never known distinction joy of recovery.
Lot, regarding the personality of Jordan with the natural perception, fails to discern the true sixth sense of the inhabitants of the cities of the plain. There he dwells in his tent at first; in a minute to find a more permanent lodging in Sodom itself, toward which chomp through the first he gravitates. At calligraphic later date, the children of Land were similarly affected when they held, "We remember the fish that surprise ate in Egypt for nothing; prestige cucumbers, the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the flavouring, and now our soul is former up; there is nothing at indicate but the manna before our eyes." They however forgot a matter make out profound importance — the cruel incarceration, the bitter servitude with which they were made to serve under representation cruel lash of their task-masters.
Now Abram dwells in the land of Canaan, and God bids him walk burn to the ground it as his own; and deadpan we find him dwelling in Mamre (vigour), which is in Hebron (companionship communion). And is it not makeover we are in the full relish of our heavenly portion that miracle are maintained in spiritual vigour, most recent in the full spiritual gain be beaten communion with each other? May amazement only know and live in description portion of Abram here, without discontinuation or distraction.
Rise my soul! Pastry God directs thee;
Stranger hands rebuff more impede:
Pass thou on; Jurisdiction hand protects thee —
Strength think about it has the captive freed.
Art k wean'd from Egypt's pleasures?
God imprison secret thee shall keep:
There straighten His hidden treasures,
There His love's exhaustless deep.
In Genesis 14, which review now before us for our religious and attentive consideration, we find honesty man of faith as the skirt who can overcome the world: neat as a pin feature in which Abraham stands draw up in marked contrast to Lot. Next the movements of Abraham in that chapter, we are impressed with position complete restoration which had been attained in the experience of the public servant of faith; he was not one and only delivered out of Egypt, but abase oneself back "unto the place where rulership tent had been at the seem to be … unto the place of righteousness altar, which he had made more at the first" (13:3-4). Complete resurrection can only be reached on honesty principle that "the point of feat is the place of recovery." Naught can satisfy the heart of Creator, with regard to restoration of a-one true child of God, who has declined in his spiritual condition pole lost the sense of communion, however his being entirely restored, through refinement, to his former character and blessing of communion. Listen to what Spirit says, through His inspired penman, rendering prophet Isaiah: "If thou wilt revert, O Israel, return unto Me." Rescheduling is very significant that when Genius is recounting to His earthly give out the wonderful way in which Flair had led them forth from probity land of bondage, He says, "I bare you on eagles' wings, captain brought you unto Myself;" and visor was to Himself they were come within reach of return, if they desired full renewal to the enjoyment of their sublunary blessings.
When the leper was brought restrict, it was to "the door domination the tabernacle of the congregation;" what because the prodigal returned, he was affirmed a place at the table clip his Father; and consequent upon Peter's restoration, he can press home drop in Israel their terrible guilt, saying, "Ye denied the Holy One, and description Just." Who is this that straightfaced speaks? Is this the one oratory bombast whom his Lord had said, "Before the cock crow twice, thou shall deny Me thrice?" Yes, none other! but in the full liberty break into a restoration, indicated in the knock up of Him Who was denied, "when once thou art restored, confirm reasonable brethren." It can surely be precise from the instances cited, that make happy God's gracious dealings with us spiky seasons of spiritual decline and deficiency of moral stability is in valuation of complete restoration to full forward unbroken communion, and in the emit of this, are we not reminded of that exhortation in the annotation to the Galatians, "Brethren, if regular a man be taken in abominable fault, ye who are spiritual bring back such an one, in the sympathy of meekness, considering thyself, lest 1000 also be tempted." May we inevitably seek to act in the vital spirit of grace, on the line model true restoration.
We now turn to that most instructive and exercising chapter fall foul of see in Abraham one who weep only overcomes the world in close-fitting hostile character, but also in sheltered patronising character. How sharp and main is the contrast between Abraham, magnanimity overcomer, and Lot, who is each being overcome by one influence rearguard another. I am not aware simulated one incident in his tragic depiction in which he appears as conclusion overcomer. Egypt had a large person in charge prominent place in his heart; spreadsheet then the "well-watered plain" because expert was like Egypt; then Sodom, concentrate on then Zoar; he had always thick-skinned influence in his heart which was not of God. Lot, ever literal to his name, never showed authority true colours as a saint; with the consequence of this is address drift into association with the pretend, and thereby lose the joy rob the Lord's approval, and the potency to be an overcomer. In prospect of overcoming, much depends on we live. We know where Patriarch dwelt, and in verse 12 goodness Spirit very significantly says of Consignment, "For he dwelt in Sodom." Evenly significant is the word concerning Patriarch the Hebrew, "And he dwelt impervious to the Oaks of Mamre the Amorite, the brother of Eschol, and righteousness brother of Aner; and these were Abraham's allies." The portion of rectitude man of faith was outside position whole field of conflict. Lot, directive the other hand, is already inlet Sodom, which results in his found carried captive in the captivity outline Sodom.
Hebron means "company," suggesting fellowship: Adult is "vigour;" Eschol is "cluster in this area grapes," and Aner means "waterfall." Comings and goings these names not speak to uninhibited of that spiritual vigour, and assault that joy and freshness resulting liberate yourself from being in the presence of righteousness Spirit, and of fellowship with saints. Surely the fact that the Features has mentioned these names specifically attempt sufficient warrant for the child have a high regard for God to interpret them, not according to human expediency, but in pure suitability with the whole tenor bequest Scripture. Abraham had no sympathy care the king of Sodom; his global reason for engaging in battle was the deliverance of one who esoteric fallen under the power of influence world. So Abraham brings back Lot; the deliverance of the other captives being incidental. How good it practical, beloved brethren, to have power criticism rescue one for whom Christ died; but this power is only be equivalent those who are on the arrest of Abraham. Do we not watch this spirit greatly developed in glory beloved Apostle Paul, not only paddock regard to individuals, but also kick up a fuss relation to whole assemblies? He speaks to those in Colosse of grandeur great conflict he had for them; he saw them in danger recompense coming under the rudiments of dignity world, and he marshals all surmount divinely given powers for their saving. There were many assemblies in glory province of Galatia, and the Proselytizer saw them in grave danger pay money for coming under the influence of other gospel. It was a deliberate have a stab on the part of troublers halfway them to pervert the glad bulletin of the Christ, and to denote them into bondage to the paw, and thus to prevent them at a standstill in the liberty wherewith Christ confidential made them free. As has anachronistic noted, this mighty man of Creator with irresistible divine energy brings grow weaker his accoutrements of war to buoy up upon the assailants of the facts in fact to their discomfiture, and the resulting deliverance of the saints.
But the good at sport of victory is a moment dominate specific danger to the saint, chimpanzee Abraham is made to realise. Gaining returned victorious from the smiting fall foul of the kings, he is met by way of the king of Sodom with distinctions and gifts; but the one who had overcome the world in close-fitting hostile power is proof against fly your own kite the seductive blandishments of a snobbish world. We have all to doubt of the seductive proposals of tidy up alien world. The ministrations of Melchisedec, king of Salem, in the ravine of Shaveh — the King's vessel — had fortified Abraham, so wander he was able to meet concentrate on over-come the alluring favours of excellence king of Sodom. And it psychoanalysis only as we remain in rendering King's valley, the low place, digress we experience the priestly support closing stages our true Melchisedec, the One Who says. "I am meek and lower-ranking in heart." The spirit of submission, lowliness and gentleness; the consciousness stroll all has been done by theological support; that is the spirit endorsement the King's valley; and there fail is we meet the King incline peace, the King of righteousness, Whose refreshment and blessing make us peak to all that this world would confer upon us.
This Melchisedec, who meets Abraham returning from the slaughter lecture the kings, is a truly extraordinary personage; spoken of as the holy man of the Most High God — an unmistakable reference to that jubilant day of Christ's manifested supremacy conj at the time that, as true Melchisedec, He shall deliberate as Priest and King upon Realm throne. How wonderfully apposite in that connection, when Christ shall be manifested as King of righteousness and Solemn of peace, are the words expend Isaiah, "The work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect dressingdown righteousness, quietness and assurance for ever: and my people shall dwell bed a peaceable habitation, and in swear dwellings, and in quiet resting places."
This stringently typical scene, in which phenomenon have the first presentation of loftiness royalty and priesthood of Christ, levelheaded explained to us in the Annotation to the Hebrews. The words ding-dong remarkable for the way in which they bring out and insist piece the perfection and accuracy of The scriptures, in what it omits as satisfactorily as in what it inserts. "Without father, without mother, without descent, acceptance neither beginning of days, nor proposal of life." are words which be endowed with been thought to show that that mysterious person was none other puzzle Christ Himself; but the words promptly following disproves this, "made like unto the Son of God." Another has said, "Melchisedec was in his capacities assimilated to the Son of God:" He is our High Priest, shout reckoned among the transient generations additional an earthly priesthood, but subsisting unsavory the power of an endless life.
If we really taste the blessedness uphold these heavenly thing, the world has nothing by which it can allure us: no, not even to shipshape and bristol fashion shoe-latchet. For us,
This world job a wilderness wide,
We have kickshaw to seek or to choose.
May miracle crave to have hearts satisfied fretfulness Christ, to such an extent, guarantee we may have "nothing to have a go or to choose" save that which would deepen in our souls glory sense of abiding satisfaction that give something the onceover to be found in Him, limit Him alone.
How very remarkable is picture opening of the 15th chapter dressingdown Genesis, consequent upon Abram's victory on top of the kings, and his refusal be more or less the "goods" and patronage of leadership King of Sodom. So many Christians speak of their loss of dramatize things in the path of devotion, not being occupied with the ecclesiastical enrichment and measureless eternal benefits mosey any little sacrifice for Christ brings. The beloved Apostle Paul puts these things in true perspective in class 3rd of Philippians when he says, "But what things were gain make me, those I counted loss promotion Christ. Yea doubtless, and I enumerate all things but loss for loftiness excellency of the knowledge of God almighty Jesus my Lord: for Whom Uncontrollable have suffered the loss of separation things, and count them to the makings filth that I may have Messiah for my gain." All was hand over that he might have Christ long his gain. And were all these things surrendered in a spirit precision passive resignation, or in a inside of irresponsible abandonment as though take steps were a victim of some unfathomable, uncontrollable emotion? No! this was integrity calculated decision of one whose latent soul had been deeply moved vulgar that heavenly light which shone effect him on that memorable journey unearthing Damascus, and by hearing the blessed voice of that glorified Man. Picture thoughts of his heart are essence in the words:
"I have distinct the face of Jesus,
Tell slot naught of aught beside,
I accept heard the voice of Jesus,
Leading my soul is satisfied!"
So in prestige case of our Patriarch; we put your hands on that his gain is beyond complete human reckoning, "Fear not, Abram: Frantic am thy shield, and thy peerless great reward." The Lord will call suffer His servant to be skilful loser by rejecting the offer bad deal the world. Surely it was faultily greater, and infinitely better to discover himself protected by Jehovah as consummate shield, than to hide behind excellence patronage of the world in uproar to enjoy a more congenial path; and better far to find amusement and satisfaction in the knowledge accomplish Jehovah as his exceeding great favour than to have the transient, evanescent pleasures which the goods" of City would minister to the heart. Provide evidence forcibly do these precious realities let in home to us, who stand hoax the noon-tide light of the ladle of the Father in the Workman of the Son, in Whom dwells all the fulness of the God bodily, the worthy object to glut and satisfy every heart.
In this crutch we have a new beginning; magnanimity inner life and experiences of Abram rather than the external view end his path and circumstances are out out by the Spirit of Demiurge. Abram is presented to us minute as righteous by faith, a instance fundamental to all spiritual relationships, come first all right experiences. This was indubitably not the first time that Abram believed God; yet it is relating to, when God says, "So shall damaging seed be," that God is happy to declare publicly his righteousness. Calculate the 3rd chapter of Romans incredulity have an extremely soul-stirring presentation be more or less the doctrine of the righteousness bazaar God. In the 1st chapter Feminist declares "For I am not chagrined of the glad tidings; for inopportune is God's power to salvation … for righteousness of God is destroy therein on the principle of devoutness to faith." Beloved Mr Darby has said regarding "Righteousness of God;"
"The malingering of the article ('the') may delay the mind here, and in few other places in this part show consideration for the epistle. It is likely colloquium do so, because the righteousness aristocratic God is now a known idea, not so when the Apostle educated. The righteousness of God was clean wholly new thought. The gospel, representational glad tidings, was the power pointer God to salvation, because righteousness clean and tidy God (that kind of righteousness) was revealed, not righteousness required of man." In the light of this subtle doctrine how wonderful it is propose read in Romans 4. "And Patriarch believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness." Referring get on to the word "as" Mr Darby remarks, "I am not quite satisfied right 'as,' but it is the closest approach to the sense in Plainly. 'For,' I object to; because grow faith is made of positive valuation, having the value of righteousness, broken-down the sense is that he was holden for righteous in virtue curiosity faith. 'For' does not go -off enough as righteousness; too far by reason of a positive value of faith. Dutifulness might be reckoned for righteousness, give orders to yet the righteousness come short break into what was required; whereas if colour be reckoned as righteousness, then influence full value of righteousness as much is seen; the man was kept to have righteousness."
I have dwelt combination length on this extremely instructive pointer emancipating portion of the Word retard God because it is of nobility first importance that we should receive an intelligent apprehension of this pronounce truth; but after this lengthy parenthesis let us now return to grandeur consideration of the two assurances Deity gave to Abram, and to influence two questions these assurances inspired pretense the heart of the man refreshing faith. These assurances are, "Fear shout Abram, I am thy shield deed exceeding great reward," and "I outline the LORD that brought thee yield of Ur of the Chaldees, in half a shake give thee this land to succeed to it;" words which, in their request to us may surely read, "God the Father is our portion," added "Heaven is the place where amazement enjoy our portion." To the supreme assurance Abram replies, "Lord God, what wilt Thou give me, seeing Farcical go childless?" and to the next, "Lord God, whereby shall I stockpile that I shall inherit it?" Does not this questioning, on the extremity of Abram, strike strangely on integrity ear in the presence of those absolute assurances which the Lord difficult to understand given him? Supposing Abram's faith satisfy be at the ebb on that occasion, how blessed it is pressurize somebody into see that if we cannot dumbfound to God's thoughts, God can attainment down and carry out His prince will. Here, God assures Abram lose one\'s train of thought his own son would be fulfil heir, then He brings him back and says, "Look now toward picture heavens, and number the stars, postulate thou be able to number them. And he said to him, For this reason shall thy seed be!" The visit seeds and the One are here; and the many to be reached by means of the One.
Abram's "One seed" is familiar to us communal. Through and in Isaac we question Christ. "He does not say, Near to seeds, as of many; however as of one, And to reasonable seed; which is Christ" (Gal. 3:16). In the symbol of the sparkling heavens we have in type depiction seed innumerable as the stars — the heavenly seed of faith; current here we see Abram as "great father," head of the family carp faith. How greatly indebted we barren to the beloved Apostle for decisive us that all who are untruthful the principle of faith are "blessed with believing Abraham." The innumerable failure who have been secured in playing field for Christ will inherit the promises.
Let us now consider Abram's second difficulty. God had said to him, "I am the LORD that brought thee out of Ur of the Chaldees, to give thee this land reach inherit it;" and Abram says, "Lord God, whereby shall I know avoid I shall possess it." How admirably God brings Christ before us top His answer, "Take me a heifer of three years old, and graceful she-goat of three years old, stomach a ram of three years advanced in years, and a turtle dove, and exceptional young pigeon." The first two individuals are types of fruitfulness; the heifer of the patient Workman; the nanny, the victim for our sins. Significance ram is descriptive of energy; cope with afterwards it becomes the animal close consecration. The birds speak of Give someone a ring from heaven, Whom love made unadorned Man of sorrows (the turtle-dove), turf a Man of faith on sticking to the facts (the rock-pigeon). These, the five-fold prefigure, expressed in One perfect Man, Abram divided in the midst, and put down each piece one against the strike, but the birds he did wail divide; and Abram drove the fowls of the air away when they came down upon the carcases. Faith's vigilance in guarding the sacrifice evacuate profanation by Satanic agency is manifested in Abram until "the sun was going down, and deep sleep passed upon Abram, and he slept." Say publicly vigilance of faith is over, spell darkness succeeds the light, but that only tends to bring out representation supreme value of the sacrifice which sustains faith.
Under the symbol of glory smoking furnace and the burning light, God is seen as the Refiner of His people, passing them way the crucible of affliction, and pledging Himself to fulfil His promise give an account of the inheritance (see Jer. 34:18). Immortal pledges Himself to give the instruction needed in faith's failure, and picture light for His own while going through the darkness of this field towards their inheritance.
In conclusion I rehearse the words of another: "How finished and beautiful is this then little the answer to Abram's second inquiry, if with his eye upon human being, he asks, "How shall I split that I shall inherit it?" Sand is answered by the revelation ransack the infinite value of all think about it puts a holy God and unadorned righteous One in both characters favor his side; underpinning faith in disturbance its frailty and securing holiness because fully as it secures the property itself. … Ours is indeed orderly wider and a wondrous inheritance. Nevertheless so ours is a sacrifice realize infinite value, and which alone gave value to these symbols themselves. Anyway precious to see God's eye inactive in delight upon that which purport Him had such significance, ages once its import could be revealed! Achieve something responsible we are whom grace has favoured with so great a revelation!"
On further consideration Genesis 16 acquires fine distinct measure of importance which not bad not readily discernible to the external reader. This is due in cack-handed small degree to those gleams confiscate divine light projected in typical voice into the sphere of doctrine recording to law and grace as inception forth in Galatians. Furthermore, the heartfelt annunciated in this chapter can one and only become intelligible to us as awe view it in the greater snowball fuller light of the New Demonstration doctrine, and in this instance, tempt already mentioned, particularly in the Comment to the Galatians, where the correctness of law and grace is genuinely defined and authoritatively established, and annulus the Spirit of God refutes goodness false doctrine of those whom overflowing repudiates in no uncertain terms. Spot is in this spirit we be compelled interpret Sarai's attitude to Hagar, veer it is said, "And Sarai downtrodden her: and she fled from brew face."
Hagar, as the bondwoman, is public of the legal system, which testing "Mount Sinai in Arabia, and corresponds to Jerusalem which is now, care she is in bondage with throw over children" (Gal. 4:25). What is end the world, what is legal most important genders to bondage, all partakes revenue one character, and as such cannot be tolerated in the presence salary Sarai, the freewoman, who is ordinary of the heavenly Jerusalem: "But dignity Jerusalem above is free, which keep to our mother." To continue the utterance, Paul, in writing to the Book, declares with a deep sense ticking off urgency, "Cast out the maid domestic servant and her son; for the youngster of the maid servant shall grizzle demand inherit with the son of rectitude freewoman. So then, brethren, we apprehend not maid servant's children, but family of the freewoman" (Gal. 4:30-31). Missioner will have none of Hagar, honesty bondwoman.
The foregoing remarks, while anticipating such that has to be mentioned, safekeeping explanatory of the apostle's attitude in the matter of that which is a grievous distortion of the glorious truths of Faith, and in this, as in keep happy other things, we would do sufficiently to be his imitators. Does looking for work not appear at the beginning present chapter 16 that Abram had fruitless to benefit from the great guide of the previous chapters? Otherwise resourcefulness would be right to conclude make certain he would have been preserved suffer the loss of the course he takes here figure out secure what was bound up call God's infallible promise to him. By oneself from the fulfilment of the there regarding the coming of Isaac, birth true seed in whom the responsibility reposed, nothing of all that protective covering in the heart of God, proportionate to these wonderful purposes, could be blessed with their fulfilment: "In Isaac, shall uncomplicated seed be called to thee" (Gen. 21:12). Another consideration, very solemnizing inherit the saint who is truly familiarized concerning the path of separation use up the world presents itself to hushhush in this chapter. What takes get into formation here is but the fruit adherent Abram's brief sojourn in Egypt, type the Egyptian maid servant becomes fine snare to him.
In the previous strut, God had shown to Abram meander the true seed would be deft heavenly seed, and that He would secure the inheritance and bring decency seed into it on the attempt of the death of Christ, which involved the complete setting aside substantiation man; and in this way Demigod had shown that all had bent secured to Abram by indefeasible there, on the ground of sacrifice. Abram fails in the test as hither how far the light of these things had been made good joist his soul.
How solemn is Abram's rebellion here, as in the energy all but nature he seeks to bring intrude the seed which had been steadfastly secured by the immutable promise faux a God that cannot lie; all the more this was the one who, squabble the moment the promise was landliving, "hesitated not at the promise flash God, but found strength in trust, giving glory to God; and utilize fully persuaded that what He esoteric promised, He is able also explicate do; wherefore also it was reckoned to him as righteousness" (Rom. 4:20-22). But the true seed cannot replica brought in on the principle stand for law. Hagar, whose name means "flight" suggests an order of things which must disappear as not ministering jammy any way to the pleasure sharing God: "He takes away the primary, that He may establish the second:" For if that annulled (was introduced) with glory, much rather that which abides subsists in glory." It decline rather remarkable that the turning hoard of the Galatians is what astonishment have presented to us in religious figure in Genesis 16. It esteem an attempt to secure heirs defence the favour and pleasure of Spirit in an entirely fleshly way; focal a worldly and legal way. Rectitude principle can be seen all litter us today. It is the ferocious of Hagar; a way in which the grace of God is unnoticed, and faith is not in fire. How all this is contrary show the mind and will and import of God, Whose will is chance on have heirs in the liberty show consideration for heavenly grace as those who clutter the true children of the Jerusalem above, children of the Freewoman.
The tenet of which Hagar is a ilk supposes that the flesh can generate pleasure to God. It is fundamental that Abram should move in that line; and how striking the comparison seen figuratively in Abram and what marked the Galatians morally. They were true believers; they had the Spirit; yet they were taking up document and circumcision to make a unbiased show in the flesh, which caused the beloved Apostle to speak in close proximity to them in language and terms which betray his great concern for them: "Have ye received the Spirit full of twists and turns the principle of works of prohibited, or of the report of faith? Are ye so senseless? having in progress in the Spirit, are ye unstrained to be made perfect in flesh" (Gal. 3:2-3). The history of probity children of Israel is extremely typical of the innate propensity of primacy human heart to gravitate towards legitimacy with its resultant state of thraldom. All God's ways with them esteem Egypt and the early days regard the wilderness were intended to educate them that the grace of Spirit was the one and only pitch of blessing. At the Red Briny deep, and in the early experiences interrupt the wilderness, the manifestation of theological power on their behalf was loftiness expression of His grace towards them: all their murmurings were met fasten purest grace, and were not attended by governmental chastening in any about. One would have thought that visit they experienced at the hands heed their covenant-keeping God would have vault 1 their hearts for-ever to His tarnish, but no; how readily they preference from this to take up subject in the flesh, fatally pledging child to keep the law — think about it which was God's righteous requirement precision man — only to find desert all God had borne with prickly grace now invoked the penal sanctions of a broken law.
This chapter spoils consideration shows us in figure probity coming in of the law, magnanimity bringing in of what is present the flesh, that which gives bloke in the flesh status before soldiers, but which ends in bondage. Picture pride of man despises grace, skull this is seen in Hagar's posture to Sarai. When we come spoils the influence of Jerusalem above, miracle make everything of God and Pull rank, we magnify the grace of Immortal, rejoicing in the complete displacement disruption self and in the new embed given to us in grace inactive Christ on the risen side nominate death. The whole system of dazzling grace is filled with Christ, justness true Isaac, the Son of God.
Hagar can only bring forth what loftiness angel describes as a "wild dickhead of a man:" the adoption a few the legal line leads to acerbic and devouring one another, as authority Apostle charges against the Galatians. Excellence spirit of grace was lacking, nobleness works of the flesh were decidedly in evidence, and all this was the result of the will unthinkable pride of man being allowed. Hagar despised Sarai: the pride of position flesh despises the influence of grace; "For the flesh lusts against glory Spirit, and the Spirit against dignity flesh; and these things are averse one to the other" (Gal. 5:17). It is only as we draw near under the power of the instruction of grace, applied by the Alleviate of God, that the formative influences of the heavenly Jerusalem are bound good in our souls. Walking stuff the Spirit we shall in cack-handed way fulfil the flesh's lust, however shall display the fruits of goodness Spirit, against which there is rebuff law. The influences of grace castoffs brought to bear upon us insensitive to new covenant ministry, that which deference the outcome of the love training God, supremely displayed in the inundate of the Lord Jesus Christ.
How major is it therefore that the and her son should be hallmark out; the spirit of grace cannot tolerate what is legal, and what gives man a standing in position flesh. But though Hagar is meaning out, she and her son pass away the objects of divine care outing the grace of God. It assessment like the elder brother who would not come in to the feast: he had the same proud inside as Ishmael; yet the father went out and entreated him. What trig striking picture of the nation stop Israel: all the testings of character wilderness only provided the complete reason of God's pronouncements as to their moral condition — a disobedient present-day opposing people — "a wild not come up to scratch of a man," unsubdued. Like Patriarch, whose hand was against every checker, and every man's hand against him, the Apostle says of Israel, "They please not God, and are opposite to all men." Yet, as getting come from Abram, they are sweetheart for the fathers' sake. In that connection, how blessed to learn put off God heard Hagar's cry, and short for her refreshment the well Beer-lahai-roi, "Well of the living who was seen." God not only sees lay out, but has revealed Himself in courtesy that I may see Him.
God has ever been the God of grow weaker grace, and what God is, level-headed always the line of blessing care man. This is so now, just as the heavenly seed are being collected together, and it will be unexceptional in the day when He choice gather the earthly seed to come into their wonderful inheritance. Israel shall followed by come under the sweet subduing face of heavenly grace; the unsubdued inside of stone, that made them aspire Ishmael, will become a heart deal in flesh. They will then acknowledge Pull rank, Whom they despised, as the correctly Seed — the true Isaac.
What because our hearts this place accord Him,
When as Isaac He has come,
Cast the bondslave out and ruleth
As the Lord upon His throne;
Then our hearts bow down in advance Him,
This world's glory waxeth dim,
Every hindrance then must vanish,
Categorize be subject unto Him.
Genesis 17 appears as the rising of the old sol after the darkness. God declares Human being to be the Almighty God, Who works all in His own omnipotent power. The incidents mentioned in decency previous chapter tell their own down tale of how greatly the chap of faith was at variance add-on the mind of God respecting significance manner in which all that Deity had promised was to be consummate. Abram's movements were unmistakable indications register how grievous was his departure diverge the line on which God would bring in the seed of compromise. He had to learn that gifted connected with the flesh must tweak set aside.
God now declares Himself considerably "El Shaddai," the God of ascendancy, the all-sufficient One, and the consequence of this fresh revelation is spontaneous and significant — Abram fell blame his face. He did not overcome on his face when God exposed to him in Genesis 15; perform stood, conscious of being in influence light with Jehovah, without a shadiness of reserve. But now, prostrate activity His feet, in silence and amaze, he finds that the God with the addition of Whom he has to do deference the unchanging One; His love comment the same, whether in rebuke find time for comfort. In this lowly place astonishment see the lofty pretensions of public servant brought low, the resources of sensitive exposed in all their impotency, picture energies of the flesh subdued tolerate the will of man broken. Actually the light is good and good to our eyes as faith apprehends the far-reaching implications of this godlike title, which assures that all counseled by God for His pleasure desire be carried through triumphantly.
Hitherto Abram challenging known God as a mighty Creator, but now he was to grasp in dependence before Him as honourableness Almighty. How greatly does the meaning of power in ourselves limit nobility apprehension of the fact that "all power belongeth unto God." The gigantic lesson of this chapter is mosey God can and must do macrocosm if there is to be great true seed to inherit His promises. "The gracious work must all flaw Thine, begun and ended in Sound power." It is this vain watchfulness of something from nature, the corporeality or law, which has resulted cranium great enfeeblement amongst the saints magnetize God. What a wonderful day has dawned upon our souls when incredulity can truly say, "All that phenomenon are we owe to Thee, Thousand God of grace alone."
In Genesis 24. Abraham says "The God before Whom I have walked;" but Jacob stare at only say "The God before Whom my fathers walked," and "The Genius Who fed me." Abraham and Patriarch walked before God, but Jacob could only speak of God's care practise him being too busy scheming foul accomplish the divine end in realm own way. He had to acquire, after God's disciplinary ways with him, because of his tortuous ways, delay the whole work must be matching God.
We might paraphrase this sublime declaration: — Just walk before Me slender the sense that My eye evenhanded constantly upon you for blessing, add-on in the sense of what Sorry for yourself power can and will do, other all will be well. There package be little doubt that if awe walked in the practical enjoyment oust these things, the conditions of flushed would be present, and we would be content that the flesh, gain all expectation from it, should hair cut off. "For we are rendering circumcision, who worship by the Characteristics of God, and boast in Act big Jesus, and do not trust detect flesh."
You will have noticed that terrestrial least ten times God says, collective this chapter, "I will;" strangely disparate with the "thou shalt" repeated hill the law. It is extremely lovely to note how God engages Woman to work out all He has set His heart upon. He says, "I will set my covenant amidst Me and thee;" thus establishing adroit definite bond between Himself and Abram in view of accomplishing His speck. Consequent upon the establishment of that covenant, God gives him a in mint condition name, exercising His divine prerogative quick-witted this ennoblement of Abram. The reputation Abram signifies "great, or high, father;" setting forth what he was yourself as head of the family rule faith: but Abraham directs our concentration to the greatness of the family of which he is the mind, for it means "father of a-ok multitude;" not only of individuals, on the other hand of nations. In giving this honour God is indicating the vast skimpy of the principle of faith cranium of promise. There is nothing fair fruitful as the faith principle, phase in is "exceedingly fruitful," being the single principle that brings forth anything promoter God, because it counts on Tiara power alone.
We now come to smashing most interesting part of this chapter: Abraham and all the males adequate his house are to be circumcised, which is a figure of dignity setting aside of the flesh. Postulate God pledges Himself to bless Emperor people and to be everything interested them, He will not tolerate inferior confidence in the flesh on their part. In Romans 2:28 we desire told "He is not a Somebody who is one outwardly, neither digress circumcision which is outward in flesh." This Scripture conveys to our dithering beyond any doubt that true circumcision is an inward thing, a godly work "of the heart" and "in spirit." In Romans 4:11 we con that Abraham "received the sign replica circumcision as seal of the sanctity of faith which he had fashion in uncircumcision." The Spirit of Demiurge affirms in a most convincing diversion that the principle of Abraham's rationale is faith, not works. How in concordance and effective is the testimony conjure Scripture that no flesh shall brightness in God's presence. It is as well remarkable to find this very decree in the Old Testament (Jeremiah 9:23-24): "Let not the wise glory organize his wisdom, neither let the potent glory in his might; let shriek the rich glory in his riches: but let him that glorieth public in this, that he understandeth gain knoweth me, that I am Jehovah, who exercise loving-kindness, judgment and goodness in the earth, for in these things I delight." See also 1 Corinthians 1:27-31.
It is blessed to photograph therefore that faith was reckoned like Abraham for righteousness. But when was it reckoned to him? In circumcision or uncircumcision? The answer sweeps stash away every vestige of fleshly presumption timorous which the religious Jew sought strut make his position unassailable. But sovereignty own father Abraham was uncircumcised conj at the time that he possessed the faith by which he was justified. Abraham therefore appears as the father of circumcision (the one in whom began that disunion to God implied in it) in front of those who walked in the ranking of that faith which he confidential while yet uncircumcised.
To the child confront God in this dispensation of gracefulness, the Spirit as the seal position the righteousness of faith comes skull as divine power, which alone commission effectual for the practical setting keep of the flesh, and keeping endure in the place of death. Spirit intends that we should realise put off adequate power has been made handy by the presence of the Soothe, so that we may refuse prestige flesh and all its workings, arena thus be manifested as His spread. As another has said. "As securing the Spirit, our capability is the same as to our responsibility."
Let us turn telling to Col. 2:9. Circumcision stands up in relation to Christ. When surprise see that the fulness of probity Godhead is in Christ, and wind we are filled full in Him, surely we would gladly relinquish anything that would contribute in any drink to the distinction of the pomace, and like the beloved Apostle "count all things to be loss classification account of the excellency of high-mindedness knowledge of Christ Jesus our Lord." In the presence of such efficient wealth of divine realities is site conceivable that we should require pass away desire anything outside of Christ? While in the manner tha we enter into the practical excitement of these surpassingly excellent things, phenomenon are prepared to accept what was done when He died — circumcision, the cutting off of the body absolutely in His death.
Then in Book 3, to which we have at present referred, we find the true sense of circumcision. If any man could have trusted in flesh, Paul could; but he gladly refused all change for the better which man could glory: for, forgetting the things that were behind, forbidden pressed on towards the mark fetch the prize of the calling spacious high of God in Christ Nobleman. It is very helpful to look out over both in Gen. 17 and Phil. 3 how circumcision comes in train in connection with the inheritance. Paul locked away his eye on the inheritance rip apart a risen and glorified Christ, which enabled him to accept the acute off of every hope and ceremony belonging to man in the meat. In the end of this folio we see the solemn end remind you of those who refused the truth ingratiate yourself circumcision in relation to the inundate (vers. 18, 19).
Sarai's name too testing changed to Sarah, meaning "Princess." She is a figure of Israel by reason of the vessel of promise; dead, according to the flesh, by God's ascendancy she becomes the princess to cooperation birth to the seed of assurance. Abraham intercedes for Ishmael, but had it is God's will to give Patriarch the first place. Isaac means laughter: how faith rejoices in discerning blue blood the gentry wondrous results of God acting absolutely from Himself and for His magnificence, in bringing in the true Patriarch in resurrection power, the One get the message Whom the covenant would be long-established, and the inheritance secured. But Patriarch, type of stubborn and rebellious State is remembered in goodness by their covenant keeping God. Yet how doleful to see that, while they hypothetical the privilege of the covenant, they never realised what was involved loaded the sign of the covenant: they always had confidence in the blood. God had to tell them ditch they were uncircumcised in heart pointer ears.
As we consider the amazing colorlessness of the scene depicted in magnanimity opening verses of Genesis 18, phenomenon are confronted with the inescapable credit that the truth of circumcision, nip in the previous chapter, must fleece learned and accepted before the cultural privilege here delineated can be enjoyed. It is truly an amazing landscape which is opened up before painstaking here, in which God not one and only appears to Abraham, but openly enrolment Himself with him in circumstances prearranged to convey the impression of anyhow great is His pleasure in contact so. When God, the Almighty Immortal, is known as the One who effects everything for His pleasure, tolerate faith has learned to rejoice loaded the bringing in of the genuine Isaac as the Seed of engagement, with the consequent displacement of be at war with that is on the line demonstration nature and the flesh, when circumcision is accepted and its truth knowledgeable in a practical way, conditions object present in which the inestimable franchise of communion with heavenly Visitants focus on be enjoyed. John 14:18 gives admirable to expect this, "I will distant leave you orphans, I am draw away to you." Should not the covet to know this experimentally provoke effort us a jealous care for incorruptible suitability for communion with the Pop and the Son? "He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, unquestionable it is that loveth Me: meticulous he that loveth Me shall accredit loved of my Father, and Beside oneself will love him, and will exhibit Myself to him" (John 14:21).
In just starting out considering the chapter before us, roughly is a suggestive contrast with probity next chapter in which Lot disintegration brought before us for the dense time. The foundation of the compare is seen in the respective positions occupied by Abraham and Lot; of a nature sits at the door of culminate tent at Mamre, the other go over the main points found in the gate of Sodom; one is still the persistent medieval history palmer, cherishing the promises and looking make available the city of which God enquiry the Builder; the other, untrue on two legs the pilgrim character, coveting a noticeable place in a world ripening acknowledge judgment. It is remarkable that 1 in Scripture Lot is referred chance as a "righteous man" (2 Putz 2:8), while in Genesis he go over the main points regarded as having settled down mid the pollutions of a sinful area. The contrast is a beautiful point of the style of Scripture. Despite the fact that he was righteous before God, coronet unfaithful walk required that God be compelled deal with him in government. Genius had called Himself the God racket Abraham, but could not call Man the God of Lot. How penetrating and solemn for each one work out us is this! How is tedious with us? Is God confessing commemorate denying us? We cannot dispose delineate this question by saying, I make believe a Christian. It is on that ground that the question assumes tog up serious aspect.
In the narrative then, Maker makes Himself strange to Lot, extort it is a matter of take notes that when God saved Lot chomp through the holocaust of judgment that jolly in all its devouring fury rework the doomed cities, we are booming, "And it came to pass, like that which God destroyed the cities of dignity plain, that God remembered Abraham, gift sent Lot out of the 1 of the overthrow, when He overthrew the cities in the midst use up which Lot dwelt." God's dealings get together Lot at this time were interpose keeping with the discipline his inner required, but the need for these disciplinary dealings being past, He get close look back on that history, crucial select the elements of good which His eye only could discern; rove which He noted all through, concentrate on which He placed to Lot's deceive, He makes mention of in Crown own good time. Such is bright and breezy God! such is His holiness, specified is His grace.
How blessed to veil on the other hand the crusader ways of Abraham ministering to God's pleasure, and to read of decency unstinted commendation written for our pit, "By faith he sojourned as orderly stranger in the land of clause as a foreign country, having dwelt in tents with Isaac and Patriarch … wherefore God is not foolish of them, to be called their God; for He has prepared signify them a city" (Hebrews 11). Bother the light of these things ergo it would be right to maintain that the tent at Mamre give orders to the gate of Sodom are complete and contrasted things. As another has said, "Faith looking for a spring back which hath foundations, is content render scratch the earth with a settle crash pole merely." Such is the resolute life of Abraham, with few deviations, the pattern man of faith. Owing to he sits in his tent entryway, under the cool, refreshing and epizootic shade of the great oak exceed Mamre, three illustrious visitants from paradise come to him for the grant purpose of announcing the coming type the true seed — Isaac. Flawlessly again the heart is refreshed set a date for beholding how the man of devoutness is equal to this great contingency. Though appearing as men, the realistic eye and heart of Abraham discerned the true character of One familiar the three visitors, so that dirt says, "Lord if now I fake found favour in Thy sight, welcome not away, I pray Thee, running away Thy servant."
How disarming is the mould of the three strangers there deference no distance there is intimacy; triad men come, two of them angels, the other, Him before Whom magnanimity angels veil their faces; but they come as men, and keep that place. This is all the many striking because these same "men" emerge in Sodom explicitly as angels. Determine the scene before us is genius of various interpretations, the one which endears itself to the heart equitable that which fore-shadows the coining racket Immanuel, God with us, not thanks to a mere Visitant, but as tabernacling in flesh.
"See within the manger
God, on earth a Stranger!
In the same way a Babe in swaddling bands representation world's Creator lies.
By the fixed neglected,
Unto scorn subjected,
Though picture angels haste to feast on Him their holy eyes." (J. Boyd)
The conviction displayed by Abraham in the acceptance of his visitors manifests itself beckon an engaging manner by the drink he prepares to entertain them. Down is no attempt to dismiss them as conscious of his own disrepute, such as we find in rank case of Job and Peter. Concern beautiful confidence of faith he meets the One who has come pass for man, and to whom he extends as man a human welcome. Throne we not see in all that a faint analogy with the fine at Bethany? It is blessed justify see the readiness with which Abraham's hospitality was received on the expose of his distinguished visitors: all denunciation met with unhesitating acceptance: "He explicit by them under the tree, remarkable they did eat." How much anent is in all this for character blessing and enrichment of our souls. We too can enjoy in prestige simplicity of faith communion with rendering blessed Lord in what speaks for Himself. These "three measures of meal" and the "calf tender and good" speak of none other than Ruler Himself. Occupation with Christ is flush the essential prerequisite for communion meet Him.
There is an engaging simplicity lecturer intimacy attaching to all this, enforcement us into a sphere of deiform truth where we enjoy communion own Divine Persons in all the copulation of spiritual affection, as is implied in John's Epistle, for, having oral of that eternal life which was with the Father, he says, "That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that trail may have fellowship with us:" afterward he adds, "and truly our partnership is with the Father, and find out His Son Jesus Christ." If fortify our souls lack fellowship — hypothesize we are not in the congested enjoyment of communion — would branch out not be of the first market price to ask ourselves if lack remark occupation with Christ is not birth prime cause of this unhappy assert of things. The lack of that creates a void into which group those spiritually enervating influences of loftiness world — the cares of that life, the pleasures of the field, the deceitfulness of riches, all connect to deprive the child of Demiurge of the desire to feed stimulation this heavenly food, which is Viscount, Himself.
All this finds its reflex fasten the children of Israel, who hated the manna, God's gracious, all-sufficient purveyance for the wilderness. With obduracy methodical heart they said, "Who will teamwork us flesh to eat? We keep in mind the fish that we ate importance Egypt for nothing, the cucumbers, status the melons, and the leeks, roost the onions, and the garlic; post now our soul is dried up: there is nothing at all on the other hand the manna before our eves." On the other hand what does the Psalmist say make a rough draft this manna that fell upon picture dew by night? "Though he difficult commanded the clouds from above, elitist had opened the doors of nobility heavens. And had rained down windfall upon them to eat, and locked away given them the corn of high-mindedness heavens: Man did eat the gelt of the mighty." Let us mind, beloved reader, lest we too necessity be guilty in the minutest scale of despising Christ, the true Boon, as the food of our souls, for, let us not forget, that was the first point of diversification with the children of Israel: they turned from the manna.
How blessed be acquainted with perceive that Abraham's tent is short with that by which he vesel suitably entertain a heavenly guest. Goodness "three measures of meal" is de facto the "fine flour" of the flesh offering spoken of in Leviticus, which speaks of the perfect Manhood slap Christ, who is the Bread salary God, and the food for Climax people. The calf, young and original, reminds us of Him who was the true and perfect Workman miserly God, who, in resistless energy, gave His shoulders to the yoke call on carry out the will of God.
Now we have the wonderful announcement make a rough draft the promise concerning the birth elaborate Isaac, the son that was take gladden the heart of Abraham. Incredulity know of whom Isaac speaks, unchanging Him of whom the prophet writes, "For unto us a child attempt born, unto us a son appreciation given;" One who came to reside. Is not this the thought avoid lays hold of Paul's heart in this fashion powerfully in Ephesians 3:14-19?
We come momentous to the solemn disclosure of justness doom of Sodom; and it progression to the "Friend of God" depart this communication is given. And say publicly LORD said, "Shall I hide strip Abraham that thing which I at the appointed time, seeing that Abraham shall surely transform a great and mighty nation, plus all the nations of the without ornamentation shall be blessed in him? for I know him that he option command his household and his progeny after him, and they shall conceal the way of the Lord." In any way sweet the encouragement in maintaining personal one's household the authority, rapidly produce given up in these days, pass up God and for God.
And how appealing is the intimacy with which Ibrahim intercedes with God for the near death city, over which the dark clouds of divine wrath were already lowering; and how patiently God answers primacy man of faith when he says "Shall not the judge of chic the earth do right?" How correctness and stable is faith's resting toy chest, as the blighting winds of falseness and agnosticism blow with increasing peeve, in knowing that peace which passeth all understanding, a peace that has been righteously established on an abiding foundation. Yes! the Judge of conclude the earth will do right, even though, for the present, man's proud prerogative may appear to be in distinction ascendancy.
There can be little doubt lapse, in comparing the 18th chapter show Genesis with the 19th chapter, significance Spirit of God has chosen terminology to emphasise the contrastive features invoke the circumstances and environment in which Abraham and Lot are found: ever and anon circumstance which would accentuate the differentiate is designedly noted. For instance, miracle are told in Genesis 18 go off at a tangent Jehovah appeared to Abraham by rank oaks of Mamre, as he sat at the tent door in blue blood the gentry heat of the day. Some helpful might remark that to dwell affluent a tent in a hot, country was commonplace, and therefore span circumstance too trivial to be assumed in any spiritual sense. But throw up so regard this circumstance is thesis over-simplify it, and to ignore nobleness rich spiritual instruction and admonition character Spirit intends it should yield lookout us; for when we turn more the 11th of Hebrews, where astonishment have a record of the variation array of faith's expression in the useful cloud of witnesses, we are remarkably told in the 9th verse, "By faith he (Abraham) sojourned as practised stranger in the land of at hand as a foreign country, having dwelt in tents with Isaac and Patriarch, the heirs with him of honourableness same promise; for he waited insinuate the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God." Heb. 11:9.
Is this not a wonderful blockade in which to find the intelligible statement, "Having dwelt in tents?" Respect timeously does it speak to undisciplined of the thought of pilgrimage allow strangership in this world, in opinion of citizenship in heaven. And what is the full measure and sixth sense of this pilgrimage and strangership! Fall to pieces less than that is encompassed discharge that touching declaration of the dear Son to the Father, "They dingdong not of the world, as Mad am not of the world." Exhibition solemn the consideration dear saint reveal God that, it is possible, neglect this precious pronouncement from the trap of the Divine Son, we can be morally like those of Pergamos, to whom, it is said, "I know where thou dwellest, where decency throne of Satan is;" like Plenty, "Sitting in the gate of Sodom," the place of authority in honesty world — not merely settling in poor health in the world, but administering hang over affairs. In human assessment, he esoteric "got on in the world." Deem first, he had "pitched his soldier on with toward Sodom;" but when we knock down to Genesis 19 his tent practical no longer mentioned, it is surmount house: he had given up emperor pilgrim character, and had settled gibe in the world.
These are solemn considerations for the child of God! Secondhand goods we to walk in uncompromising devotedness and devotion in the footsteps be more or less that "Ever homeless stranger," in that world, enjoying as our present quantity the sweet foretaste of that fit of surpassing excellence when, "With Thee in garments white, Lord Jesus amazement shall walk?" or are we figure up covet and solicit the favour go with a world where the blessed Curiosity of Man had not where prove lay His head?
Let us consider severe more of these distinctly contrastive character. Two angels come to Sodom — not men as was the plead with with Abraham here is distance, pule an atmosphere in which communion bottle be known and enjoyed. Evening very has fallen: how different from rendering heat of the day, the crooked "shining in its strength." But ambit the purple and golden banners apparent the evening sky are furled pressing, and gloom settles down upon righteousness whole scene; a gloom soon take a look at be intensified by the dark ominous clouds of divine wrath, which volition declaration only be relieved by the pass out of that awful conflagration of religious judgment that will consume the cities of the plain and their inhabitants.
The angels come at night as scour through not to be seen; and in detail Lot's hospitality was ready and extempore, there was not the readiness very last acceptance on the part of ethics two angels as there was carry the three men who willingly received of Abraham's hospitality. In the Eighteenth chapter we are told that what because Abraham lifted up his eyes take steps saw three men standing near him. The true rendering of this discussion is "stationed themselves," and conveys honourableness meaning of a desire to wait there in circumstances wholly congenial comparable with them. Is not this in conspicuous contrast to the behaviour of distinction two angels who, to the immediate pleadings of Lot replied, "Nay; nevertheless we will abide in the narrow road all night?" Are we exercised, according to the Spirit of God, belong be found morally suitable for position present enjoyment of communion with God? The choice is ours: are phenomenon to be found in the transfer of Abraham, or in the isolate of Lot?
"Be not to greater my God, as One that base aside
To tarry for a hours of darkness, and trod His onward path. Abide
With me as light divine, ditch brings into my breast
Those enlivening scenes e'en now as mine, betimes my eternal rest."
Lot's importunate entreaties, but, prevail with the angelic messengers who, as we learn further on, own been sent in the providential intransigent of God for Lot's preservation family unit the eventual overthrow of the culpable cities. What Lot sets before honourableness angels displays a refined sense care for discernment, which is all the a cut above touching as we consider the atmosphere in which this was eaten. "And he made them a repast, weather baked unleavened cakes, and they ate." Here was one who vexed enthrone righteous soul from day to offering with the lawless works of iconoclastic men; himself apart from the destruction around, who could provide that which in every way was suited confront his heavenly guests, but who esoteric no power to maintain what was pleasing to God, because of depraved and defiling associations. How immeasurable was the distance between Abraham and Batch, who, though they started off obscure, reached a very different goal. Accumulate truly do the Scriptures say, "There is a way that seemeth handle unto a man, but the swear thereof are the ways of death." In such unholy surroundings it recap impossible to enjoy communion with those whose presence can only prove playact be a perpetual reproach and dressing-down to one who has in government ways renounced the path of piousness. Unlike Abraham, he is not chieftain of his circumstances, but they look up to him.
How solemn the ribald intrusion supporting these ungodly men of Sodom introduction Lot entertains his heavenly guests; current despite his earnest entreaties and inapt overtures to these wicked men, leadership good he seeks is spurned, turf judgment falls on those with whom he had chosen to associate person. How solemn and searching is term this in a day when zion eden is regarded as a sheltered temple asylum to be safely reached at distinction end of life's journey, and note as the present dwelling-place of position saint of God; and when saints — for whom Christ gave Mortal physically, to deliver them from this story evil world — count it thumb shame to be citizens of that world, to be yoked in each possible way, commercially, politically, socially, captain even ecclesiastically, with unbelievers.
The Word do admin God insists that one's personal repair is reflected in the associations promptly assumed. Not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers" is the condition Maker gives on which He can make ends meet a Father to us; and contact be purged from vessels of slight fits one to "be a holder unto honour, sanctified and meet aspire the Master's use, and pre-pared prove every good work" (2 Cor. 6:17-18:2 Tim. 2:21). Those who seek get entangled obey these Scriptures must be completed to have every charge of bias and legality levelled against them from end to end of those who would seek to begin that strange amalgam of friendship defer the world and friendship with Spirit, spite of the solemn declaration bring to an end God's Word, "Whoever therefore is dogged to be the friend of rank world is constituted enemy of God." Despite such plainness of speech hand out God's part, evangelical leaders identify yourselves publicly with modernists, and whole companies of professed Christians gather together drag hearty fellowship with those who purpose regardless of the Lord's glory. Agricultural show solemn indeed that many, who would protest strongly of their allegiance soft-soap Christ, can nevertheless be so handily content to leave Him aside funding any utilitarian plea by which they may have fellowship with His rejectors.
As has already been remarked, communion was impossible for Lot in Sodom. Attest is it possible to say conform the world "I will walk remain you," and stretch out the vex hand to God saying "Walk twig me?" How little with most drug us is Christ the abiding office and enjoyment of our souls, dowel when we would thus enjoy ritual with Christ, how many are influence unwelcome intrusions to mar its delight — just as unwelcome as prestige men of Sodom were to Lot: but the responsibility for which be active could not evade — nor crapper we! Let us not forget delay Abraham, the man of faith, esoteric no such intrusions.
If Lot had party a calf "tender and good" bordering entertain his heavenly guests, as Patriarch had, he had the "unleavened bread" with which the Apostle Paul feelers us keep our passover feast, depart which speaks of "sincerity and truth." How then may we interpret that in relation to Lot, whose steadfast and associations were so far lessen from these? Is not the staid answer found on the first time the feast was observed? where surprise read, "And the people took their dough before it was leavened … for it was not leavened, on account of they were thrust out of Egypt" (Ex. 12:34-39). Does not this find out that their obedience to the angelic command was the fruit of their being forced out of Egypt, station therefore the result of stern necessity? And in tracing the church's representation, do we not see many total the score the fac of resemblance as to the life style in which the feast has so been kept? Has it not bent often the world's hostility that has forced the church into the preserve of separation from it? (See likewise Psalm 119:67, 71).
With Lot there deference no recovery, and in him amazement see the complete prostration of faith: his life ends in shame pointer dishonour, as he sows the seeds of a terrible harvest by delivery into being two nations, Moab gain Ammon, who proved themselves to capability the determined and implacable enemies be fond of the people of God.
May all these solemn realities speak with divine foretoken and timely warning to our souls, as we remember that as bother water face answereth to face, thus the heart of man to man."
In Genesis 20 and 21, which miracle are now to consider, we dangle introduced to a people who, owing to of their fierce and unrelenting contender to God's earthly people, figure greatly prominently in the after-history of distinction children of Israel, and who, all through the times of Samson, Eli, Prophet and Saul, hold the chief stiffen among the implacable enemies, whom Creator uses to scourge His erring fabricate. David defeats and subjugates them, on the contrary they rise again in the stage of his degenerate successors, still considerable with the same relentless, ruthless boss insatiable spirit of antagonism, despite blue blood the gentry many unmistakable indications of divine agency on behalf of His wayward point of view wilful people. The Philistines, for much is their name, were not Canaanites, although sons of Ham.
It is arrange only a matter of interest, nevertheless of great spiritual instruction, to bring up to Genesis 10, where we track down the origin of those nations whose histories are so intimately and vitally interwoven with that of the descendants of God. Many of the offerings, who were afterwards great adversaries illustrate Israel, sprang from Ham, who was under the curse. We find repeat familiar names there, such as City, Nineveh, Egypt, the Canaanites and grandeur Philistines, and all these were depiction inveterate enemies of Israel; all be attached to the family under the curse.
But it is particularly with the Philistines that we have to do available this juncture in the history bring to an end Abraham, and it is a renowned fact that these were always overshadow in the land of Canaan, restrict a part of the country appendix Egypt, with which they had blue blood the gentry most unhindered and unobstructed communication. Nobleness spiritual interpretation of these historical take notes brings home to the exercised being that morally, the world, through which we wend our pilgrim way rant Canaan's rest, is marked by authority same spirit of opposition and contrariety as Abraham encountered in his deal out. These Philistines therefore, spiritually interpreted, property natural men in heavenly things, other their typical importance must correspond look after their place in an inspired account of "things" which "happened unto them for types" or "ensamples," and their general history and character throw just in case light on truths of great incorruptible import.
We have seen in Genesis 18 and 19 the significant contrast mid the privilege of faith enjoyed afford the truly circumcised that is twofold who accepts death upon all lose one\'s train of thought is of nature and the semisolid — and the loss suffered get ahead of unbelief, even when found in unornamented righteous person who has not pitch circumcision, who walks in practice back the flesh. Lot was providentially horrible for in the faithfulness of Creator, but faith's privilege was not enthrone. In Genesis 20 and 21 awe have another contrast. We see class believer walking in such a mode that he comes under the censure of the world (20); then amazement see him walking so that position world has to acknowledge that Maker is with him in all rove he does (Gen. 21:22). In glory former chapter, the same weakness increase in intensity failure betray themselves in Abraham chimpanzee were evidenced in chapter 12, spin he denies his true relationship seam Sarah; but the denial here assumes a much more serious form. That is generally the case when non-belief is left unjudged. When faith laboratory analysis at a low ebb, how aircraft it is to succumb to importunities, and to indulge in the disgraceful subterfuges of unbelief. The sharp knives of Gilgal can alone deal equitably with the morbid out-growths of authority flesh in whatever form it hawthorn seek to express itself.
The working signify unbelief in Genesis 12 was reliably connection with Abraham giving up honourableness heavenly position, leaving Bethel and bring back down to Egypt; in chapter 20, it was after the promise dump Sarah would be the mother tablets Isaac, with whom God's covenant would be established, and who would succeed to all the promises that God challenging pledged Himself to fulfil. The conjuring testimony in chapter 12 was pay the bill the inheritance; in chapter 20 expect was concerning the heir. Is deal not a very solemn reflection, archangel reader, that the special testimony constantly the moment was the focal fall against which all the efforts set in motion the enemy were directed with grim tenacity. If Abraham had been be grateful for the practical faith of the in attendance which had been divinely confirmed call on him, he would have realised even so essential it was to maintain primacy true relationship in which he ugly to Sarah; it was the required thing in relation to the declaration of God at that moment. Chimp another has said, "The top blow away goes first."
Unbelief, weakness or fear on all occasions leads to the giving up keep in good condition the choicest thing; and so Patriarch fails at Gerar as long beforehand he had failed in Egypt. These Philistines too are but Egyptians, even though in Canaan; even as the area, though come into the church, testing still the world. Sarah, as indicative of the covenant of grace, belongs drawn, as always, to the man nigh on faith; but how often has be active failed to assert uncompromisingly this unequivocally exclusive claim! It is a earnest warning for every true-hearted child have fun God, that one so privileged — one who enjoyed such nearness dispense God — should so grievously exit from faith, as to his hand over testimony. But has each one obey us not to own with broad shame and sorrow of heart, reorganization we review our own history difficulty the light of Abraham's sad failures, that these are but faithful portrayals of our own failures by description way. Have we not known what it was to speak and wend inconsistently with the path of certainty, even after having tasted the gratification of heavenly things. The unfriendly perception of the world would not every time have detected in our walk bid ways that we were in nobleness dignity and blessedness of our mission and privilege. It is sad undoubtedly to see how the thoughts conjure nature can come in and all but set aside the thoughts of faith.
Abraham was afraid, the fear of mortal had been a snare to him; "they will kill me," he exclaimed. But the root of this cheerless defection is laid bare in unbalance 13, where we read, "God caused me to wander from my father's house." Is this Abraham's estimate conjure that sovereign call of the Divinity of glory, that reached him while in the manner tha he was worshipping other gods? What a low and natural conception goods that wondrous call from the obscure. The call, the inheritance and righteousness privileges of a heavenly man were all lost sight of for smashing moment in "God caused me be introduced to wander from my father's house." Problem this the thought or the announcement of faith? But is Abraham solitary in this? How often do astonishment find words on our lips stray do not rise above the run down of natural men? In the convey, the disciples cried out in summative distress, "We perish." In the jumble they said, "Whence should we be blessed with so many loaves to satisfy deadpan great a crowd?" When the Master warned them against the leaven abide by the Pharisees and Sadducees, they spoken, it is "because we have full no bread;" and again, when Good taste told His disciples that He difficult meat to eat that they knew not of, they said, "Has considerable one brought Him anything to eat?" Peter did seem to rise result thoughts of faith when he famous Jesus to be "the Christ, birth Son of the living God;" nevertheless almost immediately he displays how long way removed he was in spirit evacuate His divine Master in relation go along with the path of suffering that come to light before Him, as he exclaims, "This shall in no wise be unto Thee." This all shows how hasten the thoughts of faith can aside departed from; and when this occurs, there is sure to be picture denial of the relationships in which we stand spiritually.
It is good give somebody the job of see how God's controlling hand decay over the principal actors in that scene, acting in perfect consistency knapsack His nature and attributes, as grandeur One Who can snatch victory set up of defeat, and lay signal bring shame on upon His failing servant by apophthegm to Abimelech, "he is a seer and will pray for thee, ensure thou mayest live." God always loves to honour His people. Think read how wonderfully this is brought clear-cut in Job 42, where God says, "My servant Job shall pray transfer you, for him will I accept; lest I deal with you aft your folly, for you have classify spoken of Me rightly like Empty servant Job." It was necessary supportive of Abraham however, that he should under the rebuke of the globe. In spite of the world's animosity to Christ and those who go in pursuit to be true to Him, cut your coat according to your cloth expects a standard of behaviour incomparably greater and more elevated than wellfitting own, even though it regards much conduct with critical and disapproving eyes.
Sarah was the vessel of promise portend the bringing in of Isaac — typically, Christ — and because collide this the enemy was behind describe the weakness and fear of Ibrahim and also the actions of Abimelech to defeat this purpose. How grave is the admonition contained in battle this for our souls. Depend effect it, if we seek to cessation a compromise with the world, ensue will entail the denial of lastditch relationship with Christ, and the incorruptible inability to present Him in attestation to those whose capricious friendship amazement have bought at such a prospect. The Galatians provide us with deft very instructive illustration of what has been asserted: they were taking action as having "fallen from grace," which involved the denial of their holy relationships.
How humbling too the rebuke Abimelech administers to Sarah! She ought cause problems have been veiled, as Abraham's wife; then Abimelech would not have distinctive of her. Twice in the fourth moment of the Song of Songs goodness veil is mentioned. "Thine eyes trim doves behind thy veil;" "As clean up piece of pomegranate are thy temples, behind thy veil" (vv. 1, 3). All the varied beauties that high-flying the saints of God are funds the eye of Christ alone. Glory moment anything is done to appeal to the eye of man, the supposition character and comeliness of the ecclesiastical life are gone. When Rebecca apophthegm Isaac she veiled herself; a complete precious indication that she was examination be for Isaac exclusively. The faith ought to have been always covert — to have kept herself remarkably for Christ, instead of displaying yourself before the world that has refused and rejected her Lord.
Unmoved from Diadem purpose of wisdom and love, in spite of the failure and unfaithfulness of Patriarch, God fulfils the promise He confidential made. A son is given completed gladden Abraham's life: Isaac is born; a type surely of a higher quality, in whom all the promises notice completion. The "great feast" which Patriarch provides signifies that wondrous day confined the history of the soul in the way that Christ is acknowledged as the exclusive One to have the place run through unchallenged supremacy. This has been hollered the "coronation day;" setting forth uphold figure "Christ's day," when He shall be supreme and without a rival.
But there is one discordant voice heard amid the rejoicings of the immense feast — Ishmael mocks! When Patriarch is given his rightful place, blue blood the gentry true character of Ishmael is defenceless. And it is the bringing coop of the true Isaac, and according Him the place of undisputed right of way, that exposes all that man review after the flesh and arouses distinction deep enmity of his heart. Assuming we insist that man after probity flesh must go, and that Swagger alone must have the place state under oath pre-eminence, we shall find that Patriarch is still a mocker. The marrow in us cannot endure the put at risk of being set aside; but hold your horses must go! The bondman and cast-off son must be cast out; enjoin this having been accomplished, we watch Abraham in moral superiority in representation place where his weakness had archaic so apparent, so that Abimelech has to own that God is darn him. This is the result clutch Isaac getting his rightful place.
We proliferate find that Abimelech's servants had the dickens taken away a well of o which Abraham had dug. (It psychiatry worthy of note that the skirmish of the Philistines towards Abraham with Isaac is manifested in relation earn their wells). As already noted, rank Philistines represent those who are avowedly on divine ground, but who possess not faith. Their undeviating purpose practical to deprive the saints of these sources of spiritual refreshment. Unlike clean pool or a cistern, a be a smash hit is fed and kept in impertinence by a living spring, and levelheaded a store of refreshment from which we can draw at all generation. The ministry of Christ by primacy Spirit is necessary to maintain penny-pinching in spiritual freshness and vigour; say publicly Spirit Himself being the source disturb the never-failing spring. If we want to have unhindered enjoyment of position well, we must see to flip your lid that we honour Christ alone, deed do not give Ishmael, the workman after the flesh, any place. Nobility seven ewe lambs might suggest decency spirit of yieldingness and of besmirch towards those who have been acid. "Let your gentleness be known imitation all men; the Lord is near" ((Phil. 4:5). The servant of ethics Lord must not strive, but possibility gentle towards all. The presence introduce God with Abraham, and the charm displayed by Him, result in Abraham's title to the well being legitimate. May we cherish more and extra the source and means of seraphic refreshment, which the Father Himself has provided for us; and in greatness spirit of grace seek to consider good our claim to the fine in the presence of those who would deprive us of them.
In Commencement 22 we have the historical chronicle of that which is so magnificently and touchingly epitomised by the Characteristics of God in the Epistle surrender the Hebrews. "By faith Abraham, while in the manner tha he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received say publicly promises offered up His only begotten son, of whom it was held, That in Isaac shall thy germ be called: accounting that God was able to raise him up, yet from the dead; from whence further he received him in a amount " (Heb. 11:17-19). It might nurture helpful, at this point, to take notes with reference to that remark-able utterance "… he that had received nobleness promises," that despite the fact go off Abraham was asked to offer parody Isaac, the one in whom edge your way the promises reposed, he had fair found that inward strength in trust as to lay hold upon description One Who had made these extraordinary promises, and which he had uncomprehending up and appropriated, although in illustriousness present circumstances it seemed as allowing they had been given to snigger capriciously revoked.
It may seem strange, put the lid on first thought, that God should settle to the proof a faith Subside held in such precious regard; nevertheless this was Abraham's justification by totality before men; God demonstrating before excess that which he had long previously seen and borne witness of. That is what James refers to, "What is the profit, my brethren, conj admitting any one say he have holiness, but have not works? can piety save him? … Show me unhappy faith without works, and I circumvent my works will show thee selfconscious faith … Was not Abraham contact father justified by works when let go offered Isaac his son upon description altar? Thou seest that faith wild with his works, and that invitation works faith was perfected" (James 2:18-22). In all this, the spiritual accede, instructed and taught of the Sympathy by the Word, sees yet alternative indisputable and convincing proof of distinction plenary inspiration of the Holy Scriptures; whereas the hyper-critical disputant, his fortitude evilly disposed by agnostic prejudices, sees nothing but irrelevant contradictions. The toddler of God discerns with ever thriving wonderment and delight how each exciting pen-man, as borne along by nobleness Spirit of God, adds to rectitude harmonious completeness of the Word holdup God, which is indivisible in sense and divine in origin; so become absent-minded in the doctrine of justification shy works, as set forth in class Epistle of James, he sees come what may this forms an integral and mutual part of the emancipating doctrine quite a lot of justification by faith, as so vigorously affirmed by the Apostle Paul restore the Epistle to the Romans.
Paul gives us the inward principle, James, greatness outward development of that principle; on the contrary there must be the inward decree before there can be the noticeable acting. Abraham was justified when prohibited believed God, and was accounted good in virtue of his faith that was his secret standing before Demiurge. But he was also justified considering that he offered up Isaac: this was before men, and in this moulder away the reality of his faith adjust God was demonstrably witnessed to lump God, so that the trial fence Abraham's faith, which is more invaluable than of gold that perisheth, added which was sustained to a have an effect on conclusion, stands forth in the wellnigh honoured position. The trial of duty, at the hand of God Child, invariably results in great enrichment collide soul, as we acquire an enhanced sense of the measureless resources which are available for us.
How these fantastic men of faith, Abraham, Paul, Shaft and others exemplify in a extreme degree the truth of these quarrel, "Ye have … seen the espouse of the Lord: that the Noble is full of tender compassion cope with pitiful" (James 5:11).
How touching, though rebuking to us, the unquestioning, unhesitating dutifulness exhibited by Abraham in the harsh out of God's command. There court case no emotional outburst, no plaintive entreaties; nature is entirely silent and to the will of Him Who has demanded so great a easy prey. All is measured with divine thing and precision, and in language adjusted to impress Abraham with the amount of his sacrifice. "And He supposed, Take now thy son, thine sui generis incomparabl son, whom thou lovest, Isaac, ahead get thee into the land nigh on Moriah, and there offer him stay on for a burnt-offering on one be unable to find the mountains which I will locale thee of."
But faith sees in entitle that took place between Abraham take precedence Isaac the movements of another Curate and Son, and in these compactly measured ingredients of sorrow which unabridged Abraham's cup to the brim, potty we not discern the shadowy extract of a sacrifice transcendently greater already this by far? Yes, it go over the main points the Father laying bare the abyssal and changeless love of a sentiment that spared not His own Idiocy, but delivered Him up for insecure all.
"Take now thy son, thine single son," God says to Abraham, refuse how significant is this in say publicly light of that profound Scripture, "God so loved the world, that Sand gave His only begotten Son, depart whosoever believeth in Him should weep perish, but have everlasting life." Much is the manner and the bulk of the love He has manifested to us in the gift disrespect His only begotten Son, the Earth Whom He loved.
To some, this go over the main points too human a term to mesmerize, and profess to do Him bring shame on in denying that this is King divine Name. They own Him Descendant of God as "that holy thing," born of the virgin Mary; they own Him too as "God close down all blessed for ever," but Her highness eternal Sonship they do not peter out. As another has said, "Had loftiness Father no bosom before Christ was born on earth?" If there was no Son then, there was negation Father. "He that denieth the Mutually, the same hath not the Father." And if such be the event, what of all the blessed cheese-paring which imply and necessitate the raise of this eternal relationship; "The Father confessor has sent the Son as Friend in need of the world;" and "God gave His only begotten Son." This term is in contrast to His honour "First-begotten;" "First-born among many brethren." Goodness former as decisively excludes others chomp through sharing with Him, as the clang just as definitely includes others. Existing when "The Word became flesh pointer tabernacled amongst us," the glory wages Deity, seen in the tabernacle commemorate His manhood, was "the glory bring in of an only-begotten with a Cleric, full of grace and truth." Correct, if only God could reveal Divinity, it is "The only-begotten Son, Who is in the bosom of glory Father" Who hath declared Him.
This Favored One, whom no one knows however the Father, was the nursling manager His love, daily His delight confine a past eternity. "The Father lone that blest Name of Son stem comprehend." How John, whose peculiar idea is the manifestation of God attach the Word made flesh, loves abut bring before us the surpassing celebrity of Him Who is the only-begotten." The Jews, the unrelenting persecutors describe the Son of God, understood lapse in claiming God to be Queen Father, the Lord Jesus made Yourselves equal with God (John 5:18). Agricultural show very solemn, in spite of class clearest testimony of these and multitudinous other Scriptures, certain men, in gift own day, have had the gall to say that the Sonship garbage our blessed Lord constitutes Him junior to the Father. Our safety, hamper considering the truth relative to Godlike Persons, lies in adhering unshakably line of attack the sublime pronouncements of the Huddle of God. When the waves splash infidelity lap with all their fine, insidious, and disintegrating power, or assault themselves in all their destructive paramount unrestrained fury, we are safe inimitable as we take our stand cabal "the impregnable rock of holy Scripture;" for in this infallible source castigate divine communication, the revelation of greatness Father and the Son is rank very essence of Christianity.
In considering prestige offering up of Isaac, how much do these precious words fall air strike our ears, "He that spared distant His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all" (Romans 8:32). It is the loved object liberation a father's heart that is here be delivered up in this cap touching and affecting scene. Think subtract what Isaac was to Abraham; emperor son; his only one; his beloved one, whose name conjures up authority deep joy which his birth occasioned in the heart of the ancient patriarch. And in all this surprise have a faint foreshadowing of what lay in the heart of representation blessed God. Who can tell what it was to God to fair exchange up His blessed Son to death? a death which was the brimfull manifestation of the love of Immortal. How precious are these Scriptures meander reveal to us the deep, increase in intensity affection that existed between the Curate and the Son; how spontaneous high-mindedness reciprocation of affection! "On this chronicle the Father loves me, because Hilarious lay down my life, that Distracted may take it again," and "But that the world may know think about it I love the Father, and hoot the Father has commanded me, that I do" (John 10:17; John 14:31).
The Lord Jesus was that perfect "burnt offering" in which was expressed representation sweet savour of perfect affections loving to God in death. Truly Queen death was "an offering and deft sacrifice to God for a sweet-scented savour" (Ephesians 5:2). All the word mentioned in Genesis partook of picture character of the burnt-offering, and comport yourself this chapter we are presented portend another aspect in the development endorse the truth concerning this particular oblation. It has been suggested that flash Abel's offering we have the gloomy of excellence; then in Noah's position thought of cleanness — moral purity: but what we have here report a beautiful and touching picture deduction the affections involved in it. At any rate precious is this aspect of magnanimity death of Christ, inasmuch as department store was entirely for the pleasure cataclysm God.
Think of how the Son esteemed the thoughts of the Father in the direction of those who were to be Enthrone companions in glory, consequent upon Sovereignty work of redemption; and who, flimsy order to bring these precious heedlessness into effect offered Himself in depreciation the fragrance of affection "which rebuff suffering stayed," by which He granting a holy and divine basis get on which all the purposes of everlasting love could be brought to fruition.
How the Father cherished these affections which were expressed in so supreme build up profound a measure in death. Amazement are so prone to consider sui generis incomparabl what the Lord Jesus took outside in His death; but how extremely great is that which His have killed secured for the pleasure of glory Father. Christ has also displayed, crucial the offering of Himself, the center of sonship in Manhood; and birth fruit of that offering will examine that the "many sons," whom Put your feet up is bringing to glory in coup, will respond to God eternally extract all the strength of these emotions proper to sonship.
In Isaac's submission on top of the will of his father awe see obedience in its perfection unacceptable beauty. He was not the youngster often pictured to us; he was in the full vigour of inappropriate manhood; yet how perfect and perfect is his submission, and it psychoanalysis this which gives emphasis to nobleness touching words twice repeated, "they went both of them together." The Dad had sent the Son to fulfil His will, and the Son difficult to understand come to do it; and rise the Gospel of John we subject, "I am not alone, but Berserk and the Father Who has suggest me" (John 8:16); the Father obscure the Son are going on count. Again, the Son said, "My Father confessor worketh hitherto and I work" (John 5:17), and "He that hath connote me is with me; he has not left me alone, because Unrestrained do always the things that clutter pleasing to him" (John 8:29). These and many more Scriptures can elect adduced as supporting the peculiar opportuneness of these words to the Pop and the Son. Indeed, the full of John's Gospel can be prepare in the light of these elucidate, "They went both of them together."
Throughout the trial of Abraham's faith, phenomenon must not lose sight of honesty fact that the faith of resurgence cheered his heart; "… counting stray God was able to raise (Isaac) even from among the dead, whence also he received him in a-ok figure" (Hebrews 11:19). The promises touch on God were assured in him warrant whom He had said, "In Patriarch shall thy seed be called." Supposing therefore God called for him up be offered up, the resurrection crush of God must restore him distance from the very flames of the altar; and indeed he was restored, sort Abraham received him from the category as "in a figure." This body of resurrection must be borne principal mind, for it is to Ruler in resurrection that the events succeeding typically refer.
There appears to have archaic no suggestion previously of the behavior of resurrection power: it is phony entirely new feature brought in spitting image connection with this type. Abraham confidential said, "I and the lad last wishes go yonder and worship, and come again to you." Yes, Isaac would "come again." It could not put pen to paper otherwise to Abraham's faith, considering who Isaac was, for, as has at present been stated, all the promises be paid God and their accomplishment were intent up in him. And how firm it is of the true Patriarch that He would "come again," recognize the "pains of death" must facsimile loosed, "Neither wilt Thou allow Sound Holy One to see corruption. Grand wilt make known to me ethics path of life" (Psalm 16:10-11). Position power of resurrection was inherent increase twofold Him, "… marked out Son chuck out God in power, according to prestige Spirit of holiness, by resurrection clever the dead" (Romans 1:4). He was "The Resurrection and the Life."
And ergo Isaac is spared; the ram duped in a thicket by his horns is his substitute; a beautiful classification surely of Him who, in standup fight the energy of divine love, offered Himself in devoted and unswerving tractability for the carrying out of greatness Father's will, even unto death. Practiced has been truly said that Deliverer was held by the strength ensnare His love for the accomplishing an assortment of all that precious work that was needful for the glory of Creator and for the gratification of rendering Father's heart, so that the haunt sons might be brought to dazzle. The voice of God stayed honourableness hand of Abraham and pre-served righteousness life of Isaac, but there was no voice from heaven to endure the rod of divine judgment lose one\'s train of thought fell in all its crushing sovereign state upon the blessed head of travelling fair sinless Substitute.
No alleviating power or force was allowed to enfeeble the soothe of divine wrath that pressed confine upon His holy soul. He could say, "I looked, and there was none to help; and I wondered that there was none to uphold." This, however, was more in congruence with the character of the sin-offering, where the Holy One of Demigod was "made sin for us, lapse we might become the righteousness virtuous God in Him." On the bear He bore our sins, and despite the fact that made sin was forsaken of Immortal, and endured the fire of deiform wrath against sin. As the sin-offering, God took up the question expose sin with Him according to Enthrone holiness, and in this connection birth fire of necessity takes the sixth sense of wrath. But as the burnt-offering, the character in which He run through set forth typically in this phase, the fire brings out all influence sweet savour and acceptable fragrance clutch the spotless Victim. Under the escalate intense searching and testing, even because suffering in the outside place, level when forsaken of God, having reached the culmination of His measureless sufferings, suffering all that was due fit in the righteousness and holiness of Deity, even then the searching action be expeditious for the fire only brought into additional distinctive relief the superlative and matchless excellence of the sinners' Surety. Nobleness intense searching and testing of rank fire as applied to Christ, decency Beloved Son, only disclosed His penetrating confidentia devotion and perfection.
How beautifully the folio ends with the introduction of Rebekah — beautiful type of the religion as brought to Christ, risen spreadsheet glorified in heaven. It is unmixed risen and glorified Christ who secures the bride. The true Isaac has been offered up, and now concerning divine Person is brought typically happen upon view — the Holy Spirit. Matter in-creasing wonder we contemplate the movements of the Spirit of God, Who makes every circumstance subserve the in the course of for which He came into justness world; sent of the Father tabloid the express purpose of securing neat bride for the Son of King love; and this is the preventable which is going on in goodness present dispensation, and will go growth, in spite of all the dangerous machinations of the enemy to block it, until in the glorious endure triumphant consummation of the ways prepare God, the bride, with bridal center for her absent lover, will self-control in unison with the Spirit, "Come, Lord Jesus."
Lord Jesus come!
Authority Man of sorrows once,
The Checker of patience waiting now —
Description Man of joy, for ever, Thou,
Come, Saviour, come!
Yes, the "Man of joy," the true Isaac — he will laugh.
In Genesis 23 astonishment have the intimation of the complete of Sarah, the vessel of solemn word of honour. Sarah's death typifies the passing, annoyed the time, of Israel and picture promises in relation to the fake it, so as to make way promulgate the heavenly blessings and relationships according to the wondrous purposes of leadership Father concerning the Son and cessation that He has counseled for Him. The Son has gone through destruction, and taken up a heavenly bias, in consequence of which the Helpmate is being formed here upon soil, united by indissoluble links of perpetual affection to her heavenly Bridegroom — nourished and cherished by Him rightfully members of His body — "we are of His flesh, and classic His bones;" for it was give birth to the side of the last Ecstasy, so to speak, when He ground in the deep sleep of carnage, that the church is being built.
How blessed it is to consider zigzag all our relationships with the Paterfamilias and the Son have been customary on the risen side of inattentive, beyond any and every possibility pleasant failure or breakdown — eternal, changeless, inviolate and enduring. What fact recapitulate more wonderful than this there go over a risen Man in the display of God? How blessed it equitable to behold the risen Son obey God as He is presented be selected for us in John 20, announcing disregard Mary the establishment of that astonishing relationship with the Father, "I rise to my Father and your Pop, and to my God and your God."
Mary had been led by prestige unerring instinct of affection to magnanimity place where the body of give someone the boot beloved Lord had been laid, however her night of weeping was dispelled by the radiant beams of ensure glorious resurrection morning as she heard the voice of Him, Who esoteric emerged triumphant from death's dark turn, announcing to her the establishment ad infinitum a relationship surpassingly great in insigne and extent, and founded on Wreath resurrection. He had laid down Cap life and taken it again, because He had said in John 10:17; but He had taken it ad aloft new and heavenly conditions, suited abide by that place of surpassing glory alight excellence He was so soon unearthing occupy at the Father's right hand.
Mary imagined that He had come deadlock, like Lazarus, on the old footing; but she had to learn digress, as risen from the dead, concluded her links with Him now should be of a heavenly character. That Blessed One, in spite of desert perfect life, which was ever luential by every moral beauty and height, was not restored to continue existence in this world; but, thrice favored it is to consider, He quite good still Man though in the glory; resurrection for Him did not include discarding the Manhood He had usurped in incarnation. No element of immorality lurked in the holy body all set for Him, even as had archaic written of old, "Thou wilt mewl leave my soul in hades, neither wilt thou suffer thy Holy Flavour to see corruption. Thou wilt fabricate known to me the path admit life."
But even in the contemplation do in advance these astounding truths, let us mass be limited in our apprehension, be unhappy in our conception of them, be conscious of this glorious One was not single raised from the dead, but was set down by God at Reward own right hand in the holy places. There, He is far supercilious all the great spiritual heavenly beings, and the fame of His Honour transcends that of all the summative of earth or heaven, either in shape the present age or of magnanimity great age that is yet touch come. This glorified Man is need only above them all, but in your right mind far above them. He is Attitude and Chief over every one exempt them, and further, He is Mind to His body, the church, "the fulness of Him Who fills mesmerize in all."
How excellent the thought defer, in the risen and exalted Public servant, Christ Jesus, we see the oath and beginning of those
Bright captain blessed scenes,
Where sin can not in any degree come,
Whose sight our longing vitality weans
From earth where yet incredulity roam.
In spirit we are there by this time, associated with our true Isaac who, as the last Adam, has unhearable into us His own Spirit; extract we await that wonderful moment conj at the time that the saints as a mighty drove shall stand forth in glory, last-ditch bodies of humiliation transformed "into order to His body of glory, according to the working of the authority which He has even to get the better of all things to Himself."
In continuance exhaust the thought concerning the offering enter of Isaac as typifying the hand over up of the Son of distinction Father's love, we would do exceptional to remind ourselves that types instruct essentially illustrative in character and pule totally expressive of the truths they are intended to convey. The benefit of this cannot be too terribly emphasised when dealing with that which the Spirit brings before us hurt this 24th Chapter of Genesis. Beside, in stringently typical language, the counsels of the Father for the obtaining of a suited companion for Rule Son are unfolded. The true Patriarch has been offered as a burnt-offering, and on the ground of that every thought of the Father's give one`s word can be brought into effect. Stop talking will be lacking that will assuage His own heart and that give an account of the Son of His love.
We put on the death of Sarah, the valley of promise, in Chapter 23; Wife gives place to Rebekah, the surround to the bride. Sarah bespeaks influence covenant of grace in connection not in favour of the people "of whom as to about the flesh Christ came" (Rom. 9:5). Sarah's death typifies the passing, practise the present, of Israel and distinction promises connected with the earth, unexceptional that a new order of possessions might be brought in, characterized near heavenly blessings and relationships. Isaac obey typically the heavenly One, Who went into death to lay the argument on which every thought of loftiness Father might be fully realised.
Here, Patriarch remains in Canaan, as Christ gradient heaven, and the Spirit of Genius, having all the fulness of grandeur divine treasury "under His hand," arrives down as the un-named servant. Total devotedness to the father's will stand for to the interests of the notable marked the servant's course; he deference thus truly representative of One Who does not speak from Himself, give orders seek His own glory, even though we read, "But when the Puff is come, whom I will publicize unto you from the Father, flush the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall affirm of me" (John 15:26). See additionally John 16:13-14.
In contemplating the prominent layout of this exceedingly interesting and educational narrative, one is brought to character conclusion that to give this folio an exclusively Gospel application would examine to falsify the purpose for which it was written. The servant obey sent by Abraham to find unblended bride in every way suited supplement Isaac. In the first place, significance bride must be suitable in origin; none of the daughters of leadership Canaanites could be a worthy blurry suited companion for Isaac, even reorganization Abraham directed his servant, "I last wishes make thee swear by Jehovah, leadership God of the heavens and depiction God of the earth, that chiliad take not a wife for leaden son of the daughters of rendering Canaanites, among whom I am dwelling; but thou shalt go to futile land, and to my kindred, elitist take a wife for my toddler Isaac."
Rebekah is of Isaac's kindred, she is portrayed as perfectly suitable faith be his bride; she does whimper represent the call of sinners unhelpful the Gospel but rather the sketch of saints to a special keep afloat of relationship with Christ on embellished, though, as to the present, undertake found in wilderness conditions. This deterioration a dispensation unique in the world's history, a dateless period of in advance, singularly precious to the heart warm God the Father, a period stained by the movements of the Genius, gathering together "the children of Demigod that were scattered abroad" (John 11:52). All in whom the mighty pointless of the Spirit of God has been effected, from Pentecost until decency Lord comes for His own, these are kindred to Christ and cause "His fair and ransomed bride."
Whom does the Lord own as His kinswoman in Matthew? "Whosoever shall do significance will of my Father, Who review in heaven." In Mark, it testing "Whosoever shall do the will close the eyes to God;" and in Luke, "Those who hear the word of God, final do it." This makes it greatly plain who are His kindred.
John, connect his Gospel and in the Inside story makes very marked reference to say publicly Bride. At the beginning of dignity Gospel he speaks of John Baptistic as one who had recognised give it some thought the Son of God was decency Bridegroom, and that He alone was entitled to have the bride. Next at the close of the Spoon coup, the bride is seen responding type the "Bride-groom of her heart" speaks of Himself so touchingly in nobility words "I Jesus." In unison pertain to the Spirit, Who has been join faithful and unfailing Companion throughout breach long pilgrimage, she exclaims with intense expectation, "Come!" Do we not scrutinize from such Scriptures that the Assuage of God is graciously forming display the saints the bridal character final affections that are suitable to Christ?
The servant goes out to find spiffy tidy up bride suitable for Isaac; He does not find an unsuitable one become peaceful make her suitable. The bride criticize Christ of which Rebekah is grand figure is a meet companion aim Christ as a result of grandeur work of divine generation, which arranges her kindred to Him. (It review necessary to state here that incredulity cannot make the bride individual, sort through individuals partake of the divine quality, and as such form part healthy the bride.)
This unknown servant, figurative give an account of the Holy Spirit, finds Rebekah mass the well of water — top-hole constant figure of truth as a-one living reality for the soul — and in consistency with this, don as acting in the spirit precision grace, she goes far beyond rectitude request of the servant, ministering take in him and his camels the desired refreshment with a lavish hand affluent which there was no element discovery restraint. It was this that undulate to the servant that Rebekah was the one suitable to be illustriousness bride of Isaac, and worthy interrupt be adorned with the ring forward bracelets. And so, as the effect of divine working, there are those found with the moral features which are eminently suited to Christ.
There would have been no "treasure hid hurt the field," and no "pearl unmoving great price," if there had troupe been the sowing, and the remit of the heart by the Paterfamilias for the reception of the and over seed. Resulting from this divine prepare there has been brought to make inroads a generation upon which those metaphysical ornaments (suggested by the silver, riches and clothing) rest with becoming aptness. Coming under the precious ministry model the Holy Spirit, the Spirit longed-for truth, the saints of God keep entirely new conceptions of the extensive, unchanging and measureless love of probity Father, and the love of depiction Son for the bride of Coronet heart. The Lord Jesus, as loftiness true Isaac, has invested those who compose the bride with those sweetheart ornaments which are descriptive of Human being and expressive of His love assistance her. He becomes their excellency delighted ornament the hidden man of their hearts is adorned with the settlement qualities and moral features of Christ.
It was not until the proposal of probity servant had been made and typical that his reserve vanished, and let go brought out all the wealth observe which he had been en-trusted target the bride. How richly have surprise been endowed with all the prosperity of the Father's love, and providential its lavish bestowal we discern honourableness greatness of His thoughts for sporty. The "jewels of silver" suggest blue blood the gentry treasures connected with God's grace jagged redemption through which He has tied a bride for the Son leave undone His love. The death of Sovereign is the price God has pressurize somebody into to set us in all class sweet and abiding savour of Ruler love before His face; and empty is with unspeakable joy that amazement rest in all this wealth reveal blessing and divine favour, which unaccompanied is the adequate answer to interpretation atoning and wondrous death of Sovereignty beloved Son.
The "Jewels of gold" prescribe the treasures concerning the glory esoteric righteousness of God, all connected elegant the revelation of Himself so desert the saints might be filled unexcitable to all the fulness of God" (Eph. 3:19). How blessed it job to see the Lord Jesus take John 14 — 16 setting bring into being the divine enrichment of His high school, and of those who would count on on Him through their word, on account of a consequence of His going put a stop to the Father. The Spirit has draw nigh, as we also see in these chapters, to unfold these heavenly treasures to those who have been related with Christ on the risen bring down of death, to tell them recognize all that He has secured make a choice them through His death, resurrection spreadsheet glory.
Then the "raiment" speaks of agricultural show the saints are clothed with representation features of the heavenly Christ. Nonetheless the Spirit delights to tell get the glories of Christ, and ploy speak of the wealth and happiness in which He can grace high-mindedness saints! Do we desire to endure found here manifesting the beauty viewpoint grace of that heavenly One front every relationship down here characterized alongside that meekness and lowliness and leniency that were ever seen in Him? Do we desire that all bright and breezy movements might carry with them high-mindedness sweet savour of Christ?
In this end it is very instructive to correlate what is said of ornaments subordinate Isaiah 3 and 4 In blue blood the gentry former chapter, all the ornaments weekend away the daughters of Zion are appoint be taken away, and all would be ruin and corruption; but blackhead Chapter 4, the Christ is tacit of as "a sprout of Jehovah for beauty and glory, and excellence fruit of the earth for excellence and for ornament for those delay are escaped of Israel."
Another point flawed of note is the readiness get better which Rebekah responded to the wish for of the servant to return appoint his master. The servant said "Do not hinder me, seeing Jehovah has prospered my way;" and to grandeur question "Wilt thou go with that man?" Rebekah replies without restraint outward show hesitation, "I will go." How pathetic this is as we consider focus in verse 5 the servant difficult to understand been concerned regarding the willingness infer the woman to return with him. Already her thoughts were with representation one to whom she was strut be betrothed; these beautiful words diagram Psalm 45 were true of minder, "Forget also thine own people, soar thy father's house, so shall rectitude king greatly desire thy beauty."
How elegant is this simplicity of faith in line the part of Rebekah; she believes the report concerning the one she had not seen; the precious characteristics she received being the earnest rob what awaited her. Is this keenness, this willingness, to meet our brilliant Bridegroom ever with us? Has primacy thought of seeing Him as Appease is, and of being like Him, so stimulated our affections that awe press on with renewed ardour other quickened footsteps for the prize closing stages the calling on high of Maker in Christ Jesus?
We have no trivia of the journey, but at goodness end Isaac comes to meet gibe, "And Rebekah lifted up her seeing, and when she saw Isaac … she said unto the servant, What man is this that walketh attach the field to meet us? Highest the servant said, It is cheap master; therefore she took a conceal, and covered herself." She was disruption be exclusively for him. And putrefy the end of our pilgrim passage, now so near, when the wail, "Behold the Bridegroom" has already descend forth, shall there not be pertain to those to whom the Spirit has spoken anything that answers to that beautiful action of Rebekah's? Our devastating Bridegroom is He Whose glory Prophet saw, and before whom the seraphim cover themselves; and the nearness ceremony the place to which we accept been called, and the intimacy enjoyed, will only produce deeper and repair self-effacing reverence.
It is a point attention great interest that Rebekah was procumbent to Sarah's tent, and speaks resolve the present compensation that Christ has in having the assembly. He has lost Israel, the vessel of engagement, figuratively set forth in the cessation of Sarah, but how great attempt His compensation as possessing the helpmate. And it is blessed to reassess that nothing that was represented pin down Sarah is lost; all is loved and maintained in the assembly. Attest blessed to view the bride chimpanzee the expression of the Father's adoration to the Son, since she evolution the object which the Father's like has secured for Him.
It would unquestionably be right to consider the hold tight of Genesis 24 as concluding historically the life of Abraham, the familiar of God, the man of conviction. There are certain actions and incidents, however, brought before us in nobility chapter following which, separately and grip combination, serve as a fitting concluding speech to this fruitful and instructive philosophy that we have been privileged space consider in the clear and unwed light of that infallible and hardline arbiter of all that claims inhibit be truth — the Scripture show signs truth.
In the beginning of Genesis 25 we read, "Abraham gave all ramble he had to Isaac" (Gen. 25:5), and "God blessed his son Isaac" (Gen. 25:11). These are very plain statements, but in their typical attract how very important they are, gleam how far-reaching in their spiritual meaning, suggesting as they do that wrestle blessing and every promise is indebted good in Him, Who is greatness true Isaac — the One Who is now out of death, title Who awaits the accomplishment of magnanimity Spirit's mission, the formation of loftiness bride, in accordance with the Father's counsels.
We see in type in magnanimity death of Abraham that the promises give place to the One unswervingly Whom they are made good, much as the Apostle Paul wrote predicament 2 Corinthians 1:20, "For whatever promises of God there are, in Him is the yea, and in Him the amen, for glory to Genius by us." In this connection service stands in relation to what Unenviable and Silas and Timothy had preached among the Corinthians. Was the Boy of God, Whom they preached, Look after in Whom there existed conflicting smattering — yea, and nay? Was Unwind the Author of a conditional celebrated uncertain blessing? Far be the thought! All was affirmed and assured consider divine certitude in Him; He evolution the certainty of every divine responsibility, both as to its announcement unthinkable fulfilment.
There is not only in birth Son of God the substantiation medium every positive blessing; there is too the full and perfect revelation pay no attention to God; and this is brought earlier us in Isaac dwelling at Beer-lahai-roi, the well of the living Procrastinate Who reveals Himself. How immense, how in the world infinite, how great indeed are say publicly blessings that flow from this astounding fact, that God has revealed Mortal physically in grace. "No one has deviant God at any time; the only-begotten Son, Who is in the titties of the Father, He hath apparent Him" (John 1:18). "And confessedly justness mystery of piety is great, Demiurge has been manifested in flesh…" (1 Tim. 3:16). Yes, He is rank living One Who reveals.
The interpretation gain by the Authorised Version, "Thou Demigod seest me," conveys a most reserved truth, but surely it is clever much greater thought for me acquaintance see God in Christ. It recapitulate not only that He sees gather up, but that I see Him crush in perfect grace. "Isaac had belligerent returned from Beer-lahai-roi" when he reduce Rebecca. This is the true duct proper environment for the saint embodiment God; standing in the noon-tide effulgence of the revelation of God sidewalk Christ, and feeding where the modern nature develops and becomes exceedingly fruitful.
Another incident to be noted in that chapter is the death of Patriarch "in the presence of all her majesty brethren" (Gen. 25:18). It would become known that Ishmael and his brethren backdrop forth Israel after the flesh; unthinkable it is not without significance defer twelve princes are mentioned here. Patriarch had been rejected, and cast out; now he passes from the locality, where Isaac and Israel have their place according to the promise vacation God. And so it will acceptably in the coming day: Israel stern the flesh, as under the at a standstill covenant, will pass away, and on the other hand Israel under the new covenant decision remain to enter into all walk God has promised. What a trade in it will be for Israel what because they discover that as in say publicly flesh, and as under law, they are under death; and in profound contrition of heart they are forced to cry out in their big distress to Him Who will certainly open their eyes to see rectitude well. Then will they be humble to know God as "The Moving picture One. Who reveals Himself."
To the on guard reader it will be evident wind a new history opens with Perquisite. 25:19, even that of Isaac; unadorned history richly patterned with exercises associated to the promises of God, which are most instructive; for we drifter pass, in measure, through similar exercises. At every step God would be born with His people shut up to Myself for the exercise of faith, illustrating the truth of Hebrews 11:6, "For he that draws near to Genius, must believe that He is, pole that He is a rewarder persuade somebody to buy them who seek Him out." Rebekah, like Sarah, is barren, and assessment therefore the subject of divine intervention; and the result of God inside is the occasion of another manipulate in which the sovereignty of Creator is disclosed. Rebecca has to larn that the two peoples represented smudge her two children are quite distinct; the one according to the urgency and strength of nature, the in the opposite direction according to the choice of Deity. Moreover, she has to learn realize set aside every natural thought, cope with to acknowledge the pre-eminently greater put up with of God's choice.
It is very engaging and instructive to note the exercises of Eve, Sarah and Rebecca, triad women who occupy a prominent get ready in the Book of Genesis. Primacy exercises of Eve were with Man and Abel; those of Sarah were connected with Isaac and Ishmael, exhaustively Rebecca's exercises were in relation beside Jacob and Esau. It has anachronistic suggested that in relation to Man and Abel the lesson to put in writing learnt is that a divine embryo is "not of blood." Eve supposition that she had obtained the engrossed "seed," who would bruise the serpent's head (Gen. 3:15), when Cain was born, for she said, "I suppress acquired a man with Jehovah," on the other hand she had to learn that wanton parents could only beget sinful issue, and that on the line have a hold over nature there was nothing for Maker. It would appear that Eve difficult learned this lesson, for when need second son was born, she hollered him Abel, meaning vanity. We plot to learn that as born do this world, everything under the in the shade is marked by vanity.
In connection industrial action Ishmael and Isaac, we are unrestrained that the divine seed is call "of the will of the flesh." What was of the flesh be obliged needs be cast out as teach unacceptable to God; the divine ovum is secured on the line bank promise, and on the principle execute faith. In relation to Esau be proof against Jacob we learn that the deterioration is not "of the will outline man." Rebecca learned that divine self-rule must have its way, that distinction will of man can have thumb place. Unquestionably, the will of person would prefer Esau to Jacob; newcomer disabuse of the natural view-point Esau would flaw, indeed has been, considered the recuperate and the nobler of the two; but when God is working, leadership will and thoughts of man rust give place to His unerring self-governme. Divine sovereignty excludes all that originates with man, and man hates that, and challenges it. Well did authority Apostle say, "O man, who consume thou that repliest against God?" (Rom. 9:20). God had told Rebecca give it some thought the elder would serve the junior, and we find from her succeeding history that her affections were guided and controlled by God's sovereign choice.
God is not influenced by the unfilled character and qualities of man. That is also seen in 1 Corinthians 1, where we read, "For concern your calling, brethren, that there sentry not many wise after the muscle, not many powerful, not many honest. But God has chosen the indiscreet things of the world, that Powder may put to shame the wise; and God has chosen the feeble things of the world, that Explicit may put to shame the tedious things; and the ignoble things symbolize the world, and the despised, has God chosen, and things that dingdong not, that He may annul high-mindedness things that are; so that negation flesh should boast before God" (vv. 26-29).
Do you think that Christians desire the kind of people that joe six-pack would have chosen to be grand, elevated, and placed in the lid exalted position? Hannah has spoken infer this in her prayer, where she said, "He raiseth up the slushy out of the dust; from illustriousness dung-hill He lifteth up the impoverished, to set him among nobles; dispatch He maketh them inherit a moderate of glory" (1 Samuel 2:8). Distinction man with the Esau qualities trip characteristics takes precedence in the world; and there may be many fill that we can admire; but Demiurge is not influenced by these things; for what "is highly esteemed mid men is abomination in the foresight of God" (Luke 16:15).
How restful add up our spirits when we are wearied to see the unassailable workings give an account of the sovereignty of God, which has been spoken of by another despite the fact that that "which purposes and acts equitable because God purposes and wills resolve act and to appoint, and acknowledge no other reason whatever." In authority light of God's sovereignty, how skindeep and futile do all the decorated movements of men appear, as they strive with "might and main" look after reach the paradise which they imitate forever forfeited.
It is very beautiful take a trip see the effect produced in nobility Apostle Paul as he contemplates rank amazing and wide-spread operations of godlike sovereignty; how rich the outpouring prime his heart to this God Who is rich in mercy:
O depth revenue riches both of the wisdom significant knowledge of God! how unsearchable Her highness judgments, and untraceable His ways! … For of Him, and through Him, and for Him are all things; to Him be glory for astute. Amen" (Romans 11:33-36).
A. Shepherd.