by Pastor Afolabi Oladele
Father Abraham had more than one son:
- Ishmael by Hagar – Genesis 16:15, 16;
- Isaac by Sarah – Genesis 21:1-7; and
- Midian amongst six in total by Keturah – Genesis 25:1-4. That Midian was a son to Abraham will explain Moses’ affinity with Jethro – Exodus 18.
That there were eight sons born to Abraham did not remove the truth that only Isaac was the son of promise, elevating the choice of God above whatever relationship by birth may suggest!
The first reality the elect must take to heart above all else is that materiality in God’s purpose and plan stands upon His spoken promises and not upon birth relationship – Psalm 50:5. The Lord asserted this in the conversation recorded in John 8:37-40, 44. They could claim to be the children of Abraham but not, repeat not, be children of God.
That they are members of a church doesn’t make them disciples (John 6:51-66). The second reality is the explicit lesson of our text today that the seed of promise will be persecuted by other children of Abraham that the word might be fulfilled that a man’s enemy shall be those of his household – Isaiah 66:5; Matthew 10:36.
From Numbers 22:4 we glean the third reality, that economic survival due to resource depletion will be the singular factor driving the persecution. Looking at the church in the book of Acts (Acts 4:32-37 and Acts. 6:1) we see the first crack in the armor was in the handling of distribution of necessities. We highlight these things seeing the developments around us and where the COVID vaccination matter is heading. Take heed to thyself and be prayerful these things do not take us unawares. Shalom.
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