Bible Survey - #6 - Genesis 21-22

The Child of the Promise

God was very clear to Abraham that the promised child would come through Sarah, even though it seemed so unlikely. Isaac's name means “he laughs.” Even Sarah was able to laugh with joy at God's wonderful provision.

But not everyone was laughing in the peace of a common purpose. Isaac's half-brother Ishmael laughed in a different way when Abraham had a great feast for Isaac after the boy was weaned. God affirmed the plan of Sarah, that the time had now come for a separation of the nation that would come from Isaac and the nation that would come from Ishmael.

From Isaac's descendants would come the promised Redeemer. The Father in heaven would lovingly give Jesus for our sake. This Child of God would knowingly offer Himself up as our Substitute. Nothing would stay the hand of His Father against Him on that day. His death was necessary for our eternal life.

Through faith in Jesus, the covenant blessing of God would come not only to Jews, but to all kinds of Gentiles who would humbly take refuge in the King of the Jews. This is the only way to life for any of us. We must find our hope in this one descendant of Isaac, and in His work for us as the Lamb of God.

The promised child of Abraham was saved.

A ram was found to take the young lad's place.

But God's own Son was given for our sake,

And Jews and Gentiles find their life in Him.