Friday
Read: Genesis 28:1–9
SOAP: Genesis 28:3–4
May the Sovereign God bless you! May he make you fruitful and give you a multitude of descendants! Then you will become a large nation. May he give you and your descendants the blessing he gave to Abraham so that you may possess the land God gave to Abraham, the land where you have been living as a temporary resident.
Devotion
As our study of the lives of Abraham and Isaac come to a close, we are left with hope. As Isaac’s story transitions to Jacob’s we still see the theme of God’s covenant promise being fulfilled. As Isaac sent Jacob to Paddan Aram to find a wife, he reminded him of the promises God made to Abraham. Jacob would be the one to inherit these promises. God would make Jacob a great nation, give him the land, and allow his descendants to be a blessing to the nations. God’s promise had not been thwarted by a few poor decisions. His covenant promise to the family of Abraham would continue.
As we’ve studied these narratives, we’ve seen great examples of faith. Abraham was willing to sacrifice his son in obedience to God’s commands, knowing Isaac was the heir to the promise. He believed God would still fulfill His promise, regardless of what God was asking him to do. Sarah, even in her barrenness, saw the fulfillment of God’s promise to give her a son. Isaac prayed for his wife in her barrenness, believing God would not break His promise to Abraham. And Rebekah, not knowing where she was going, left her home in faith that God had greater plans for her life.
Though there were always threats to the promise, God was and continues to be the hero of the story. He was faithful to Abraham and faithful to Isaac. He would continue to be faithful to Jacob and his descendants in the future, fulfilling His covenant with Abraham.
God was never after the perfection of His people. He wanted Abraham and Isaac to walk forward in faith. He wants the same from us. Not our perfection, but our faith. When we place our faith in Jesus Christ, we are counted righteous before God. We are granted salvation with one act of faith. And every day, as we place our faith in God, believing He is in control of our circumstances, we find peace in His presence.
Prayer
Lord God, I long to walk forward in faith with You, each and every day. I believe You will provide for my needs. I believe You are always with me, no matter my circumstances. And I believe You keep Your promises. Thank You for never leaving me, and for never expecting perfection, only my faith. Amen.