Friday, March 1, 2013

Isaac


Genesis 17, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 31, 35

Rebekah goes to Isaac
Isaac was the son of promise. The Lord speaking to Abraham had promised him, as many as the stars in the sky and as many as the sands on the desert floor would be the number of his descendants. Abraham was given this promise when he was an old, old man. Would the Lord keep his promise?  With the arrival of Isaac the promise was being fulfilled. 

The life of Isaac foreshadows what Jesus will do in His life.  As we examine the life of Isaac, we will have a deeper appreciation for what Jesus has accomplished for us in His life, suffering, death and resurrection.  According to Geneses 22 Isaac was a son of promise as Jesus is the Father’s only begotten Son. (John 3:16) As Abraham was willing to sacrifice Isaac on Mt. Moriah Jesus was sacrificed on the cross of Mt. Calvary in Jerusalem. As Isaac was considered dead by his father Jesus was dead for three days according to 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; as Isaac carried wood for his own sacrifice Jesus bore His own cross. (John 19:17-18) As Isaac submitted willingly to his earthly father, Jesus submitted willingly to His heavenly father. (Matthew 26:39) As Isaac was raised from the altar, his life spared by the power of God Jesus was raised from the dead by the power of God. (Romans 6:4)  In short, Isaac is a type of Christ. As we examine and understand his life and faith, we will gain a greater appreciation for the life we have in Christ. The experiences Isaac lived are greater lived out in the life of Jesus our Savior. 

Blessed Lord, You have caused all Holy Scripture to be written for our learning. Grant that we may so heart them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them that, by patience and comfort of Your holy Word, we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Schnorr von Carolsfeld Woodcut used with permission © WELS
Halley’s Bible Handbook An Abbreviated Bible Commentary Twenty-Third Edition, © 1962 Zondervan Grand Rapids
Collect for Grace to receive the Word, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis


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