Welcome to Lesson 68: The Birth of Isaac. In this lesson, we delve into a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative, one that carries profound significance for the Abrahamic faiths of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
The birth of Isaac, the long-awaited son of Abraham and Sarah, is a testament to faith, divine promise, and the enduring legacy of the patriarchs and matriarchs.
We will explore the background, significance, and spiritual lessons embedded in this miraculous event, shedding light on the broader themes of faith and patience that resonate throughout the Abrahamic traditions. So, let’s embark on this journey through history and faith, as we uncover the story of the birth of Isaac.
Lesson 68: The Birth Of Isaac
The birth of Isaac demonstrates the mighty power of God to influence the course of nature. Quite incredibly, Sarah, at 90, having undergone long years of menopause, bore a son to Abraham at 100. conceived The name, Isaac’.
signifying laughter, aptly describes first the laughter of unbelief by both parents which later turned to the laughter of joy and gratitude.
In Isaac’s birth also we see a type of Christ’s birth – fore-announced by God, waited for in faith, accomplished through Divine power, and welcomed with bursts of joy.
Promise Of An Heir (Genesis 21:1-2; 18:9-10; 17:15-16; 2 Corinthians 1:20)
At the call of Abraham, God promised to make him a great nation, though as at then his wife Sarah was barren and well advanced in age, being about 65 years old (Genesis 12: 1-2; 17:18-21).
Ordinarily, this promise appeared magnanimous at face value, considering the prevailing circumstances. Medically, some physiological factors were important for conception, pregnancy, and birth, which were not in their favor.
The situation seemed exacerbated with time (about 25 years), yet God reaffirmed His promise to Abraham repeatedly, showing that man’s extremity was God’s opportunity to act.
“Then Abraham fell upon his face and laughed, and said in his heart, shall a child be born unto him that is a hundred years old? And shall Sarah that is a ninety-year-old bear?” (Genesis 17:17).
Nonetheless, God’s promises are sure and steadfast, tested and true, unfailing and unchanging. God’s promises cover all aspects of human existence. There is rest for the weary; hope for the dejected; comfort for the troubled; pardon for the penitent; grace for the tempted; answers for the prayerful; and eternal life for believers.
PERIOD OF EXPECTATION (Genesis. 15:1-6; 2 Peter. 3:9, James 5:7; Hebrews 10:36)
The promise took time to fulfill. The distress the patriarch must have undergone during those agonizing years of waiting is better imagined.
Having been blessed greatly in other aspects, he undoubtedly longed for the fulfillment of the key promise. All the other blessings would be inconsequential if this very promise of a seed was not fulfilled.
“And Abram said, Lord God what will thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus? And Abram said, Behold, to me thou hast given no seed: and lo, one born in my house is mine heir” (Genesis 15:2,3)
Sarah’s initial doubts mounted during this waiting period as can be deduced from her comments after the birth of Isaac, “who would have said to Abraham, that Sarah should have given children suck? For I have born him a son in his old age” (Genesis 21:7).
Mercifully, the Lord gave reassurance of His unwavering commitment to His promise, by tasking him to number the stars and relating this to Abraham’s seed.
This marked a turning point in Abraham’s walk with God, for he then believed in the Lord and it was counted to him for righteousness. Today, you might be in some form of waiting period for the fulfillment of God’s promises. Take a clue from Abraham’s attitude and consider it done!
“For ye have need of patience that after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise” (Hebrews 10:36).
POWER OF FAITH (Genesis 15:6; Romans 4:17-22; Heb 11:11; Genesis 21:5).
“And Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was born unto him” (Genesis 21:5). The circumstances leading to the birth of Isaac offer us a classical example of the power of faith in God.
Here is faith that believes the incredible, sees the invisible, and accomplishes the impossible!” But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he that cometh to God must believe that he is and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Hebrews 11:6).
Armed with this kind of faith, Abraham and Sarah received the long-awaited promise. The Lord condemns “no faith” and” “little faith” but commends “great faith” and “strong faith”.
PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES (Genesis 21:3-8;17:9-13).
Expectedly, the birth of Isaac produced spontaneous joy and gratitude in the parents towards God, the Giver of life. Sarah’s declarations provide ample lessons for believers to acknowledge and glorify God upon receiving blessings from Him. Again, the need for giving testimonies cannot be overlooked.
It was Abraham’s responsibility to name the child, but only according to God’s earlier instructions (Genesis 17:19). In circumcising Isaac, Abraham not only obeyed God’s commands but also devoted the child to God, and dedicated him to a life of consecration to God.
“And the child grew and was weaned: and Abraham made a great feast the same day that Isaac was weaned” (Genesis 21:8).
Sarah’s responsibility in the weaning of Isaac is equally significant. The first duty of a mother is to her baby and to withhold the sustenance God has provided for her baby’s necessities is both to violate Divine Law and to perpetrate a fraud upon her helpless offspring.
The child grew under the watchful eyes and guidance of Abraham. God had earlier testified of Abraham: “For I know him that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord to do justice and that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him” (Genesis 18:19).
What a challenge for parents and Christian leaders to train children and youths in the way of the Lord!
PUTTING AWAY THE BONDWOMAN AND HER SON (Genesis 21:9-21; Galatians. 4:22-31).
It was expedient that Hagar and Ishmael be put away for the accomplishment of the Divine plan. Ishmael, the result of Sarah’s hasty and unwise action of offering Hagar to Abraham, mocked at the prospect of Isaac being the heir of Abraham and God’s covenant relationship.
Ishmael typified Israel after the flesh, and souls in legal bondage, while Isaac typified Israel after the spirit, and souls enjoying spiritual freedom. Sarah promptly demanded the expulsion of Hagar and her son.
“And the thing was very grievous in Abraham’s sight because of his son. And God said unto Abraham, let it not be grievous in thy sight because of the lad and because of thy bondwoman;
in all that Sarah hath said unto thee, hearken unto her voice; for in Isaac shall thy seed be called. And also of the son of the bondwoman will I make a nation because he is thy seed” (Genesis 21:11-13).
Parental affection must have urged Abraham to retain Ishmael, but as soon as God’s mind was ascertained he obeyed promptly. Some decisions may be painful but unavoidable, as a songwriter wrote.
“Here the dearest of ties we must sever, Tears of sorrow are seen every day, But no sickness, no sighing forever When I’ve gone the last mile of the way”
With tenderness, Abraham provided for their immediate needs, bread, and water, and sent away Hagar and Ishmael. Sadly, the water soon finished, and being exhausted through much wandering in the desert, Hagar was faced with imminent death.
While weeping, God in His compassion intervened, calming her, providing water for their needs, and promising a great future for Ishmael.
“When the poor and the needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirst, I the Lord will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them”(Isaiah 41:17).
Today, God’s love and care abound for the helpless and needy. Whatever your need or desire, trust in God and rely on His promises, “for the faithful is He that calleth you, who also will do it” (1 Thessalonians 5:24).
personal Questions
Question 1: How old were Abraham and Sarah when Isaac was born? What challenge does this fact pose to all childless Christian couples today?
Question 2: How reliable are God’s promises in the face of life’s problems?
Question 3: What should be our attitude while we await the fulfillment of God’s promise?
Question 4: According to Romans 4:21, what was the basis of Abraham’s faith?
Conclusion
In Lesson 68, we have journeyed through the sacred narrative of “The Birth of Isaac.” This pivotal moment in the lives of Abraham and Sarah has left an indelible mark on the religious and cultural heritage of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
The story of Isaac’s birth serves as a powerful testament to the unwavering faith of Abraham and Sarah, their willingness to trust in the divine promise, and the miraculous nature of God’s blessings.
Isaac’s birth carries profound spiritual lessons about patience, trust, and the fulfillment of divine promises, resonating through the ages as a source of inspiration and hope.
